ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of warming needle moxibustion based on rehabilitation on rotator cuff injury. MethodsFrom January, 2019 to January, 2020, 70 patients with rotator cuff injury from Rehabilitation Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were randomly divided into control group (n = 35) and experimental group (n = 35). Both groups received Mulligan mobilization and rotator cuff muscle group muscle energy technique (MET) training, while the experimental group received warming needle moxibustion at Jianyu (LI15), Jügu (LI16), Jianqian and Jianzhen (SI9) in addition, for two weeks. They were assessed with Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS), range of motion of shoulder (ROM), and shoulder isokinetic muscle strength before and after treatment, and the complications and recurrence were observed. ResultsThere were five cases in the control group and four cases in the experimental group dropped. The SPADI score, VAS score decreased (|t| > 5.039, P < 0.001), and the ROM and R value of isokinetic muscle strength testing increased (|t| > 2.751, P < 0.01) in both groups after treatment, while the SPADI score, VAS score were less (|t| > 3.616, P < 0.001); the ROM, and R values of isokinetic muscle strength testing of flexion, extension, adduction and abduction were more (|t| > 2.214, P < 0.05) in the experimental group than in the control group. ConclusionWarming needle moxibustion can further relieve shoulder pain in patients with rotator cuff injury, and improve shoulder ROM, muscle strength and functioning.