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Geummaek Research

Research Papers

A curated collection of academic research relevant to the clinical practice at Geummaek Korean Medicine Clinic.

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Research Papers
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Total 45 papers

All Wellness / Restoration Gongjindan (拱辰丹) Gyeongokgo (瓊玉膏) Gwanjeoldan (關節丹) Hyangseongpajeokhwan (響聲破笛丸) Mental Health Skin Conditions Digestive Disorders Respiratory Conditions ENT Disorders Neurological Disorders Pediatric / Adolescent Care Women's Health / Infertility Men's Health / Urology Geum! Maek! Capsule Diet Geum! Maek! Beauty Clinic Private Inpatient Room Traffic Accident Aftercare Pediatric Traffic Accident Workers' Compensation Lower Back Pain Neck Pain Shoulder Pain Elbow Pain Wrist / Hand Pain Hip Pain Knee Pain Ankle / Foot Pain TMJ Disorder
RCT Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of acupuncture for chronic ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial

Kim TH, Lee MS, Kim KH, Lim B, Lee JA

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2014)

68% Ankle Function Score Improvement
72% Proprioception Improvement

Acupuncture significantly improves joint stability and proprioception in patients with chronic ankle instability, and can serve as an effective complementary therapy alongside conventional rehabilitation.

View Source 2014
RCT Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of acupuncture for chronic ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial

Kim TH, Lee MS, Kim KH, Lim B, Lee JA Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2014)
68% Ankle Function Score Improvement
72% Proprioception Improvement

Summary

An RCT of 60 patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) comparing acupuncture vs. conservative care. The acupuncture group showed significant improvement in ankle function score (CAIT) and proprioception, with reduced recurrent sprain frequency.

Key Conclusion

Acupuncture significantly improves joint stability and proprioception in patients with chronic ankle instability, and can serve as an effective complementary therapy alongside conventional rehabilitation.

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Meta-Analysis Ankle / Foot Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for plantar fasciitis

Clark RJ, Tighe M, Yoo J, Park SY

Acupuncture in Medicine (2019)

2.1 Points VAS Pain Reduction (out of 10)
85% Morning Pain Improvement

Acupuncture has a significant effect on pain reduction and functional improvement in plantar fasciitis, with particularly outstanding efficacy for first-step morning pain — making it a viable first-line treatment option.

View Source 2019
Meta-Analysis Ankle / Foot Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for plantar fasciitis

Clark RJ, Tighe M, Yoo J, Park SY Acupuncture in Medicine (2019)
2.1 Points VAS Pain Reduction (out of 10)
85% Morning Pain Improvement

Summary

A meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (total 892 patients) on plantar fasciitis. The acupuncture group showed significantly greater VAS pain reduction vs. conservative care, with notable effect on first-step morning pain.

Key Conclusion

Acupuncture has a significant effect on pain reduction and functional improvement in plantar fasciitis, with particularly outstanding efficacy for first-step morning pain — making it a viable first-line treatment option.

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Cohort Study Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of combined herbal medicine and acupuncture on chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a prospective cohort study

Park JW, Kim DH, Choi YJ, et al.

Korean Journal of Acupuncture (2023)

88% VISA-A Improvement
68% Tendon Thickness Normalization
52 Patients Participants

Combined herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment shows significant effects on functional recovery and structural improvement in chronic Achilles tendinopathy, and can be recommended as long-term conservative care.

View Source 2023
Cohort Study Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of combined herbal medicine and acupuncture on chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a prospective cohort study

Park JW, Kim DH, Choi YJ, et al. Korean Journal of Acupuncture (2023)
88% VISA-A Improvement
68% Tendon Thickness Normalization
52 Patients Participants

Summary

A 10-week prospective cohort of 52 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy receiving herbal medicine (Liver-Kidney tonifying) and acupuncture. VISA-A (Achilles function score) improved from 42 pre-treatment to 79 post-treatment, with 68% normalization of tendon thickness on ultrasound.

Key Conclusion

Combined herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment shows significant effects on functional recovery and structural improvement in chronic Achilles tendinopathy, and can be recommended as long-term conservative care.

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Meta-Analysis Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of Acupuncture on Ankle Sprains: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Kim SH, Park JW, Lee MK, et al.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023)

78% Pain Reduction Rate
1245 subjects Number of Participants

Acupuncture can serve as an effective complementary treatment for pain relief and functional recovery in ankle sprains.

View Source 2023
Meta-Analysis Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of Acupuncture on Ankle Sprains: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Kim SH, Park JW, Lee MK, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023)
78% Pain Reduction Rate
1245 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Eighteen randomized controlled trials involving 1,245 patients with ankle sprains were analyzed. The acupuncture group showed significant differences in pain reduction (VAS) compared to controls and demonstrated faster functional recovery. The incidence of adverse events was significantly lower in the acupuncture group.

Key Conclusion

Acupuncture can serve as an effective complementary treatment for pain relief and functional recovery in ankle sprains.

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RCT Ankle / Foot Pain

Randomized Controlled Trial of Adjunctive Pharmacopuncture in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

Lee JH, Choi YS, Hwang DS, et al.

Acupuncture in Medicine (2024)

82% Pain Reduction Rate
80 subjects Number of Participants

Adjunctive pharmacopuncture demonstrated a significant effect on pain relief in plantar fasciitis, and long-term follow-up is warranted.

View Source 2024
RCT Ankle / Foot Pain

Randomized Controlled Trial of Adjunctive Pharmacopuncture in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

Lee JH, Choi YS, Hwang DS, et al. Acupuncture in Medicine (2024)
82% Pain Reduction Rate
80 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Eighty patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to a pharmacopuncture-combined treatment group or a conventional physical therapy group. After 8 weeks of treatment, plantar tenderness was significantly reduced in the pharmacopuncture-combined group.

Key Conclusion

Adjunctive pharmacopuncture demonstrated a significant effect on pain relief in plantar fasciitis, and long-term follow-up is warranted.

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Before-After Ankle / Foot Pain

Pre-Post Comparison Study of Combined Chuna Manipulation and Korean Medicine Physical Therapy in Achilles Tendinitis

Park SY, Kim HJ, Yoon JE, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2022)

71% Functional Improvement Rate
45 subjects Number of Participants

The combination of chuna manipulation and Korean medicine physical therapy showed positive results in functional improvement and pain reduction in Achilles tendinitis patients.

View Source 2022
Before-After Ankle / Foot Pain

Pre-Post Comparison Study of Combined Chuna Manipulation and Korean Medicine Physical Therapy in Achilles Tendinitis

Park SY, Kim HJ, Yoon JE, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2022)
71% Functional Improvement Rate
45 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

A pre-post comparison study was conducted in 45 patients with chronic Achilles tendinitis using combined chuna manipulation and Korean medicine physical therapy. AOFAS scores improved significantly, and ultrasound revealed reduced tendon thickness.

Key Conclusion

The combination of chuna manipulation and Korean medicine physical therapy showed positive results in functional improvement and pain reduction in Achilles tendinitis patients.

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Cohort Study Ankle / Foot Pain

Cohort Study of Korean Medicine Combination Therapy for Chronic Ankle Instability

Choi MJ, Seo BK, Han CH, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2023)

76% Stability Improvement Rate
120 subjects Number of Participants

Korean medicine combination therapy may contribute to reducing subjective instability and recurrence rates in chronic ankle instability.

View Source 2023
Cohort Study Ankle / Foot Pain

Cohort Study of Korean Medicine Combination Therapy for Chronic Ankle Instability

Choi MJ, Seo BK, Han CH, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2023)
76% Stability Improvement Rate
120 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

A 12-week course of Korean medicine combination therapy including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and chuna manipulation was administered to 120 patients with chronic ankle instability, followed by 6 months of follow-up. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool score improved significantly after treatment.

Key Conclusion

Korean medicine combination therapy may contribute to reducing subjective instability and recurrence rates in chronic ankle instability.

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Cross-Sectional Ankle / Foot Pain

Cross-Sectional Study on Predictors of Acupuncture Response in Patients with Foot Pain

Yoon SH, Kim DH, Lee SJ, et al.

Pain Medicine (2024)

256 subjects Number of Participants
p<0.01 Statistical Significance

Identifying predictors of acupuncture response enables tailored treatment strategies for patients with foot pain.

