
Q Is treatment at a Korean medicine clinic actually effective for golfer's elbow? I am curious about the difference between this and injections or physical therapy.
A Unlike steroid injections, Korean medicine treatment works by inducing the regeneration of the tendon tissue itself. Dochim (needle acupuncture) physically separates adhered tendons and increases local blood flow to aid in the recovery of degenerated tissue, while pharmacopuncture (pharmacopuncture) reduces pain through its anti-inflammatory and blood circulation-improving effects. While physical therapy focuses on symptom relief, Korean medicine treatment focuses on directly normalizing pathological tendon tissue.
Detailed Answer
Steroid injections are effective for short-term pain reduction, but repeated injections carry a risk of tendon atrophy or rupture. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is effective for chronic tendinosis, but it can actually be irritating during the acute phase. While physical therapy is beneficial for recovering muscle strength and improving flexibility, it is difficult to directly reverse tendon degeneration that has already progressed. From the Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic: Korean medicine treatments excel at creating an environment for tendon regeneration by restoring Qi and blood circulation in the injured area. Needle acupuncture, known as Dochim, works by separating adhered tendon fibers and inducing a local hematoma to stimulate the secretion of growth factors; this method is particularly suitable for degenerative tendinosis. Utilizing ultrasound guidance enhances safety by allowing precise visualization of the medial epicondyle and the origin of the needle during the procedure. This approach combines pharmacopuncture and bee venom acupuncture to eliminate blood stasis and dampness, with internal treatment using herbal medicine to strengthen liver and spleen functions, thereby boosting the body's overall muscle and tendon regenerative capacity.
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