Actively Recruiting
Effectiveness of Electroacupuncture Combined With Cupping Therapy in Patients With Shoulder Tendinitis and Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome
Led by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City · Updated on 2026-04-22
54
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
6 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of combining electroacupuncture with vacuum cupping therapy to treat simple shoulder periarthritis linked to the traditional medicine syndrome of Qi stagnation and blood stasis. Shoulder periarthritis causes pain, stiffness, and limited shoulder movement due to inflammation or injury of muscles and surrounding tissues, affecting daily activities like dressing and lifting. This study aims to determine if the combined treatment offers better results than electroacupuncture alone in reducing symptoms and improving shoulder function. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving electroacupuncture alone and the other receiving electroacupuncture combined with vacuum cupping therapy. Electroacupuncture is performed daily for 20 minutes over 10 sessions in two weeks, targeting specific acupuncture points with a continuous 10Hz wave. Vacuum cupping therapy is applied three times over two weeks using cups and manual suction at designated shoulder points, followed by rest and then electroacupuncture. Both groups receive guidance on shoulder exercises and lifestyle modifications to support recovery. Participants will be involved in the study for two weeks, with assessments before treatment, after one week, and after two weeks. Researchers will measure pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale, shoulder pain and disability with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and shoulder range of motion using the McGill-McRomi Index. They will also monitor for any side effects related to treatment. Throughout the study, compliance with exercises and lifestyle advice will be evaluated to support recovery and safety.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Electroacupuncture and Cupping for Shoulder Tendinitis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients between 18 and 70 years old
- Pain intensity score on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) between 4 and 7
- Diagnosis of rotator cuff and/or long head of the biceps tendonitis per Vietnam Ministry of Health guidelines
- Mechanical pain increases during shoulder movements like abduction or raising the arm
- Presence of tender points at the long head of the biceps tendon or supraspinatus tendon
- Pain increases during resisted contraction tests such as Jobe or Palm-up tests
- No limitation in passive shoulder range of motion
- Ultrasound shows hypoechoic tendon or calcification
- No motor weakness or paralysis
- Diagnosis of Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome "Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis"
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients who do not agree to participate
- Diagnosis of pseudo-paralysis, acute calcific periarthritis, or frozen shoulder
- Shoulder pain caused by cervical nerve root lesions
- Shoulder pain from apical lung tumors, coronary artery disease, or myocardial infarction
- Joint lesions from infection, tuberculosis, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Bone problems including fractures, dislocations, or osteonecrosis of the humeral head
- Shoulder dysfunction due to stroke or hemiplegia
- Women who are pregnant
- Patients with mental illness
- Contraindications for vacuum cupping, such as acute skin inflammation, open wounds, or alcohol consumption
- Contraindications for electroacupuncture, including cardiac pacemakers, heart failure, or local skin ulcers
- Current participation in another intervention study
- Use of painkillers or muscle relaxants within the last week
- Use of anticoagulants or history of hemophilia
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants receive Electroacupuncture daily for 20 minutes over 2 weeks (10 sessions excluding weekends). Those in the combined therapy group also receive Vacuum Cupping Therapy 3 times over the 2-week period with a 10-minute rest before Electroacupuncture. Participants perform daily 20-minute home exercises and receive lifestyle counseling throughout the treatment.
10 visits for Electroacupuncture and 3 visits for Vacuum Cupping Therapy over 2 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Le Van Thinh Hospital
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 71322
Actively Recruiting
2
Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 72121
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
HUY HOANG LAM, Doctor
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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