Q Is it safe to receive temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment with a scalpel? I am scared because it feels like they are touching the inside of the joint.
A When performed by a skilled Korean medicine doctor, scalpel acupuncture treatment can be safely applied to the tissues surrounding the TMJ. In most cases, the procedure is performed on the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint rather than inside the joint itself. Safety can be enhanced through ultrasound guidance.
Detailed Answer
A scalpel is used to dissect fibrotic adhesions around the joint, with the needle tip shaped like a small scalpel. In the TMJ, it is primarily targeted at the masseter tendon, temporomandibular ligament, and the area around the joint capsule; procedures inside the joint cavity are considered only in special cases. If a skilled practitioner utilizes anatomical landmarks and ultrasound guidance, the risk of damage to surrounding blood vessels and nerves can be minimized. Mild tenderness and bruising after the procedure disappear within a few days.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Acupuncture needles with blade-shaped tips provide stronger stimulation than simple needles, directly resolving nodules and adhesions in muscles and tendons. In Korean traditional medicine, when old clotted blood and waste products accumulate and harden around the joints, it is difficult to clear the blockage with needles alone; therefore, acupuncture treatment involving direct dissection is necessary. At Dongjedang, we adhere to the principle of safe procedures by accurately understanding the anatomical structure, planning the treatment site and depth in advance, and confirming with ultrasound if necessary. We provide a thorough explanation and obtain informed consent before the procedure.
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