The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) in addition to usual post-surgical shoulder physical therapy compared to a standard shoulder rehabilitation program in reducing medication use and pain in patients who have undergone shoulder surgery. Measurements of medication (opioid, NSAID, acetaminophen, etc.) use (daily number of pills consumed), pain rating, patient specific functional scale and global rating of change will be taken at 24, 72 hours, 7 days, 14 days and at six weeks post-surgery. It is hypothesized that the inclusion of Battlefield Acupuncture will result in a decrease in medication use and post-surgical pain when compared to rehabilitation alone. The population for this study is male and female DoD beneficiaries, ages 17-55 (17 if cadet) that are not participating in other shoulder research studies. The subjects in the experimental group will receive Battlefield Acupuncture in addition to their respective post-surgical shoulder rehabilitation protocol.
Age range
17 Years – 55 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change in Pain medication use
Timeframe: daily log, comparison at 24hours, 72hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks
Change in Visual Analog Pain scale report
Timeframe: outcome comparison at 24hours, 72hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks