Effect of electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques on shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff injuries

BACKGROUND The rotator cuff is located below the acromion and deltoid muscles and comprises multiple tendons that wrap around the humeral head,maintaining shoulder joint stability.AIM To explore the effect of electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques on shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff injuries.METHODS We selected 97 patients with rotator cuff injuries treated in the People's Hospital of Yuhuan from February 2020 to May 2023.Patients were grouped using the envelope method.RESULTS After treatment,the study group’s treatment effective rate was 94.90%(46/49 patients),significantly higher than that in the control group(79.17%,38/48 cases;P<0.05).Before treatment,there was no difference in Constant Murley Score(CMS)scores,shoulder mobility,or 36-Item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36)scale scores(P>0.05).Compared with those before treatment,the CMS scores(including pain,daily living ability,shoulder mobility,and muscle strength),all aspects of shoulder mobility(forward flexion,posterior extension,external rotation,internal rotation),and SF-36 scale scores(including physiological,psychological,emotional,physical,vitality,and health status)were higher in both groups after treatment and significantly higher in the study group(P<0.05).There was no difference in the occurrence of complications between the two treatment groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques has a good treatment effect on patients with rotator cuff injuries,helps accelerate the recovery of shoulder function,improves the quality of life,and is highly safe.

Study on the Effect of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Conventional Rehabilitation Measures on Shoulder Dysfunction in Early Stroke

Objective:To study the effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation(rPMS)combined with conventional rehabilitation measures on shoulder dysfunction in early stroke.Methods:60 patients with shoulder dysfunction in early stroke were selected,and all of them were admitted to our hospital from August 2021 to August 2023.The patients were randomly grouped into a control group(conventional rehabilitation measures intervention,30 cases)and an intervention group(rPMS and conventional rehabilitation measures intervention,30 cases)according to the lottery method.The pain scores,shoulder mobility,and motor function scores of the two groups were compared.Results:The pain score was lower in the intervention group,and the shoulder mobility and motor function scores were higher in the intervention group(P<0.05)as compared to that of the control group.Conclusion:The effect of combining rPMS and conventional rehabilitation measures in treating shoulder dysfunction in early stroke was remarkable and should be popularized.

基于肌肉激活的斜方肌平衡训练对偏瘫肩痛患者上肢运功功能及神经电生理的影响

目的:本研究探讨斜方肌平衡训练对卒中偏瘫后肩痛患者上肢运动功能及神经电生理的影响。方法:选取2021年10月~202 3年11月在广东省第二中医院康复科住院且符合纳入标准的卒中偏瘫后肩痛患者144例,随机分为对照组和观察组各72例。两组患者均采用常规用药及神经发育学治疗,对照组在此基础上采用肩胛带的稳定性训练,观察组在对照组的基础上采用斜方肌平衡训练(侧卧位肩外旋、侧卧位外旋、俯卧位水平外展、俯卧位水平后伸),两组患者训练均30min/次,1次/d,5次/周,连续训练6周;分别在治疗前和治疗6周后,对两组患者分别进行Fugl-Meycr上肢运动功能评分和VAS视觉模拟评分,以及上肢静息运动阈值(rMT)、中枢运动传导时间(CMCT)检测。结果:观察组9例及对照组7例患者因提前出院中途退出被剔除,最终观察组63例,对照组65例。治疗后,两组患者的VAS评分均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),FMA-UE评分均较治疗前升高(P<0.05),且观察组治疗后的VAS评分低于对照组(P<0.05),FMA-UE评分高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组患者的rMT和CMCT均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),且观察组治疗后的rMT和CMCT均低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:在肩胛带的稳定性训练基础上,斜方肌平衡训练能更好的改善偏瘫后肩痛患者的疼痛、运动功能及神经电生理。

扶正补土皮内针法联合康复训练治疗脑卒中后肩手综合征Ⅰ期临床观察

目的研究扶正补土皮内针法联合康复训练对缺血性脑卒中后肩手综合征(SHS)Ⅰ期的影响。方法选取62例卒中后SHSⅠ期患者,随机分为试验组和对照组,每组31例;对照组实施康复训练,试验组则实施扶正补土皮内针治疗联合康复训练。运用简式Fugl-Meyer评分、视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、手部水肿评分评估两组患者的上肢运动功能、疼痛情况及手部水肿程度,并比较临床疗效。结果治疗后,试验组患者简式Fugl-Meyer评分、VAS评分、水肿评分均优于对照组(P<0.05)。试验组治疗总有效率为90.32%(28/31),高于对照组的67.74%(21/31)(P<0.05)。结论扶正补土皮内针法联合康复训练可改善缺血性脑卒中后SHSⅠ期患者的肩部疼痛及水肿程度并促进上肢运动功能的恢复。

