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

[Hinews] [Physician's Column] By Myung-in Jung, Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine

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. One major challenge is that many people dismiss knee pain as simple muscle soreness or a temporary issue, delaying treatment and increasing the risk of chronic disease. 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 peer-reviewed international journal Medicina, the study compares the efficacy and safety of herbal acupuncture 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 lasting more than three months, each reporting a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of 5 or higher, consistent with moderate to severe pain. Participants were randomly assigned to a herbal acupuncture group or a physical therapy group, the latter receiving treatments such as 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 results were notable. The herbal acupuncture group saw their average NRS score drop from 5.87 to 3.15, nearly halving their pain levels. In contrast, the physical therapy group’s score only decreased to 5.20, showing minimal improvement. Similarly, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain showed a marked reduction in the acupuncture group, from 59.18 to 30.63, compared to a modest decline to 52.22 in the physical therapy group—indicating substantially greater pain relief with acupuncture.

The study further evaluated knee function, pain, and impact on daily living 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.

Using survival analysis—where recovery was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in pain—the study found that the acupuncture group experienced faster improvement compared to the physical therapy group, demonstrating more rapid and effective pain 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 both an effective and safe treatment 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 underscores the importance of seeking timely, evidence-based treatment to effectively manage pain and prevent long-term complications.

Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM press@hinews.co.kr

다른기사 보기

저작권자 © Hinews 무단전재 및 재배포 금지