약침치료 후 NRS(통증숫자평가척도), 5.87→3.15로 절반 가까이 감소
VAS(시각통증척도)도 59.18→30.63으로 물리치료 대비 4배 이상 개선
약침치료군, 물리치료군 대비 ‘생존분석’에서 더 빠르게 회복..특이 부작용 없어
해당 논문, SCI(E)급 국제학술지 ‘메디시나(Medicina, IF: 2.4)’ 게재
SEOUL, South Korea — As South Korea grapples with a running boom among younger adults and an aging population, the burden of knee pain is rising sharply. Younger patients are increasingly seeking treatment for activity-related knee issues, while seniors face degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis. A significant challenge is that many dismiss knee pain as mere muscle soreness or a temporary issue, delaying treatment and risking chronic conditions. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are critical to prevent progression to debilitating disorders like osteoarthritis.
A recent study conducted by the Spine and Joint Research Institute at Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine, led by Myung-in Jung, KMD, offers new insights into effective treatment options. Published on September 3 in the SCI(E)-indexed international journal *Medicina* (Impact Factor: 2.4), the study compares the efficacy and safety of herbal acupuncture therapy with conventional physical therapy for chronic knee pain. The findings suggest that herbal acupuncture provides superior pain relief and functional improvement.
Herbal acupuncture, a traditional Korean medicine technique, involves injecting purified herbal extracts directly into affected areas. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, pain relief, and tissue regeneration benefits, this therapy has been widely used for musculoskeletal disorders alongside acupuncture and chuna manual therapy.
The study enrolled 40 patients with chronic knee pain persisting for over three months, with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of 5 or higher, indicating moderate to severe pain. Participants were randomly assigned to either the herbal acupuncture group or the physical therapy group, which received treatments like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and heat therapy. Both groups underwent treatment twice weekly for three weeks, with outcomes assessed at the four-week mark.
The study also evaluated knee function, pain, and daily life impact using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Both groups started with an average WOMAC score of 59.31, indicating severe impairment. By week four, the acupuncture group improved to 43.02, while the physical therapy group remained largely unchanged at 56.18. Quality-of-life assessments using the EQ-5D-5L scale further confirmed acupuncture’s superiority.
Survival analysis, defining recovery as a 50% or greater reduction in pain, showed that the acupuncture group recovered faster than the physical therapy group, highlighting its rapid and effective relief. Safety evaluations revealed no significant adverse effects, and pre- and post-treatment blood tests showed no abnormal reactions, underscoring the therapy’s safety.
“This study confirms that herbal acupuncture is an effective and safe option for patients with chronic knee pain,” said Dr. Myung-in Jung, lead author and researcher at Jaseng Hospital. “We hope future large-scale studies will further establish the scientific basis for this treatment.”
The findings come at a critical time as knee pain becomes a growing public health concern in South Korea, driven by both lifestyle trends and demographic shifts. For patients, the study highlights the importance of seeking timely and evidence-based treatments to manage pain and prevent long-term complications.
Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
