DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC14.81
Authors: Lee-Mei Chi, Tai-Chu Peng, Chien-Lin Chen, Shu-Fang Wang, Hui-Ling Lai, Shu-Chen Wu
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of cupping therapy on chronic neck shoulder pain (NSP). The experimental design method was single blind and that comprised 48 adult volunteers. Participants were recruited by advertising from October to December 2012 within Eastern Taiwan with self-perceived NSP. Participants were randomly assigned to either a cupping (n=24) or a control group (n=24). The cupping group underwent cupping therapy at three acupoints on both sides of the body for a total of 20 min. The control group received hot compression therapy for 20 min. Participants were followed up post therapy, to evaluate NSP by Vision Analog Scale (VAS) and change in skin temperature. The primary outcome was reduction in shoulder pain severity from 3.48 cm to 1.57 cm in the cupping group and from 3.48cm to 2.73 cm in the control group. Significant treatment effects was found for shoulder pain (P =.006). Skin temperature increased in the experimental group different time points, reaching significance (p =.000). Relief of pain in the neck and shoulder region is possible through the use of cupping therapy. Further research is required to investigate the long term effects and related mechanisms of cupping therapy.
Keywords: Cupping therapy, Chronic neck pain, Chronic shoulder pain
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