Efficacy of Kakkonto on Chronic Stiff Shoulders

Summary of the Study

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Kakkonto in 80 adult men and women engaged in prolonged desk work who subjectively reported chronic stiff shoulders (cervicobrachial syndrome).

Results

• In the Kakkonto administration group, muscle hardness around the shoulders and neck decreased significantly compared to the placebo group from 2 weeks after the start of administration.
• Approximately 65% of all patients showed an improvement of 30% or more in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score assessing shoulder pain.
• Additionally, improvement in cold sensitivity was simultaneously confirmed in some patients who complained of “feeling cold” alongside stiff shoulders.

Expert Commentary

Kakkonto has the effect of warming the body and promoting sweating, thereby relieving tension in the epidermis and muscles. While it is frequently used for initial cold symptoms, it also demonstrates excellent efficacy for chronic stiff shoulders caused by “coldness” and “poor blood circulation”. It is a highly recommended prescription especially for those with severe muscle stiffness.