肌内效贴配合理筋治疗肩部骨折术后上肢肿胀临床观察

目的探讨肌内效贴配合中医理筋手法缓解肩部骨折术后上肢肿胀的效果。方法将南昌市洪都中医院于2020年6月—2022年12月收治的78例肩部骨折术后上肢肿胀患者纳入研究,利用随机数字表法将其分为试验组(肌内效贴贴扎配合中医理筋手法治疗)、对照组1(肌内效贴贴扎治疗)与对照组2(绝对卧床无任何治疗),各组均为26例。2周后,评估三组情况,包括临床疗效、视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分以及症状缓解效果。结果治疗后,试验组总有效率100.00%(26/26)高于对照组1的84.62%(22/26)和对照组2的61.54%(16/26)(P<0.05);试验组VAS评分较对照组1、对照组2低(P<0.05);试验组症状缓解效果为优的占比61.54%(16/26),高于对照组1的30.77%(8/26)和对照组2的7.69%(2/26)(P<0.05)。结论肌内效贴配合中医理筋手法能够有效改善肩部骨折术后上肢肿胀,减轻患者疼痛,促进相关症状的缓解,应用价值确切。

温针灸联合康复训练治疗肩袖损伤的疗效观察

目的:观察温针灸结合康复训练治疗肩袖损伤的疗效。方法:选取2019年1月~2020年1月在福建中医药大学附属康复医院门诊就诊的肩袖损伤患者70例,按照随机数字表法分为治疗组和对照组各35例。对照组予以康复训练治疗,治疗组在对照组基础上联合温针灸治疗,疗程均为14天。比较两组治疗前后疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、等速肌力测试速度30°/s和60°/s时肩关节峰力矩、患侧与健侧峰力矩差值比及肩关节主动肌与拮抗肌峰力矩比的变化情况。结果:与治疗前比较,两组治疗后的疼痛VAS评分均显著降低(P<0.05),与对照组治疗后比较,治疗组疼痛VAS评分较显著降低(P<0.05)。肩关节等速肌力测试结果显示,与治疗前相比,两个角速度下(角速度为30°/s和60°/s),治疗后肩关节各动作下峰力矩增大、患侧与健侧峰力矩差值比降低。相比于对照组,治疗组肩关节前屈、后伸、外展时峰力矩(角速度30°/s时)及内收峰力矩(角速度60°/s时)表现出更明显的增加(P<0.05)。治疗组治疗后患侧与健侧肩关节前屈、后伸、内收、外展时峰力矩差值比与治疗前比降幅更大,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),内外旋未见显著差异(P>0.05)。对照组患侧与健侧肩关节各个动作峰力矩差值治疗前后未见显著差异(P>0.05)。两个角速度下,治疗组和对照组做各个动作时,肩关节主动肌与拮抗肌峰力矩比约等于1;治疗后,肩关节前屈、后伸、内收、外展、内外旋时主动肌与拮抗肌峰力矩比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:温针灸结合康复训练能有效减轻肩袖损伤患者的疼痛症状,促进肩关节肌肉力量恢复,改善肩关节功能,值得临床运用与推广。

Pain management of hemiplegic shoulder pain post stroke in patients from Nanjing,China

We selected 106 hemiplegic patients with shoulder pain hospitalized after stroke from three hospi- tals in Nanjing, China between February 2007 and January 2012. All patients had complete clinical data sets and accounted for 45.5% of the inpatients because of stroke. Results showed that the number of patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain post stroke increased yearly, attacking mainly males 50-69 years of age. Of 106 patients, there were 60 cases （56.6%） of adhesive capsulitis, 19 （17.9%） of shoulder subluxation, 14 （13.2%） of complex regional pain syndrome, and 13 （12.6%） of central pain. The main symptoms were shoulder pain （100%）, limit of shoulder mobility （98.1%）, and adhesion of the scapula （56.6%）. MRI of the shoulder showed tendon and ligament lesions （57.1%） and rotator cuff tear （38.1%）. 53.8% of central pain was related to the thalamus, in addition to the basal ganglia, brain stem, and cerebellopontine angle. Shoulder pain, upper limb motor function, and function independence were significantly improved after comprehensive rehabilitation. In par- ticular, electroacupuncture based on basic physical therapy exhibited efficacy on shoulder subluxa- tion and complex regional pain syndrome. Multiple linear regression results showed a negative re- lationship of efficacy of pain management with the attack period of shoulder pain, involvement of the posterior limb of the internal capsule, and duration between onset and rehabilitation treatment, but a positive correlation with pain-related education, pain regression period, and pain diagnosis.

Therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture combined with neuromuscular joint facilitation in treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain

BACKGROUND Stroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease with high prevalence,mortality,and onset of disability.As a neurodevelopmental therapy,neuromuscular joint facilitation(NJF)is widely used in the treatment of orthopedic and neurological disorders in the clinical practice.It is mainly used for central nervous system diseases or orthopedic diseases,movement disorders,and pain rehabilitation.According to related studies,NJF can also be used as a rehabilitation treatment in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain(HSP).AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with NJF in patients with HSP.METHODS Forty patients with HSP were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group.The treatment group was treated with acupuncture combined with NJF and the control group was treated with acupuncture alone.All patients were assessed by using the visual analogue scale(VAS),Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA),Barthel index(BI),and passive range of motion(PROM)before and after the training.All the clinical data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical software.RESULTS There was no statistical difference in the general characteristics between the two groups.In the terms of duration of treatment,age,and pre-treatment indicators,the two groups were comparable(P>0.05).After the treatment,VAS,PROM,BI,and FMA scores were significantly improved in the two groups of patients(P<0.05).The VAS,PROM and FMA scores were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in BI scores between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Both acupuncture alone and acupuncture combined with NJF in the treatment of HSP are effective,and can improve the clinical symptoms of patients.Acupuncture combined with NJF can improve the upper limb motor function,relieve pain,and increase joint mobility in patients with HSP.The combination therapy is better than acupuncture alone.However,there is no significant difference in improving the score of patients’self-care ability.

The Relationship between Neck and Shoulder Pain and the Sagittal Alignment of the Spine in Standing in Younger Generation

Background: The relationship between chronic neck and shoulder pain and posture remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between chronic neck and shoulder pain and spinal sagittal alignment in standing posture in younger generation. Methods: Subjects included 57 females and 32 males (average age, 29.9 ± 5.7 years). All subjects were 20s or 30s. Spinal curvature was assessed using SpinalMouse. The subjects were also divided into a normal group (VAS zero group) and a pain group by VAS results. Statistical analysis was performed by Student’s t-test. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: The normal group and pain group included 29 and 60 subjects, respectively. In terms of location of pain, thirty-one subjects felt neck pain, 50 felt pain above the scapula, and 17 felt pain between the thoracic spine and scapula. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in the pain group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (p = 0.013 and p = 0.020, respectively). Thoracic kyphosis in subjects with neck pain or pain above scapula was significantly higher than that in subjects without pain (p = 0.0075 and p = 0.025, respectively). Lumbar lordosis in subjects with pain above the scapula or interscapula was significantly higher than that in subjects without pain (p = 0.016).

Early rehabilitation of uncomplete dislocation of shoulder after stroke

Objective To investigate the clinical implications of early rehabilitative treatment for uncomplete dislocation of shoulder after stroke.Method 420 patients received the anti－ spasticity treatment of upper limb,protecting techniques and sling were also used for all patients.Result The recovery of uncomplete dislocation of shoulder after stroke was satisfying.Conclusion Early rehabilitative treatment was beneficial for the improvement of uncomplete dislocation of shoulder after stroke.

The Effects of Interferential Stimulation on Pain and Motion after Shoulder Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of interferential stimulation on pain and motion after shoulder surgery. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: 102 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair or labral repair were prospectively randomized to receive either an interferential stimulation unit immediately after surgery (STIM) or not to receive the unit (NO-STIM). Each patient was measured for the range of motion (ROM) in forward flexion (FF), abduction (ABD), internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER). These measurements were taken prior to surgery and at the 6 weeks post-operative time point. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores (0 - 10) and the amount of narcotic taken (standardized to 10 mg equivalents of hydrocodone) were measured and compared between the two groups at 2 days and 4 weeks post-operatively. 51 patients were excluded due to failure to document VAS scores and medication usage, lack of follow-up at the 6 weeks post-operative time point or hospitalization after surgery. This left 27 patients in the STIM group and 24 patients in the NO-STIM group. Results: No difference was found in the amount of narcotic taken after 2 days (STIM 14.37 ± 1.02, NO-STIM 15.88 ± 1.22, p = 0.34) or after 4 weeks (STIM 45.32 ± 4.36, NO-STIM 48.96 ± 5.50, p = 0.60). No difference in mean VAS scores were found at 2 days (STIM 5.56 ± 0.53, NO-STIM 4.63 ± 0.57, p = 0.24) or 4 weeks (STIM 1.68 ± 0.39, NO-STIM 1.38 ± 0.34, p = 0.57). At 6 weeks post-operatively, a difference was found in ER (STIM 62.5 ± 4.09, NO-STIM 50.4 ± 4.09, p = 0.04), and no differences found in FF (STIM 134.2 ± 5.29, NO-STIM 133.3 ± 4.85, p = 0.60), ABD (STIM 124.8 ± 6.22, NO-STIM 119.6 ± 5.42, p = 0.53) or IR (STIM 60.0 ± 3.69, NO-STIM 55.9 ± 3.03, p = 0.39). A post-hoc power analysis performed using an á = 0.05 revealed the study to be 90% powered to identify a difference of one narcotic equivalent between groups and 90% powered to identify a 0.3 difference in VAS scores. Conclusions: The use of an interferential stimulator in the immediate post-operative period had no effect on pain or narcotic usage following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair or labral repair. External rotation was significantly greater in the interferential stimulator group while no differences were found in other motion parameters.

A Comparison of Subacromial Bursae Block, Suprascapular Nerve Block and Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block after Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of subacromial bursae block (LA), suprascapular nerve block (SSB), and interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Methods: 91 patients scheduled to undergo an arthroscopic shoulder acromioplasty under GA in an outpatient setting were included. The patients were prospectively randomized into 4 groups: 1) interscalene brachial plexus block, 2) suprascapular nerve block, 3) subacromial bursae block, 4) control group for comparison. Pain scores (VAS), supplemental analgesia, and side effects were recorded in the recoveryroom, 4 hours and 24 hours after surgery. Results: Group ISB had significantly lower pain scores at rest in the postanesthesia care unit than the SSB group (p = 0.037) and the control group (p = 0.0313). The same results were seen 4 hours follow-up. The LA group had significantly lower pain scores at rest in the postanesthesia care unit than the control group (p = 0.046) and after 4 hours follow-up significantly lower pain scores than both the SSB group (p = 0.021) and the control group (p = 0.037). After 24 hours, there were no differences between the two groups. Conclusion: In this prospective, randomized, blinded study we demonstrated that a single-dose interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) and a subacromial bursae block (LA) are equal and the most efficient analgesic techniques after arthroscopic shoulder acromioplasty. LA is less expensive, faster and with fewer complications than ISB and therefore we suggest subacromial bursae block is an effective, safe and easy way of postoperative pain reduction after arthroscopic acromioplasty. Level of evidence: Level I. Treatment study.

DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL STUDIES ON ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF SHOULDER PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH WIND STROKE

In the present paper, the authors review some new results of acupuncture treatment of shoulder pain in stroke patients from ① application of filiform needle with different needling manipulations, ② selection and combination of acupoints, and ③ some special needling methods including point-injection. Generally, if acupuncture therapy is used in combination with other rehabilitation methods, the therapeutic effect of shoulder-pain-relief will be much better. Regarding the acupoint selection, both local acupoints and those of the yang meridians are primarily used in clinical practice. Further studies on treating shoulder pain of hemiplegia based upon the basic theory of TCM are necessary.

Effects of different positions on rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair under shoulder arthroscopy

Objective Shoulder arthroscopic rotator cuff tear repair is currently the main treatment for full-thickness rotator cuff tears,and postoperative rehabilitation training is essential.However,pain and limitation of activity during the rehabilitation process will lead to poor results.Hence,identifying rehabilitation approaches is crucial.This study aimed to compare patient's rehabilitation outcomes and experience between rehabilitation in the supine position and in the standing position.Methods This prospective study included patients diagnosed with full-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent shoulder arthroscopic double-row rivet repair at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine from March 2019 to September 2021.The patients were randomly assigned to the standing rehabilitation exercise group(group A)and the supine rehabilitation exercise group(group B).All patients were followed up for 6 months to record and compare the visual analog scale(VAS)scores,shoulder range of motion,and rehabilitation compliance.Results Altogether,86 patients participated in the study,of whom 79 patients completed the 6-month follow-up.Groups A and B had 39 and 40 patients,respectively.Before operation,the VAS score,forward flexion and extension angle,and abduction angle were comparable between groups A and B.After operation,the patients in groups A and B all experienced a significant improvement in the VAS score,forward flexion and extension angle,and abduction angle(p<0.05).In addition,patients in group B had better VAS score(4.58±0.87 vs.5.21±1.13,p=0.0068;2.15±0.66 vs.2.51±0.51,p=0.0078;0.78±0.86 vs.1.33±0.81,p=0.0015),forward flexion and extension angle(109.30±2.87°vs.102.33±3.74°,p=0.0001;109.53±3.39°vs.104.18±2.76°,p=0.0001;125.22±6.05°vs.117.59±2.27°,p=0.0001),and abduction angle(91.78±2.77°vs.82.92±2.12°,p=0.0001;91.62±2.78°vs.82.82±1.45°,p=0.0001;109.48±3.37°vs.100.10±2.94°,p=0.0001)at 2 wk,6 wk and 6 m postoperatively.Conclusion After 6 months of follow-up,the patients who performed rehabilitation exercises in the supine position achieved better rehabilitation outcomes than those who performed rehabilitation exercises while standing.

