Golfer's Elbow

Chronic medial epicondylitis is a condition (tendinosis) characterized by the accumulation of degenerative tissue within the tendon that lacks neovascularization and nerve proliferation. In this case, steroid injections, which focus on anti-inflammatory effects, have limited long-term efficacy; therefore, treatments that directly induce tissue regeneration responses, such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy or moxibustion, are more suitable. In cases accompanied by calcification or partial rupture within the tendon, the direction of treatment must be determined after confirming the condition via ultrasound.

Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic

In Korean medicine, chronic tendon lesions are viewed as a condition where blood stasis accumulates in the meridians over a long period, blocking the flow of Qi and blood. Characteristics such as fixed pain that worsens at night are typical features of blood stasis lesions. Since blood stasis that has persisted for more than two years is difficult to resolve with general acupuncture stimulation alone, an effective method involves directly releasing adhered tendon tissues with needle insertion and providing continuous regenerative stimulation with thread embedding needles. By combining the anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom and pharmacopuncture with constitution-tailored herbal medicine that replenishes liver blood and removes blood stasis, a pathway can be created for even chronic tissues to gradually recover to normal tendons.