Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Acupuncture or Ultrasound: Which Works Better for Shoulder Impingement?

Posted on: 08/30/2005
Impingement is a common cause of shoulder pain in adults. The most common symptom is pain in the upper arm when raising the arm up. Either the bursa or the tendon gets pinched during this movement. The problem develops from wear and tear, degenerative changes with aging, or both.

Physical therapy (PT) is often the recommended treatment. What kind of PT works best remains unknown. In this study a group of therapists from Sweden compared the use of acupuncture with ultrasound for shoulder impingement.

Patients in two groups were treated by PTs twice a week for five weeks. Each patient carried out a home exercise program. Group one also received ultrasound. Group two got acupuncture. Each treatment was done twice a week for five weeks.

The results favored exercise with acupuncture over exercise with ultrasound. Patients in the acupuncture group had less pain, more function, and less disability after 10 sessions. The authors conclude that acupuncture should be considered before ultrasound in the treatment of shoulder impingement.

References:
Kajsa M. Johansson, PT, PhD, et al. Effects of Acupuncture versus Ultrasound in Patients with Impingement Syndrome: Randomized Clinical Trial. In Physical Therapy. June 2005. Vol. 85. No. 6. Pp. 490-501.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.