Effectiveness of Master Tungs Acupuncture points in managing Adhesive Capsulitis- A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of Master Tung’s acupuncture points in managing adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Adhesive capsulitis is a painful condition common in adults aged 30–60, often associated with diabetes and characterized by progressive pain, stiffness, and reduced shoulder mobility. Conventional treatments include physiotherapy, NSAIDs, steroid injections, nerve blocks, and surgical interventions, but each has limitations. Acupuncture—especially Master Tung’s system, which uses distal, zone-based points—has shown promising results in pain relief and functional improvement, yet high-quality trials for adhesive capsulitis are limited.

The study adopts a randomized controlled design with 90 participants divided into two equal groups. The study group receives Master Tung’s acupuncture at points 77.18, 77.19, and 77.21 for 30 minutes, five days a week, followed by a three-week observation period. The control group receives sham acupuncture at placebo points using a superficial, non-therapeutic technique of equal duration and frequency. Assessments are conducted on Day 1 and Day 15.

Primary outcomes include pain intensity measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and functional disability assessed through the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes include changes in shoulder range of motion (ROM) measured with a universal goniometer for flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Ethical clearance, informed consent, randomization, and participant confidentiality are ensured throughout the study. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods via SPSS.

Overall, this study aims to determine whether Master Tung’s acupuncture can significantly reduce pain and disability and improve shoulder mobility compared with sham acupuncture in patients with adhesive capsulitis.