Q I am 55 years old. Is treatment effective at this age? Aren't there limitations due to aging?
A Treatment for iliotibial band syndrome is sufficiently effective even for those over 55. However, since the rate of collagen synthesis and liver and kidney function are slower than in youth, recovery may take longer. By supplementing liver and kidney function with herbal medicine tailored to your constitution alongside external treatment, this gap in recovery speed can be significantly narrowed.
Detailed Answer
As we age, ① a decrease in water and collagen content in tendons and ligaments, ② reduced efficiency of blood supply, and ③ a slowdown in muscle recovery occur. However, 55 is an age where musculoskeletal recovery is still fully possible. In fact, there is a study showing that the treatment results for IT bands in Masters runners in their 50s are not statistically significant compared to those in their 40s. Although the treatment period may be somewhat prolonged, achieving the goal is realistic.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, age 55 is the time when the vital energy of the kidneys gradually declines. When kidney energy weakens, bones and cartilage weaken, and when liver energy is insufficient, muscles and ligaments weaken. Instead of simply attributing this to aging, actively replenishing the liver and kidneys with herbal medicine creates an internal foundation for collagen remodeling. Dongjedang considers both age and constitution to combine external treatments such as needle acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and thread embedding with internal herbal medicine, designing realistic treatment plans that enable patients over 50 to lead active lives.
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