Thread Acupuncture Treatment, What Kind of Treatment Is It?
🧾 Answer First | Key Conclusion
Thread acupuncture treatment is
a therapeutic method that inserts special absorbable threads
into muscles, ligaments, and acupuncture points where pain repeats,
delivering continuous stimulation as the thread dissolves.
It is not a method where stimulation occurs once and ends,
but rather a method where stimulation continues slowly within the body.
🧠 The Why
At first glance, it appears similar to general acupuncture, but there is an important difference.
Like general acupuncture, thread acupuncture uses needles for treatment.
However, there is a difference in how long the stimulation is maintained.
General acupuncture is removed after a certain period of time following insertion,
so stimulation is only maintained during the treatment session.
For those who have difficulty visiting frequently due to busy daily life,
the effects may not continue.
In contrast, thread acupuncture
inserts absorbable threads into the body and leaves them in place,
so continuous stimulation is maintained in that area
for several days to several weeks as the thread dissolves.
In other words,
it is not a method that works only in the treatment room
but a treatment where stimulation continues on its own within the body.
🧠 The Why
Why is 'continuous stimulation' necessary?
Chronic pain and recurring muscle tension often cannot be fully relieved
by a single stimulation.
Especially when
muscles have been tense for a long time or
lifestyle patterns involving repetitive postures continue,
pain often returns a few days after treatment, even though it felt relieved immediately afterward.
Thread acupuncture
aims to send continuous micro-stimulation to the affected area
as the thread slowly dissolves in the body
and consistently promote blood flow and healing responses in the tissue.
📌 When This Is Considered
✔When pain in the same area returns several days after treatment
✔Chronic muscle tension in the shoulders, neck, or lower back
✔When frequent visits are difficult and treatment intervals become longer
✔It is particularly more suitable for chronic pain rather than acute pain,
and for situations requiring continuous stimulation rather than temporary stimulation.
⚠️ Cases Requiring Prior Confirmation
Please inform us in advance if any of the following applies to you.
✔Taking anticoagulants or having a hemorrhagic disorder
✔Acute infection or severe skin disease in the treatment area
✔Previous allergic reaction to absorbable sutures
✔Keloid-prone skin or very slow wound healing
In these cases,
alternative treatment methods may be safer.
🔚 Closing | Summary
Thread acupuncture is
not a method for delivering "exceptionally strong treatment,"
but rather a treatment for maintaining necessary stimulation over a longer period.
While it is a procedure similar to general acupuncture,
the difference is that absorbable threads deliver
continuous stimulation to the affected area over several days to several weeks.
It is not a universal treatment applicable to all pain.
However, for pain that keeps returning, does not maintain improvement,
and becomes stiff again when treatment intervals lengthen,
it can be a meaningful option.
✍️ Reviewed by Dr. Choi Jang-hyuk, Director of Dongjejae Korean Medicine Clinic
❓ FAQ
Q. Is thread acupuncture treatment very painful?
Upon insertion, it may feel similar to general acupuncture or slightly more sore.
Since the thread itself is very thin, many patients describe it as a heavy sensation rather than sharp pain.
The procedure time is short, and the intensity of stimulation is adjusted according to the area and condition.
Q. I'm concerned about side effects when inserting threads into the body.
The threads used in thread acupuncture are made of the same material as surgical absorbable sutures.
They naturally break down and are absorbed in the body over several days to weeks,
leaving no foreign material.
Rarely, mild soreness or bruising may occur at the insertion site,
but these typically disappear within a few days.
Q. How do I choose between general acupuncture and thread acupuncture?
Both are needle-based treatments, but the duration of stimulation differs.
Many patients see sufficient results with general acupuncture alone.
However, if the effects do not last long after treatment
or if frequent visits are difficult, thread acupuncture can be a complementary option.
Determining suitability based on your condition is necessary first.
Q. Is daily life possible immediately after treatment?
In most cases, normal daily activities are possible immediately after treatment.
However, depending on the treatment area, mild soreness or light bruising may appear for a day or two.
This is a normal response from thread insertion and naturally subsides with time.
Post-treatment precautions will be provided according to your individual condition.
