Traditional Chinese medicine for frozen shoulder: An evidence‐based guideline

Abstract

Background Frozen shoulder is a common disorder that can lead to long‐lasting impairment in shoulder‐related daily activities. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played an important role in the effort to manage frozen shoulder. Purpose We aimed to develop an evidence‐based guideline for treating frozen shoulder with traditional Chinese medicine. Study design Evidence‐based guideline. Methods We developed this guideline based on internationally recognized and accepted guideline standards. The guideline development group used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to rate the certainty of evidence and the strength of recommendations. The benefits and harms, resources, accessibility, and other factors were fully taken into account, and the GRADE grid method was used to reach consensus on all recommendations. Results We established a multidisciplinary guideline development panel. Based on a systematic literature search and a face‐to‐face meeting, nine clinical questions were identified. Finally, twelve recommendations were reached by consensus, comprehensively considering the balance of benefits and harms, certainty of evidence, costs, clinical feasibility, accessibility, and clinical acceptability. Conclusion This guideline panel made twelve recommendations, which covered the use of manual therapy, acupuncture, needle knife, Cheezheng Xiaotong plaster, Gutong plaster, exercise therapy and integrated TCM and Western medicine, such as combined modalities and corticosteroid injections. Most of them were weakly recommended or consensus based. The users of this guideline are most likely to be clinicians and health administrators.

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

“…However, some patients do not respond well to rehabilitation therapy and may find the pain intolerable, leading to reduced treatment compliance and, in some cases, the need for surgical intervention. Some studies suggest that traditional Chinese medicine may have a specific complementary effect in treating rotator cuff injuries, and it is recommended to consider a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine for treatment[ 3 , 4 ].…”