Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Exercise for Shoulder Pain

Effects of Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Exercise for Patients With Subacromial Pain Syndrome

Based on the available literature, application of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation interventions targeting peripheral nerves (also called percutaneous neuromodulation) has shown positive effects for improving pain-related and functional outcomes in musculoskeletal chronic pain. Studies investigating the use of this intervention for the shoulder are lacking.

Based on the available literature, application of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation interventions targeting peripheral nerves (also called percutaneous neuromodulation) has shown positive effects for improving pain-related and functional outcomes in musculoskeletal chronic pain. Studies investigating the use of this intervention for the shoulder are lacking.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Unilateral non-traumatic shoulder pain (positive painful arc during shoulder abduction and a positive Hawkins test on clinical examination)
• Shoulder pain from at least 3 months
• Shoulder pain of more than 3/10 points on a NPRS

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bilateral shoulder symptoms
• Younger than 18 or older than 65 years
• History of shoulder traumatisms, fractures or dislocation
• Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy
• Previous interventions with steroid injections in the shoulder area
• Comorbid medical conditions, e.g., fibromyalgia syndrome
• Previous history of shoulder or neck surgery
• Any type of intervention for the neck-shoulder area during the previous year
• Fear to needles