RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect of transcutaneous point electric stimulation on periarthritis of shoulder at different stages and compare with electroacupuncture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and sixty cases of periarthritis of shoulder at different stages were divided into a treatment group (n=186) treated with transcutaneous point electric stimulation, and a control group (n=174) treated with electroacupuncture. Same acupoints were selected in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of transcutaneous point electric stimulation was 96.6% at the adhesion prophase and 96.9% at the adhesive stage, but electroacupuncture stimulation was 93.5% and 97.9%, respectively, with no significant differences between the two groups; transcutaneous point electric stimulation not only could relieve pain, but also significantly improve dysfunction of shoulder joints at the adhesive stage.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transcutaneous point electric stimulation is an effective and convenient therapy for periarthritis of shoulder.</p>