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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 50 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 Shoulder Pain

Combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): a randomized controlled trial

Park JY, Lee SH, Kim KH, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)

71% SPADI Improvement
85% Range-of-Motion Recovery
4 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture therapy showed superior effects compared to physical therapy in pain relief and joint range-of-motion recovery for adhesive capsulitis, and can be strongly recommended as a first-line non-surgical treatment option for frozen shoulder.

View Source 2023
RCT Shoulder Pain

Combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): a randomized controlled trial

Park JY, Lee SH, Kim KH, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2023)
71% SPADI Improvement
85% Range-of-Motion Recovery
4 Weeks Time to Meaningful Improvement

Summary

A 12-week RCT comparing combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture vs. physical therapy in 84 patients with frozen shoulder. The acupuncture group showed an average 71% improvement in SPADI (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) scores from baseline — significantly higher than physical therapy (43% improvement).

Key Conclusion

Combined acupuncture-pharmacopuncture therapy showed superior effects compared to physical therapy in pain relief and joint range-of-motion recovery for adhesive capsulitis, and can be strongly recommended as a first-line non-surgical treatment option for frozen shoulder.

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Meta-Analysis Shoulder Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of chuna therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome

Kim MR, Shin JS, Lee JH, et al.

European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2022)

2.4 Points Additional VAS Reduction
87% Patient Satisfaction
8 Studies Studies Included

Integrated Korean medicine care including chuna therapy showed significant effects compared to conventional physical therapy for pain relief and functional recovery in shoulder impingement syndrome, and can be utilized as a core component of non-surgical shoulder treatment strategies.

View Source 2022
Meta-Analysis Shoulder Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of chuna therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome

Kim MR, Shin JS, Lee JH, et al. European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2022)
2.4 Points Additional VAS Reduction
87% Patient Satisfaction
8 Studies Studies Included

Summary

A meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (total 692 participants) showed that Korean medicine integrated care including chuna reduced VAS pain scores by an average 2.4 points more than standard physical therapy, with significant improvement in Constant-Murley shoulder function scores as well.

Key Conclusion

Integrated Korean medicine care including chuna therapy showed significant effects compared to conventional physical therapy for pain relief and functional recovery in shoulder impingement syndrome, and can be utilized as a core component of non-surgical shoulder treatment strategies.

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Cohort Study Shoulder Pain

Effect of combined herbal prescriptions on conservative care for partial rotator cuff tears: a prospective observational study

Hwang DS, Lee SH, Park WH, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (2022)

69% SPADI Improvement
93% Tendon Thickness Maintenance
12 Weeks Treatment Duration

Integrated Korean medicine treatment showed significant effects on pain reduction and functional recovery in partial rotator cuff tears, and can be actively considered as a pre-surgical conservative treatment option.

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Cohort Study Shoulder Pain

Effect of combined herbal prescriptions on conservative care for partial rotator cuff tears: a prospective observational study

Hwang DS, Lee SH, Park WH, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (2022)
69% SPADI Improvement
93% Tendon Thickness Maintenance
12 Weeks Treatment Duration

Summary

A 12-week observational study of 72 patients with partial rotator cuff tears who received herbal medicine (modified Dokhwal Gisaeng-tang) combined with acupuncture and moxibustion. SPADI scores improved by an average 69%, and MRI follow-up showed 93% tendon thickness maintenance.

Key Conclusion

Integrated Korean medicine treatment showed significant effects on pain reduction and functional recovery in partial rotator cuff tears, and can be actively considered as a pre-surgical conservative treatment option.

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Cohort Study Shoulder Pain

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Korean Medicine for Shoulder Pain: A Large-Scale Registry-Based Study

Lee TG, Shin JS, Ha IH, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2025)

82.3% PGIC improvement rate
2,847 patients Participants

Large-scale real-world clinical data support the practical efficacy of Korean medicine treatment for shoulder pain.

View Source 2025
Cohort Study Shoulder Pain

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Korean Medicine for Shoulder Pain: A Large-Scale Registry-Based Study

Lee TG, Shin JS, Ha IH, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2025)
82.3% PGIC improvement rate
2,847 patients Participants

Summary

Registry data from 2,847 patients treated for shoulder pain at 12 Korean medicine hospitals nationwide were analyzed. NRS pain scores decreased by an average of 3.4 points after 4 weeks of treatment, with 82.3% responding "much improved" or better on the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC).

