Question 1

What is AC joint pain?

Accepted Answer

Pain at the top of shoulder where collarbone meets the shoulder blade.

Question 2

Can AC joint pain be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for inflammation and chronic pain.

Question 3

How long does AC joint treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Acute 2–4 weeks; chronic 1–3 months.

Question 4

Top of shoulder hurts after weight training — is this AC joint?

Accepted Answer

Likely — bench press and overhead pressing commonly cause AC joint issues.

Question 5

Can AC joint dislocation also be treated?

Accepted Answer

Mild grades conservatively; severe grades may need surgery.

Question 6

Is AC joint degeneration natural with age?

Accepted Answer

Yes, common with aging — but treatable with Korean medicine.

Question 7

Does taping help AC joint pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, kinesiotape supports the AC joint and reduces pain.

Question 8

What is a labral lesion?

Accepted Answer

Tear of the cartilage rim (labrum) around the shoulder socket.

Question 9

Can labral lesion be treated without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Some yes; severe SLAP and Bankart often need surgery.

Question 10

What is a SLAP lesion?

Accepted Answer

Tear of the upper labrum extending front to back, often biceps-related.

Question 11

How long does labral lesion treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Conservative 3–6 months; post-surgical 4–6 months rehab.

Question 12

Feels like my shoulder pops out — is this a labral problem?

Accepted Answer

Possibly — instability/subluxation often indicates labral injury.

Question 13

Are rehabilitation exercises important for labral injury?

Accepted Answer

Yes, essential — strengthening shoulder stabilizers prevents recurrence.

Question 14

Can labral lesions be degenerative?

Accepted Answer

Yes, age-related degenerative tears are common after age 40.

Question 15

How long does treatment usually take?

Accepted Answer

Acute 2–4 weeks; chronic and frozen shoulder 2–6 months.

Question 16

What examinations should I do first for shoulder pain?

Accepted Answer

Shoulder exam, X-ray, and MRI when soft tissue injury suspected.

Question 17

I was recommended surgery — can Korean medicine replace it?

Accepted Answer

For 70–80% of cases yes; severe cases require surgery for safety.

Question 18

Are there lifestyle habits to prevent shoulder pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes — proper posture, scapular strengthening, and avoiding repetitive overhead work.

Question 19

Is night-time consultation available?

Accepted Answer

Limited evening hours available; please call to confirm.

Question 20

Can I see orthopedic and Korean medicine clinic together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dual treatment is allowed and often more effective.

Question 21

Does cupping help shoulder pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for muscle stiffness and chronic tension.

Question 22

Does moxibustion help the shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for cold-type shoulder pain and chronic stiffness.

Question 23

Can physical therapy alone heal shoulder pain?

Accepted Answer

For mild cases yes; chronic/severe cases need combined approach.

Question 24

Do you also do shoulder traction therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gentle shoulder traction available for stiff/frozen shoulder.

Question 25

What effect does infrared therapy provide?

Accepted Answer

Deep heat therapy improves circulation, relieves pain, and aids muscle relaxation.

Question 26

How long do cupping marks last?

Accepted Answer

5–10 days typically; harmless and not bruising.

Question 27

What is ICT (interferential current) therapy?

Accepted Answer

Mid-frequency electrical stimulation that penetrates deep for pain relief.

Question 28

Is shoulder Korean medicine treatment covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Chuna, and physical therapy covered.

Question 29

How much does Chuna therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

16,000–22,000 KRW per session with insurance; ~50,000 KRW out-of-pocket.

Question 30

Can I claim herbal medicine cost on private insurance?

Accepted Answer

Generally not — herbal medicine usually excluded.

Question 31

Are card payments and installments available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all major cards with up to 12-month installments.

Question 32

Is industrial-related shoulder treatment available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fully covered by industrial insurance.

Question 33

How much is the initial consultation fee?

Accepted Answer

About 5,000–10,000 KRW with insurance.

Question 34

What is calcific tendinitis?

