ACUPUNCTURE CARE FOR A PATIENT WITH POST-DISLOCATION SHOULDER INJURY PRESENTING WITH BLOOD STASIS SYNDROME: A CASE STUDY AT SINSHE HAN CLINIC, WEST JAKARTA

Abstract

Background: Shoulder joint dislocation is an acute orthopedic trauma that frequently compromises periarticular capsuloligamentous structures, inducing severe localized pain, joint instability, functional immobility, and systemic emotional distress. While closed reduction and conservative analgesia represent standard clinical protocols, acupuncture is increasingly employed as a restorative complementary modality to resolve traumatic blood stasis and accelerate functional recovery.

Objective: To describe the clinical implementation, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromic differentiation, point formulation, and therapeutic progression of acupuncture care in a patient with post-dislocation shoulder injury presenting with Blood Stasis syndrome at Sinshe Han Clinic, West Jakarta. Methods: A qualitative clinical case study design was conducted involving a 35-year-old male civil servant (Mr. AD) presenting with persistent right shoulder pain and severe range of motion restrictions one week following sports-related traumatic dislocation. Diagnostic assessment adhered to the Four TCM Examinations: inspection (Wang), auscultation and olfaction (Wen), inquiry (Wen), and palpation (Qie). The participant received six planned acupuncture sessions between 9 December 2025 and 27 December 2025. The therapeutic strategy prioritized resolving Blood stasis, activating collaterals, and relieving muscular pain. Acupoints included local shoulder points (GB 21, LI 15, TE 14, and Ashi points), distal regulating points (TE 5, LI 11, SI 3), and systemic Blood-regulating points (BL 17, BL 40) augmented with electrostimulation and TDP infrared therapy.

Results: Across the six sessions, qualitative clinical observations revealed progressive functional and somatic recovery: resting and movement-evoked shoulder pain subsided dramatically, tenderness on palpation was almost eliminated, right shoulder mobility became fluid and unrestricted without guarded compensatory postures, and nocturnal sleep disturbances resolved. Examination of the tongue showed marked clearance of traumatic purple petechiae and thinning of greasy white coating, while the radial pulse relaxed from deep-wiry (Chen Xian) toward a more balanced, moderate rhythm.

Conclusion: Acupuncture care combined with electrostimulation and TDP mineral therapy was associated with noticeable pain alleviation and functional shoulder recovery in a post-dislocation patient.