View Source 2024
Cross-Sectional Ankle / Foot Pain

Cross-Sectional Study on Predictors of Acupuncture Response in Patients with Foot Pain

Yoon SH, Kim DH, Lee SJ, et al. Pain Medicine (2024)
256 subjects Number of Participants
p<0.01 Statistical Significance

Summary

Predictors of acupuncture response were analyzed in 256 patients who visited a Korean medicine clinic for foot pain. Age, symptom duration, and pain intensity showed significant correlations with acupuncture response rates.

Key Conclusion

Identifying predictors of acupuncture response enables tailored treatment strategies for patients with foot pain.

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Systematic Review Ankle / Foot Pain

Systematic Review of Herbal Medicine Treatment for Ankle Osteoarthritis

Han YJ, Park DS, Kim JK, et al.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2022)

14 studies Number of Included Studies
892 subjects Total Participants

Herbal medicine may be considered as an alternative conservative treatment for ankle osteoarthritis, although high-quality additional studies are required.

View Source 2022
Systematic Review Ankle / Foot Pain

Systematic Review of Herbal Medicine Treatment for Ankle Osteoarthritis

Han YJ, Park DS, Kim JK, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2022)
14 studies Number of Included Studies
892 subjects Total Participants

Summary

Fourteen studies investigating the effect of herbal medicine on ankle osteoarthritis were systematically reviewed. The herbal medicine group demonstrated equivalent or superior pain reduction effects compared with the NSAID group.

Key Conclusion

Herbal medicine may be considered as an alternative conservative treatment for ankle osteoarthritis, although high-quality additional studies are required.

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RCT Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of Early Application of Taping Therapy in Acute Ankle Sprains: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Shin WC, Kang BK, Oh MS, et al.

Foot & Ankle International (2023)

85% Edema Reduction Rate
96 subjects Number of Participants

Kinesiology taping is effective in reducing edema and promoting early functional recovery in the initial management of acute ankle sprains.

View Source 2023
RCT Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of Early Application of Taping Therapy in Acute Ankle Sprains: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Shin WC, Kang BK, Oh MS, et al. Foot & Ankle International (2023)
85% Edema Reduction Rate
96 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Ninety-six patients with acute ankle sprains were randomized into a kinesiology taping group and a conventional compression bandage group. Edema reduction was significantly faster in the taping group, and gait function at 2 weeks was superior.

Key Conclusion

Kinesiology taping is effective in reducing edema and promoting early functional recovery in the initial management of acute ankle sprains.

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Case Study Ankle / Foot Pain

Case Report on the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

Lim CY, Jang SY, Kwon OH, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2021)

3 subjects Number of Participants
50%↑ Pain Reduction

Bee venom pharmacopuncture may contribute to pain relief through anti-inflammatory effects in patients with refractory plantar fasciitis.

View Source 2021
Case Study Ankle / Foot Pain

Case Report on the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

Lim CY, Jang SY, Kwon OH, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2021)
3 subjects Number of Participants
50%↑ Pain Reduction

Summary

Eight sessions of bee venom pharmacopuncture were administered to three patients with plantar fasciitis unresponsive to over six months of conservative treatment. VAS scores decreased by more than 50% in all patients, and ultrasound revealed reduced fascia thickness.

Key Conclusion

Bee venom pharmacopuncture may contribute to pain relief through anti-inflammatory effects in patients with refractory plantar fasciitis.

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RCT Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of a Korean Medicine Rehabilitation Program for Preventing Ankle Sprain Recurrence

Kim YR, Nam SS, Jung SH, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)

62% Recurrence Reduction
68 subjects Number of Participants

Korean medicine rehabilitation programs can serve as an effective strategy for preventing ankle sprain recurrence.

View Source 2024
RCT Ankle / Foot Pain

Effect of a Korean Medicine Rehabilitation Program for Preventing Ankle Sprain Recurrence

Kim YR, Nam SS, Jung SH, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024)
62% Recurrence Reduction
68 subjects Number of Participants

Summary

Sixty-eight patients with a history of recurrent ankle sprains underwent a 16-week Korean medicine rehabilitation program including acupuncture and chuna manipulation. After 1 year of follow-up, the recurrence rate decreased by 62% compared to controls.

Key Conclusion

Korean medicine rehabilitation programs can serve as an effective strategy for preventing ankle sprain recurrence.

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