The Effectiveness of Battlefield Acupuncture in Addition to Standard Physical Therapy Treatment after Shoulder Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial — MHSRS 2020

Crowell, MS; Brindle, RA; Mason, JS; Pitt, W; Miller, EM; Posner, MA; Cameron, KL; Goss, DL

Abstract submitted to Military Health System Research Symposium 2020

There is a large incidence of shoulder instability among active young athletes and military personnel which requires shoulder stabilization surgery. Acute post-operative pain is common and is usually managed with opioid pain medications. The extended use of opioid medications can have adverse effects that impair function and reduce military operational readiness, and there are currently few alternatives. However, Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is a minimally invasive therapy demonstrating promise as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for managing acute post-operative pain.