The small needle-knife (SNF) group undergoes rehabilitation treatment, with additional small needle-knife treatment once a week after acupuncture needle insertion at the Tiaokou (ST38) and Chengshan (BL57) acupoints. This treatment regimen will span over a duration of 3 weeks.

Rehabilitation treatment (based on the physician's assessment of the patient's clinical condition, using methods such as heat therapy, electrotherapy, manual therapy, or joint injections) at least once a week. This treatment regimen will span over a duration of 3 weeks.

The small needle-knife therapy originated from the ancient Chinese acupuncture instrument known as the "Pi needle" from the "Nine Needles," which resembled a sword, had two sharp edges, and was originally used for abscess drainage. It is currently widely applied in treating conditions such as myofascial adhesions, chronic pain, or nerve compression.

The small needle-knife features a flat and rounded tip design, with its handle made of solid steel. This construction provides excellent toughness and flexibility, minimizing tissue damage, and facilitating microadhesiolysis, an intervention aimed at releasing adhesions.

The intensity of the pain along a continuum from 'no pain' to 'worst pain' imaginable with visual analog scale.

Glenohumeral range of motion(ROM) of the affected shoulder.

A self-report questionnaire which assesses 4 domains of quality of life (QOL): physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment.

Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a 13-item patient completed instrument. Its categories include "pain" (5 items) and "disability" (8 items).