Type A aortic dissection developed after type B dissection with the presentation of shoulder pain: A case report

BACKGROUND Aortic dissection(AD)is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate without immediate medical attention.Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical in treating patients with AD.In the emergency department,patients with AD commonly present with classic symptoms of unanticipated severe chest or back pain.However,it is worth noting that atypical symptoms of AD are easily misdiagnosed.CASE SUMMARY A 51-year-old woman was first diagnosed with scapulohumeral periarthritis due to left shoulder pain.After careful examination of her previous medical history and contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography,the patient was diagnosed with a new type A AD after chronic type B dissection in the ascending aorta.The patient was successfully treated with surgical replacement of the dissected aortic arch and remains in good health.CONCLUSION New retrograde type A AD after chronic type B dissection is relatively rare.It is worth noting that a physician who has a patient with suspected AD should be vigilant.Both patient medical history and imaging tests are crucial for a more precise diagnosis.

Clinical Study on the Effects of Electroacupuncture Combined with Extracorporeal Shock Wave in the Treatment of Periarthritis of Shoulder

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave in the treatment of periarthritis of shoulder.Methods:136 patients with periarthritis of shoulder admitted to our hospital from September 2018 to September 2019 were randomly divided into two groups by double-blind method.68 patients in the control group were treated with extracorporeal shock wave;68 patients in the observation group were treated with electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave.The shoulder joint pain,joint function and activities of daily living were compared between the two groups.Results:The VAS score of shoulder joint pain in the observation group after treatment(1.92±0.24)was lower than that in the control group(3.51±0.32),and the UCLA score of shoulder joint function(31.28±1.96)was higher than that of the control group(27.42±2.36),the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the active degree of forward flexion and extension of shoulder joint in the observation group was higher than those of the control group,and the activities of daily living was higher than that of the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05)Conclusion:Electroacupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave treatment for periarthritis of shoulder has achieved ideal effects,safety and non-invasiveness,and can quickly restore the functions of shoulder joints.

Effect of opioid dependence or abuse on opioid utilization after shoulder arthroplasty

AIM To examine whether opioid dependence or abuse has an effect on opioid utilization after anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty(TSA).METHODS All anatomic TSA(ICD-9 81.80) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty(RSA)(ICD-9 81.88) procedures from 2007 to 2015 were queried from within the Humana claims database utilizing the Pearl Diver supercomputer(Colorado Springs, CO). Study groups were formed based on the presence or absence of a previous history of opioid dependence(ICD-9 304.00 and 304.03) or abuse(ICD-9 305.50 and 305.53). Opioid utilization among the groups was tracked monthly up to 1 year post-operatively utilizing National Drug Codes. A secondary analysis was performed to determine risk factors for pre-operative opioid dependence or abuse.RESULTS Two percent of TSA(157 out of 7838) and 3% of RSA(206 out of 6920) patients had a history of opioid dependence or abuse. For both TSA and RSA, opioid utilization was significantly higher in opioid dependent patients at all post-operative intervals(P < 0.01) although the incidence of opioid use among groups was similar within the first post-operative month. After TSA, opioid dependent patients were over twice as likely to fill opioid prescriptions during the post-operative months 1-12. Following RSA, opioid dependent patients were over 3 times as likely to utilize opioids from months 3-12. Age less than 65 years, history of mood disorder, and history of chronic pain were significant risk factors for pre-operative opioid dependence/abuse in patients who underwent TSA or RSA.CONCLUSION Following shoulder arthroplasty, opioid use between opioid-dependent and non-dependent patients is similar within the first post-operative month but is greater among opioid-dependent patients from months 2-12.

