RIGHT SHOULDER ARTHRALGIA -

MANAGEMENT THROUGH ACUPUNCTURE: CASE REPORT

A 63-year-old male visited NIN OPD in the month of November 2021, pre-diagnosed
with Hypertension in the past -7 years ago and he was also suffering from Hypothyroidism
since 7 years. He came with the main complaint of Right Shoulder arthralgia, pain at a
specific point on his right shoulder that was fluctuating in nature since 3 years and relieved
by taking acupuncture at NIN OPD.
A detailed case history was taken with the consent of patient. History revealed the
elevated levels of uric acid, history of hypertension, hypothyroidism and constipation. It also
revealed about the duration and fluctuating nature of pain worsened strenuous activity along
with stress over the joint area. His history involved abrupt changes his regular work life due
to the pain. These abrupt changes occurred after patient started with regular lifestyle after
taking acupuncture treatments. His Medical History involved intake of Tab. Thyronorm 50
mg OD, Tab. Ecosprin 25 mg OD, Tab. Betaloc 25 mg OD and Analgesics SOS. He was
adviced to undergo for Acupuncture treatment, apart from his ongoing medications, altering
his pain medicines.
The patient’s appetite was good, consuming mixed diet, once a week non-vegetarian
food intake, Normal thirst was seen with the intake of 2 litres of water per day. Disturbed
nature of sleep was seen, bowels were irregular, and micturition was of normal frequency. He
had a habit of consuming 1 cup of tea every day and an allergy of citrus fruits and buttermilk
leading to headache and no use of alcohol, tobacco use or any illicit substances.
He is overweight with the BMI of 29.1 kg/m2, Blood pressure was 126/86 mm/Hg,
Heart rate 72 bpm. On VAS Pain Scale his right shoulder pain was 8 on the 1 st day. The
complete systemic examination was normal. He had mixed encumbrance and his tongue was
heavily coated white.
On iridiagnosis, good density of iris fibers was observed and no lesions were seen.
Patient was advised to undergo acupuncture treatment for 1 week, starting from 24th
of November 2021.

Date Acupuncture Points
24/11/21 LI-4(Rt.), LI-15(Rt.), SI-9(Rt.), SJ-14(Rt.) 1
25/11/21 LI-4(Rt.), LI-15(Rt.), SI-9(Rt.), SJ-14(Rt.)
26/11/21 LI-4(Rt.), LI-15(Rt.), SI-9(Rt.), SJ-14(Rt.)
27/11/21 LI-4(Rt.), LI-15(Rt.), SI-9(Rt.), SJ-14(Rt.)
29/11/21 LI-4(Rt.), LI-15(Rt.), SI-9(Rt.), SJ-14(Rt.)

There was a significant improvement in the Visual analog Pain scale of the patient- from 8 on
the first day to 0 on the last day of treatment. The patient was able to perform his regular
work without any stress. is regularized without medications naturally. He is positive about his
health now.
5 days of Acupuncture treatment at NIN OPD helped the patient get rid of his pain. 2
He was advised to take sunbath 3 and maintain a proper diet and continue with the
lifestyle changes 4 recommended to him. After 5 days of treatment the patient is feeling
positive changes in his health and he also expressed increased confidence and happiness.
The effective changes observed by the patient may be attributed to the practice of
Acupuncture Treatments.

Reference:

1 Ben-Arie E, Kao PY, Lee YC, Ho WC, Chou LW, Liu HP. The effectiveness of acupuncture in the
treatment of frozen shoulder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based
Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020 Sep 25;2020.
2 Green S, Buchbinder R, Hetrick SE. Acupuncture for shoulder pain. Cochrane Database of
Systematic Reviews. 2005(2).
3 Mead MN. Benefits of sunlight: a bright spot for human health.
4 Goessl CL, Befort CA, Pathak RD, Ellerbeck EF, VanWormer JJ. Chronic pain and weight regain in a
lifestyle modification trial. Obesity Science & Practice. 2021 Apr;7(2):192-8.

Share this :