Q I am a man in my 40s. What kind of treatment is provided when I first visit the Korean medicine clinic for a gastrocnemius muscle injury? I would like to know the entire treatment process.
A During the first visit, an ultrasound examination is performed to check the extent of the rupture and the presence of a hematoma, and acute pain and inflammation are relieved using acupuncture and pharmacopuncture. Subsequently, starting 1 to 2 weeks after the swelling subsides, the structural recovery phase begins with needle insertion and thread embedding. In weeks 3 to 4, functional strengthening exercises are combined with the intake of herbal medicine. The entire process is designed in four stages: Acute Phase → Proliferative Phase → Remodeling Phase → Recurrence Prevention Phase.
Detailed Answer
Stages of Korean Medicine Treatment for Gastrocnemius Muscle Injury: ① Acute Phase (1–2 weeks) — Grade confirmation via ultrasound, anti-inflammatory use of acupuncture and pharmacopuncture (bee venom or Coptis rhizome-based), guidance on alternating hot and cold therapy ② Proliferative Phase (2–4 weeks) — Hematoma and adhesion separation using needle insertion, stimulation of collagen resynthesis with thread embedding, initiation of herbal decoction prescription ③ Remodeling Phase (4–8 weeks) — Introduction of eccentric exercises, bi-weekly acupuncture management, verification of muscle strength ④ Maintenance Phase (2–3 months) — Monthly functional check-up, correction of recurrence factors. Each phase proceeds while confirming objective recovery indicators through ultrasound re-evaluation.
Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic
The treatment stages of Korean medicine align well with Western rehabilitation stages. During the acute phase, blood stasis is rapidly resolved; during the proliferative phase, Qi and blood are replenished to aid tissue regeneration; and during the remodeling phase, liver and spleen organ functions are strengthened to prevent recurrence. At Dongjedang, we provide integrated care that organically links Korean medicine treatment with rehabilitation exercises by incorporating ultrasound findings at each stage.
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