The Use of Ultrasound Images in Manual Therapy and Additionally in Assessment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

The use of the ultrasound imaging (USI) in physiotherapy is becoming increasingly common but is highly operator dependent and there are safe and professional issues regarding its practical use. Currently there are no specific training guidelines relating to physiotherapists using USI. The use of ultrasound technology for medical applications began in the 1950s and has proven to be an effective, safe, non-invasive, and relatively inexpensive tool for assessing morphologic characteristics and structural integrity of visceral organs and soft tissues. The use of ultrasound to assess muscle morphology and guide rehabilitation decision-making in physical therapy practice can be traced back to the late 1960s and has been found to be reliable and valid for specific muscles during particular movements. Over the last decade there has been rapid development of this technique with increased use both by clinicians and researchers. This method is defined in literature with the denomination of Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI). In this work we will see how RUSI could be of help in the evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS).

Neural Modulation of Hemiparetic Shoulder Pain by Repetitive Ultrasound-Guided Suprascapularis Nerve Block

Background: Neural blockade is widely used in clinical practice to alleviate acute or chronic pain, including pain during rehabilitation. To date there is little controlled evidence to confirm the efficacy of nerve blocks in hemiparetic shoulder pain after stroke. Design: This study is a prospective, open label, cohort trial reporting result from a cohort of stroke patients affected by shoulder pain. Aim: As a cohort study report, in which it is often firstly reported the possibility of an association between an observed effect and a specific environmental based on detailed clinical evaluations and histories, we aim to firstly provide clues in identifying Suprascapularis Nerve blockade as further valuable approach for shoulder pain after stroke. Population: We studied a cohort of patients affected by hemiparetic shoulder pain after Stroke. Methods: Our protocol foresees nerve blocks to be performed each 3 out of 4 days (treatment lasting 30 days) in conjunction with a rehabilitation program with the first aim to provide the window of opportunity to proceed with effective rehabilitation. 47 potential study subjects fulfilled the study criteria and were enrolled. Twenty-four subjects were randomised to the study Group to receive SSNB for the pain of their hemiparetic shoulder while 23 subjects randomized to the control Group whose member did not receive SSNB. They received serial blocks each 3 out of 4 days during rehabilitation.Results: Both treatment reported a reduction in the intensity of their shoulder pain, according to data collected from day 1 through day 42 (6 weeks). Study Group patients, receiving SSNBs, reported significant improvement from entry through the whole follow-up period. The efficiency data were higher for SSNB Group after 2 weeks and again for SSNb group at the end of treatment. Conclusion: Excellent pain relief was achieved in SSNB without clinically relevant complications, these patients having a better improvement on pain during rehabilitation, than the control subjects. Great efficacy has been achieved by combining a nerve block and rehabilitation. About Clinical Rehabilitation Impact, we believe that Suprascapularis nerve blocks can help the stroke survivors maintain an ambulatory or outpatient treatment status, maintain participation in a physical therapy or rehabilitation program, decrease the need for analgesics and in some cases lead to a complete pain relief.

Influence of enhancing dynamic scapular recognition on shoulder disability,and pain in diabetics with frozen shoulder:A case report

BACKGROUND Frozen shoulder(FS)is a familiar disorder.Diabetics with FS have more severe symptoms and a worse prognosis.Thus,this study investigated the influence of enhancing dynamic scapular recognition on shoulder disability and pain in diabetics with FS.CASE SUMMARY A Forty-five years-old male person with diabetes mellitus and a unilateral FS(stage II)for at least 3 mo with shoulder pain and limitation in both passive and active ranges of motion(ROMs)of the glenohumeral joint of≥25%in 2 directions participated in this study.This person received dynamic scapular recognition exercise was applied to a diabetic person with a unilateral FS(stage II).The main outcome measures were upward rotation of the scapula,shoulder pain and disability index,and shoulder range of motion of flexion,abduction,and external rotation.The dynamic scapular exercise was performed for 15 min/session and 3 sessions/wk lasted for 4 wk.After 4 wk of intervention,there were improvements between pre-treatment and post-treatment in shoulder pain,shoulder pain and disability index,shoulder ROM,and upward rotation of the scapula.CONCLUSION This case report suggested that enhancing dynamic scapular recognition may improve shoulder pain and disability;upward rotation of the scapula;and shoulder ROM of shoulder abduction,flexion,and external rotation after 4 wk.