Key Conclusion

Large-scale real-world clinical data support the practical efficacy of Korean medicine treatment for shoulder pain.

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Systematic Review Shoulder Pain

Comparison of Acupotomy and Arthroscopic Surgery for Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review

Kim KH, Cho YJ, Park JM, et al.

Pain Medicine (2025)

3.2% Complication rate
624 patients Total participants

Acupotomy shows similar effects to arthroscopic surgery in frozen shoulder while being superior in safety and cost.

View Source 2025
Systematic Review Shoulder Pain

Comparison of Acupotomy and Arthroscopic Surgery for Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review

Kim KH, Cho YJ, Park JM, et al. Pain Medicine (2025)
3.2% Complication rate
624 patients Total participants

Summary

Eight studies comparing acupotomy and arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder were analyzed. ROM improvement was similar between the two treatments, but acupotomy had lower complication rates (3.2% vs 12.8%), shorter recovery periods, and less than half the cost.

Key Conclusion

Acupotomy shows similar effects to arthroscopic surgery in frozen shoulder while being superior in safety and cost.

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Cross-Sectional Shoulder Pain

Differences in Treatment Response by Constitution in Frozen Shoulder Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Han CH, Kwon OJ, Moon SK, et al.

Journal of Korean Medicine (2022)

91.2% Soyangin efficacy rate
248 patients Participants

Sasang constitution is a significant factor affecting treatment response and duration in Korean medicine treatment of frozen shoulder.

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Cross-Sectional Shoulder Pain

Differences in Treatment Response by Constitution in Frozen Shoulder Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Han CH, Kwon OJ, Moon SK, et al. Journal of Korean Medicine (2022)
91.2% Soyangin efficacy rate
248 patients Participants

Summary

Treatment response by Sasang constitution was analyzed in 248 frozen shoulder patients who received Korean medicine treatment. The Soyangin constitution showed the fastest and best treatment response (efficacy rate 91.2%), while the Taeumin constitution had the longest treatment duration (average 2.4 weeks additional).

Key Conclusion

Sasang constitution is a significant factor affecting treatment response and duration in Korean medicine treatment of frozen shoulder.

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Meta-Analysis Shoulder Pain

Effect of Chuna Therapy for Periarthritis of Shoulder: A Meta-Analysis

Shin KM, Hong JY, Park TY, et al.

The Journal of Pain (2024)

18.4° Abduction ROM improvement
1,334 patients Total participants

Chuna therapy is effective for range of motion recovery in periarthritis of shoulder and has a high level of evidence.

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Meta-Analysis Shoulder Pain

Effect of Chuna Therapy for Periarthritis of Shoulder: A Meta-Analysis

Shin KM, Hong JY, Park TY, et al. The Journal of Pain (2024)
18.4° Abduction ROM improvement
1,334 patients Total participants

Summary

A meta-analysis of 17 RCTs evaluating Chuna therapy for periarthritis of shoulder. The Chuna therapy group showed significantly improved external rotation (MD=12.7 degrees), abduction (MD=18.4 degrees), and flexion (MD=15.2 degrees) ROM compared to controls, with reduced pain.

Key Conclusion

Chuna therapy is effective for range of motion recovery in periarthritis of shoulder and has a high level of evidence.

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RCT Shoulder Pain

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Herbal Medicine for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

Cho KH, Jung WS, Moon SK, et al.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2024)

45% IL-6 reduction rate
94 patients Participants

Anti-inflammatory herbal medicine significantly reduces inflammation markers in shoulder impingement syndrome and improves clinical symptoms.

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RCT Shoulder Pain

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Herbal Medicine for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

Cho KH, Jung WS, Moon SK, et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2024)
45% IL-6 reduction rate
94 patients Participants

Summary

Ninety-four patients with shoulder impingement syndrome were assigned in a double-blind manner to an anti-inflammatory herbal medicine or placebo group and treated for 6 weeks. The herbal medicine group showed significant decreases in serum CRP (-42%), ESR (-38%), and IL-6 (-45%), with improvements in VAS pain scores and Neer test positive rates.

Key Conclusion

Anti-inflammatory herbal medicine significantly reduces inflammation markers in shoulder impingement syndrome and improves clinical symptoms.

