
Q "I received acupuncture at a Korean medicine clinic in Dongincheon, but the pain returns when I run. Can I be completely cured with Korean medicine treatment?"
A While acupuncture alone can temporarily reduce pain, recurrence will continue unless the underlying causes—muscle imbalances and training patterns—are corrected. The likelihood of a complete cure increases with complex treatment that resolves adhesions using needle acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and thread embedding, while boosting internal recovery power with herbal medicine tailored to your constitution. The key is to combine appropriate training adjustments during treatment.
Detailed Answer
There are two main causes for the recurrence of iliotibial band syndrome. First, when the patient returns to the routine before adhesions and fibrosis are completely resolved. Second, when fundamental biomechanical issues, such as weakness of the hip abductor muscles or excessive pronation of the foot, are not corrected. Simple acupuncture suppresses pain signals, but it is difficult to induce changes in tissue structure.
Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic
In Korean medicine, repeated recurrence is explained as a vicious cycle where the body's normal energy weakens and stagnant blood remains. Muscles and bones remain strong only when there is sufficient blood to nourish the muscles and vital energy stored in the kidneys; ignoring this and repeatedly suppressing pain only deepens the state of weakness. At Dongjedang, we aim for a "recovery where the root is filled" by completely separating remaining adhesions with needle acupuncture, continuously stimulating collagen regeneration with thread lifting, and replenishing the energy of the liver and kidneys with herbal medicine tailored to your constitution. We also coordinate the timing for resuming training in accordance with your treatment stage.
Related FAQs
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Q
Do I have to give up running completely? Do you have a realistic goal to run marathons again?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
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Q
I am 55 years old. Is treatment effective at this age? Aren't there limitations due to aging?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
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Q
Can knee cartilage or other joints be damaged along with iliotibial band syndrome?
#Comorbidities
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Q
Can I continue exercising during treatment? Which exercises are okay, and which should be avoided?
#Lifestyle Management
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Q
I am in my 30s and active in a marathon club in Dong-gu, Incheon. Are there any management methods I can do at home besides foam rollers and stretching?
#Lifestyle Management
