Q How often should I visit a Korean medicine clinic for costochondritis? As a working professional, it is difficult for me to come every day.
A During the acute phase, treatment 2 to 3 times a week is effective for inflammation recovery. During the remission phase, when pain subsides, the frequency is reduced to 1 to 2 times a week for maintenance. The total treatment duration varies depending on the course of the condition, but it is generally planned for 4 to 8 weeks as a baseline. For working professionals, maintaining 2 visits per week by utilizing lunch or dinner breaks is a realistic goal.
Detailed Answer
The frequency of visits for costochondritis varies depending on the severity and degree of chronicity. The general recommended schedule is as follows: ① Acute phase (1–4 weeks): 2–3 times a week — Intensive acupuncture, moxibustion, and pharmacopuncture are performed to rapidly suppress inflammation. ② Remission phase (5–8 weeks): 1–2 times a week — Manage residual adhesions and provide concurrent treatment to prevent recurrence. ③ Maintenance phase (9 weeks onwards): Visit 1–2 times a month or when symptoms recur. If visiting is difficult due to work commitments, maintain a minimum of twice a week and maximize treatment effectiveness by combining it with self-care practices (heat application, stretching, and abdominal breathing).
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Since Qi stagnation and blood stasis must be resolved gradually over time, it is important to approach the treatment by distinguishing between an intensive treatment phase and a maintenance phase. If treatment during the acute phase is insufficient, blood stasis can harden in the collateral vessels and easily become chronic; therefore, adhering to initial visits of 2 to 3 times a week is the quickest way to shorten the total treatment period in the long run.
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