Acupuncture at Tiaokou (ST38) for Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: What Strengths Does It Have? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Objective Tiaokou (ST38) is used as a crucial distal acupoint for treating shoulder adhesive capsulitis (SAC) in traditional Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture at Tiaokou for treating SAC. Methods We searched eight electronic databases without language restrictions. All the literature was processed to identify RCTs comparing acupuncture at Tiaokou with other therapies (e.g., acupuncture at local shoulder acupoints and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Two reviewers extracted trials and collected outcome data independently. A meta-analysis was performed following a strict methodology. Results 19 RCTs involving 1944 participants met our inclusion criteria. The majority of the trials were determined to be of low quality. Positive results were found for acupuncture treatment at Tiaokou (as sole treatment or in combination with shoulder acupoints), which resulted in an improved percentage of clinical effectiveness and Constant-Murley Score values, as well as a reduction in Visual Analogue Scale values of SAC patients. Conclusion Our review found encouraging evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture at Tiaokou for SAC. Nonetheless, despite stringent methodological analyses, these results need to be strengthened by additional RCTs of higher quality.

Clinical Events Associated with Acupuncture Intervention for the Treatment of Chronic Inflammation Associated Disorders

“…Local-distal acupoints such as Bladder 40 had been identified for specific disorders. These acupoints were found to be effective for the treatment of inflammationassociated disorders in comparison with local administration [21][22][23][24][25]. Dr. Tan's strategy applies a systemic approach to treat a patient.…”

Shoulder Stiffness – How to Treat?

“…A meta-analysis in Chinese of 19 RCTs found encouraging evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture at the Tiaokou point in the treatment of shoulder stiffness [43]. Bee venom acupuncture likewise has for a long time been a traditional approach in oriental medicine for the relief of pain and inflammation.…”

Different Degree Centrality Changes in the Brain after Acupuncture on Contralateral or Ipsilateral Acupoint in Patients with Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Resting-State fMRI Study

“…This method is named opposite needling. It refers to acupuncture points on the right side are selected for diseases on the left side and vice versa [16]. Many clinical trials have found that the therapeutic effect on shoulder pain by opposing needling at acupoint ST 38 is better than that by routine acupuncture treatment, such as in acupoints Jianzhen, Jianyu, and Jianliao [17,18].…”

“…Many clinical trials have found that the therapeutic effect on shoulder pain by opposing needling at acupoint ST 38 is better than that by routine acupuncture treatment, such as in acupoints Jianzhen, Jianyu, and Jianliao [17,18]. A systematic review suggests that acupuncture at contralateral ST 38 for shoulder pain achieved significant effects in improving the symptoms [16]. Unfortunately, its mechanisms of action are not well understood.…”