Comparing the Effects of Electroacupuncture and Low Level Laser on Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Disease: A Single Blind Clinical Trial

Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is one of the most common diseases of the shoulder. In this diseases capsule of shoulder is stiff, shortening, adhesive, painful and frozen. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on treatment of frozen shoulder. This single-blind clinical trial was performed in Fathemieh physiotherapy Clinic in Rafsanjan in 2017. Seventy-five patients conflicted to frozen shoulder were randomly divided into three equal groups of  25. The first, second and third groups received EA, LLLT and conventional therapy (CT), respectively during 10 sessions. Intensity of pain and range of motions were assessed during the first, fifth and tenth sessions and 1 month after the end of treatment. Pain intensity and range of motions were evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and goniometer. Data was analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA along with Tukey’s post hoc test and Chi-square test. The findings of this study showed that EA during 10 sessions was more effective than LLLT and CT in reduction of pain in frozen shoulder (p˂0.001). Also in relation to the improvement of range of motion for frozen shoulder, EA was more effective than LLLT and CT (p˂0.001). According to this study, it seems that during 10 sessions EA might be more effective than LLLT and CT in reducing pain and improving range of motion in frozen shoulder.