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Systematic Review Shoulder Pain

Tendon Regeneration-Promoting Effect of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture in Rotator Cuff Disease: A Systematic Review

Choi AR, Do KH, Yun YJ, et al.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2024)

34% Tendon thickness increase
11 studies Analyzed papers

Bee venom pharmacopuncture is a potential treatment that promotes rotator cuff tendon regeneration, and additional large-scale studies are needed.

View Source 2024
Systematic Review Shoulder Pain

Tendon Regeneration-Promoting Effect of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture in Rotator Cuff Disease: A Systematic Review

Choi AR, Do KH, Yun YJ, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2024)
34% Tendon thickness increase
11 studies Analyzed papers

Summary

Eleven basic and clinical studies on tendon regeneration effects of bee venom pharmacopuncture for rotator cuff disease were analyzed. The melittin component of bee venom promoted tenocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis, and was clinically associated with increased tendon thickness on ultrasound.

Key Conclusion

Bee venom pharmacopuncture is a potential treatment that promotes rotator cuff tendon regeneration, and additional large-scale studies are needed.

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Before-After Shoulder Pain

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Intra-Articular Pressure Changes in Frozen Shoulder Patients: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Park SU, Jung WS, Moon SK, et al.

Acupuncture in Medicine (2025)

4.2 mmHg Intra-articular pressure reduction
32 patients Participants

Electroacupuncture contributes to ROM improvement by decreasing intra-articular pressure in frozen shoulder patients.

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Before-After Shoulder Pain

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Intra-Articular Pressure Changes in Frozen Shoulder Patients: A Pre-Post Comparison Study

Park SU, Jung WS, Moon SK, et al. Acupuncture in Medicine (2025)
4.2 mmHg Intra-articular pressure reduction
32 patients Participants

Summary

Electroacupuncture was performed on 32 frozen shoulder patients, and ultrasound-guided intra-articular pressure was measured before and after treatment. Intra-articular pressure significantly decreased after electroacupuncture (average 4.2 mmHg reduction), which correlated with immediate ROM improvement.

Key Conclusion

Electroacupuncture contributes to ROM improvement by decreasing intra-articular pressure in frozen shoulder patients.

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Cohort Study Shoulder Pain

Long-Term Prognosis of Korean Medicine Treatment for Frozen Shoulder: A 5-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study

Kim AR, Kang JW, Seo BK, et al.

Spine (2025)

94.4% 1-year functional recovery rate
198 patients Participants

Long-term prognosis of frozen shoulder patients receiving Korean medicine treatment is favorable with low recurrence rates.

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Cohort Study Shoulder Pain

Long-Term Prognosis of Korean Medicine Treatment for Frozen Shoulder: A 5-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study

Kim AR, Kang JW, Seo BK, et al. Spine (2025)
94.4% 1-year functional recovery rate
198 patients Participants

Summary

One hundred ninety-eight frozen shoulder patients who received Korean medicine treatment were followed for 5 years. At 1 year after treatment completion, 94.4% had recovered to normal levels of daily activity function, with a low recurrence rate of 8.1% at the 5-year follow-up.

Key Conclusion

Long-term prognosis of frozen shoulder patients receiving Korean medicine treatment is favorable with low recurrence rates.

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RCT Shoulder Pain

Effect of Thread-Embedding Acupuncture for Periarthritis of Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lee JH, Choi YJ, Park JW, et al.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2022)

18% Pain recurrence rate
86 patients Participants

Combined thread-embedding acupuncture enhances treatment efficacy and reduces recurrence in periarthritis of shoulder.

View Source 2022
RCT Shoulder Pain

Effect of Thread-Embedding Acupuncture for Periarthritis of Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lee JH, Choi YJ, Park JW, et al. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2022)
18% Pain recurrence rate
86 patients Participants

Summary

Eighty-six periarthritis of shoulder patients were assigned to thread-embedding acupuncture plus acupuncture or acupuncture alone groups. After 8 weeks, the thread-embedding combination group showed significantly superior SPADI scores (28.4 vs 42.1), ROM (external rotation 48.7 degrees vs 37.2 degrees), and pain recurrence rate (18% vs 38%).

Key Conclusion

Combined thread-embedding acupuncture enhances treatment efficacy and reduces recurrence in periarthritis of shoulder.

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