Accepted Answer

Calcium deposits in shoulder tendons causing severe pain.

Question 35

Can calcific tendinitis be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent — Bee venom pharmacopuncture accelerates calcium resorption.

Question 36

How long does calcific tendinitis treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Acute phase 4–6 weeks; full resorption 2–6 months.

Question 37

Can calcium deposits disappear on their own?

Accepted Answer

Yes, calcium can naturally resorb, often during the painful resorbing phase.

Question 38

Is Bee venom pharmacopuncture effective for calcific tendinitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent — known for accelerating calcium resorption.

Question 39

Can calcific tendinitis and frozen shoulder occur together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, can coexist — careful diagnosis essential for proper treatment.

Question 40

Can calcific tendinitis recur?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 30–40% recur — preventive care essential.

Question 41

What is frozen shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Painful loss of shoulder mobility due to capsule inflammation and adhesion.

Question 42

Is Korean medicine effective for frozen shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent — accelerates recovery significantly.

Question 43

How long does frozen shoulder treatment take?

Accepted Answer

3–6 months with Korean medicine; longer for severe cases.

Question 44

Will frozen shoulder heal on its own with time?

Accepted Answer

Eventually yes, but takes 18–24 months without treatment.

Question 45

Can I exercise with frozen shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gentle range exercises essential — avoid forceful stretching.

Question 46

How is frozen shoulder distinguished from rotator cuff tear?

Accepted Answer

Frozen shoulder: passive ROM limited; rotator cuff: active ROM weak with normal passive.

Question 47

Can both shoulders develop frozen shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 20–30% of patients develop bilateral frozen shoulder.

Question 48

Is Chuna therapy painful?

Accepted Answer

Generally not painful — most patients find it relaxing.

Question 49

Is Chuna effective for shoulder conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, very effective for frozen shoulder, impingement, and AC joint issues.

Question 50

Is Chuna therapy covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, since 2019 covered up to 20 sessions per year.

Question 51

Are there precautions after Chuna treatment?

Accepted Answer

Avoid heavy lifting, prolonged overhead activities, and intense exercise for 24–48 hours.

Question 52

Are there precautions after shoulder Chuna treatment?

Accepted Answer

Avoid heavy lifting and overhead activities for 24–48 hours; gentle range exercises encouraged.

Question 53

What is shoulder impingement syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Pinching of rotator cuff tendons under acromion bone, causing pain on overhead motion.

Question 54

Can impingement syndrome be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent — corrects underlying causes.

Question 55

How long does impingement syndrome treatment take?

Accepted Answer

2–3 months with comprehensive treatment.

Question 56

Pain only when raising the arm — is this impingement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, classic impingement symptom is painful arc 60–120 degrees.

Question 57

What happens if impingement is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Can progress to rotator cuff tendinitis, then partial or full tear.

Question 58

Is Chuna effective for impingement syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent — corrects underlying alignment issues.

Question 59

Are there exercises to prevent impingement syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Yes — scapular strengthening, postural correction, and external rotation exercises.

Question 60

Is acupuncture effective for shoulder pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for muscle, tendon, and joint pain.

Question 61

How is pharmacopuncture used in shoulder treatment?

Accepted Answer

Anti-inflammatory herbal extract injected into specific painful spots.

Question 62

What is electroacupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture combined with mild electrical stimulation for stronger effect.

Question 63

How often should I receive acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Acute 2–3x weekly; chronic 1–2x weekly; reduce as recovery progresses.

Question 64

Can my shoulder hurt more after acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Mild temporary soreness is normal; severe worsening should be reported.

Shoulder Pain

🏥 FAQs by Condition

Acupuncture & Pharmacopuncture

Cupping & Physical Therapy

Herbal Medicine

Chuna Therapy

Cost & Insurance

Other Treatments

Frozen Shoulder

Rotator Cuff Injury

Calcific Tendinitis

Impingement Syndrome

AC Joint Pain

Labral Lesion

💬 All FAQs 78questions