Surgery is not always the first step
If there are no urgent signs such as nerve weakness, conservative care while monitoring progress is an option. We read the imaging together with your symptoms.
Pain
Chronic Pain Care
For pain that lasts or keeps returning, such as disc problems, spinal stenosis and frozen shoulder, we look at the structure causing it first, then combine acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, needle-knife, thread therapy and manual spinal therapy.
CHECK
This may be for you if…
- Neck, shoulder or back pain lasting over three months or recurring
- Slow recovery after a diagnosis of disc herniation, stenosis or frozen shoulder
- Pain that returns after hospital or physical therapy
- Numbness in arms or legs, or leg pain when walking
- Those who want to explore other options before considering surgery
UNDERSTAND
Pain, explained simply
“Intractable” describes pain that is slow to improve with standard care. The same diagnosis can come from different structures, so we look at why it hurts before where it hurts.
70%Share of herniated discs that shrink over timeStudy synthesis · Chiu 2015
1/3Stenosis patients who improved at 3 years after non-surgical careJAMA review · Katz 2022
20,827People included in a meta-analysis of acupuncture for chronic painVickers 2018
16.8mmExtra neck-pain reduction vs. usual care at 5 weeks with chunaVAS · Lee 2021
Leg numbness when walking
It often worsens when you arch your back and eases when you sit. Activity adjustment, physical therapy and Korean medicine are tried step by step and reassessed regularly.
Care that follows the stage
In the painful early stage we calm inflammation; afterwards we continue treatment and exercise to regain movement.
APPROACH
How we treat
Acupuncture & pharmacopuncture
Acupuncture is the basic treatment. Pharmacopuncture places herbal extracts at the painful area to help ease inflammation and support tissue recovery.
Needle-knife therapy
Releases adhesions in long-standing stiff fascia and tendons to widen the range of movement.
Thread therapy
Absorbable threads help support weakened areas and tissue regeneration, usually planned as 3 to 5 sessions about a week apart.
Corrective chuna
Improves the movement of the whole body rather than single segments, looking at the neck, back and pelvis together.
Craniosacral & jaw balance therapy
Balances the upper neck and jaw joint to address headache, dizziness and sleep issues linked to the autonomic nervous system.
Physical therapy & cupping
Electrical therapy relaxes muscles, and cupping assists with tight or widespread aches.
PROCESS
What a visit looks like
- STEP 01Interview & palpationWe listen to when and in which movements it hurts, and carefully press the area and its surroundings.
- STEP 02Physical examinationRange of motion, strength and nerve tests narrow down the structure behind the pain.
- STEP 03Imaging reviewIf you bring X-rays or MRI, we explain them against your symptoms.
- STEP 04Treatment planWe explain the tools that fit the cause, the expected course and the treatment interval.
- STEP 05Treatment & follow-upWe review changes after treatment, adjust the plan and show ways to reduce recurrence.
Please note
- After needle-knife or thread therapy, a stiff feeling may last 2 to 3 days, sometimes up to a week. It is part of tissue changing and we explain it beforehand.
- Leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain right after an injury needs emergency evaluation first.
- Treatment results and progress vary by individual.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
I was advised to have surgery. Can I try treatment first?
If there are no urgent signs such as leg weakness or bladder and bowel problems, conservative treatment can be tried first. We review your imaging and symptoms together, and refer you to a specialist when needed.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long you have had the pain and which structure is involved. We explain the likely course at the first visit and adjust the plan after checking your response.
Does it hurt?
We use very fine needles and the intensity can be adjusted. For needle-knife treatment we explain the process and sensations beforehand.
Before & After →Trial offers →Hours & directions →
Treatment results and progress vary by individual. This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation.