Battlefield Acupuncture Following Shoulder Surgery

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) in addition to standard 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 48-hours (baseline), 72-hours, 1-week, and 4-weeks post-surgery. It is hypothesized that the inclusion of Battlefield Acupuncture will result in a decrease in post-surgical pain levels, reduced opioid medication use, and improved patient mood when compared to rehabilitation alone.