OBSERVATIONS ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF THE TREATMENT OF 100 SCAPULOHUMERAL PERIARTHRITIS CASES BY “HEGUCI” （MUSCLE NEEDLING） COMBINED WITH MASSAGE

摘要

Objective: To explore an effective method for managing middle and late stages of scapulohumeral periarthritis. Methods: A total of 182 cases of scapulohumeral periarthritis were randomized into treatment group (100 cases) and control group ( 82 cases); those in treatment group were managed by "Heguci" (合谷刺muscle needling) at the reactionary spot of focus (found out via palpation around the shoulder region) in combination with reinforcing needling manipulation of "Setting the Mountain on Fire" and topical massage; whereas, those in control group treated by conventional method of "selecting acupoints [Jianqian (肩前extra point), Jianyu (肩髃LI 15), Jianliao (肩髎TE 14), etc] along the course of the affected meridians in combination with massage". The treatment was given once daily, with 10 sessions being a therapeutic course, 20 sessions altogether. Results: Of the 100 cases and 82 cases in control and treatment groups, 36 (43.90%) and 69 (69.00%) were cured, 42 (51.21%) and 26 (26.00%) improved, 4 (4.87%) and 5 (5.00%) failed, with the total effective rates being 95.13% and 95.00% respectively. The average treatment sessions of control and treatment groups were 16.32±4.24 and 9.66±8.44 separately. The curative rate of treatment group was significantly higher than that of control group and the number of the therapeutic sessions required of the former group was evidently fewer than that of the later group (P<0.01). Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of "Heguci" combined with massage is significantly superior to that of conventional acupuncture plus massage in the treatment of middle and late stages of scapulohumeral periarthritis.