Exploring the clinical efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) combined with dry needling in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS).

Sixty SIS patients admitted to the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of the 904th Hospital of the Joint Protection Force from May 2023 to July 2024 were selected as the study subjects. The patients with shoulder radiation pain caused by cervical spondylosis, scapular tumors, congenital developmental abnormalities, combined nerve injuries, and history of surgery or fracture of the affected shoulder joint were excluded. Utilizing the random number table method, the participants were classified into a control group (n=30) and an observation group (n=30). The control group received conventional exercise combined with dry needle therapy,while the observation group received a combination of PNF and dry needle therapy. Before and after eight weeks of treatment, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, active range of motion (AROM) of the shoulder joint, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) were used for evaluation. Statistical analysis was conducted using t test, non parametric test and chi square test.

After treatment, both groups showed a significant reduction in VAS scores (Z=-4.879, -4.890, both P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (Z=-1.34, P>0.05). The observation group exhibited greater increases in AROM across all directions compared to the control group (P<0.05), and the DASH scores were lower in the observation group, with a statistically significant difference (Z=-2.441, P<0.05).

The combination of PNF and dry needling therapy can effectively alleviate pain in SIS patients and significantly improve the active range of motion of the shoulder joint and upper limb function. This approach is beneficial for patients’ early return to normal life and is worthy of promotion and application.