Question 1

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Compression of the median nerve in the wrist causing numbness and pain.

Question 2

Can carpal tunnel be treated without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 70–80% of cases respond to conservative treatment.

Question 3

How long does carpal tunnel treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Mild 4–8 weeks; severe 2–3 months on average.

Question 4

Hand numbness wakes me at night — is this carpal tunnel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, classic carpal tunnel symptom is night-time numbness.

Question 5

Is acupuncture effective for carpal tunnel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for nerve symptoms.

Question 6

Are there ways to prevent carpal tunnel?

Accepted Answer

Yes — ergonomic setup, regular breaks, and wrist exercises.

Question 7

I developed carpal tunnel during pregnancy — can it be treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with pregnancy-safe treatments.

Question 8

What is tenosynovitis?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation of the tendon sheath causing pain and limited motion.

Question 9

Can tenosynovitis be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent — pharmacopuncture highly effective.

Question 10

How long does tenosynovitis treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Acute 4–6 weeks; chronic 2–3 months.

Question 11

What is de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation of thumb-side tendons causing pain when moving thumb/wrist.

Question 12

Why did my tenosynovitis worsen after delivery?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum hormonal changes and frequent baby lifting cause de Quervain's.

Question 13

Does a brace help tenosynovitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, splinting reduces tendon stress and accelerates healing.

Question 14

How can I prevent tenosynovitis recurrence?

Accepted Answer

Ergonomic adjustments, regular stretching, and avoiding repetitive overuse.

Question 15

What is trigger finger?

Accepted Answer

Catching/locking of finger when bending due to tendon nodule.

Question 16

Can trigger finger be treated without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 70–80% respond to conservative treatment.

Question 17

How long does trigger finger treatment take?

Accepted Answer

4–8 weeks for most cases.

Question 18

My finger locks in the morning — is this trigger finger?

Accepted Answer

Yes, morning stiffness/locking is a classic trigger finger symptom.

Question 19

Is pharmacopuncture effective for trigger finger?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent — Bee venom often resolves trigger finger.

Question 20

Can trigger finger develop in multiple fingers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, multiple fingers can be affected, especially in diabetics.

Question 21

Are there ways to prevent trigger finger?

Accepted Answer

Yes — avoiding repetitive gripping and managing diabetes if applicable.

Question 22

What is a ganglion cyst?

Accepted Answer

Fluid-filled lump on wrist or hand caused by joint or tendon sheath leakage.

Question 23

Can ganglion cysts be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for small-medium cysts.

Question 24

Must ganglion cysts be treated?

Accepted Answer

Not always — asymptomatic cysts can be monitored.

Question 25

How long does ganglion cyst treatment take?

Accepted Answer

4–8 weeks for most cases.

Question 26

Can I pop a ganglion cyst?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not recommended — high recurrence and infection risk.

Question 27

Can ganglion cysts recur?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 30–50% recur after any treatment.

Question 28

How is ganglion cyst distinguished from a tumor?

Accepted Answer

Ganglion: soft, fluctuant, transilluminates. Tumor: harder, fixed, doesn't transilluminate.

Question 29

Can finger arthritis be treated with Korean medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for symptom management and slowing progression.

Question 30

How long does finger arthritis treatment take?

Accepted Answer

2–3 months for symptom management; ongoing maintenance.

Question 31

Are thicker finger joints arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Likely — joint thickening (Heberden's/Bouchard's nodes) signals osteoarthritis.

Question 32

Are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis different?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fundamentally different — autoimmune vs wear-and-tear.

Question 33

Does moxibustion help finger arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for cold-type arthritis and morning stiffness.

Question 34

Are there ways to prevent finger arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Yes — joint protection, exercise, healthy weight, and proper nutrition.

Question 35

Is herbal medicine effective for finger arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for kidney-deficiency type arthritis.

Question 36

How long does treatment usually take?

Accepted Answer

Acute 2–4 weeks; chronic and severe cases 1–3 months.

Question 37

What examinations should I do first for wrist pain?

Accepted Answer

Wrist exam, X-ray, and ultrasound or nerve conduction studies as needed.

Question 38

I was recommended surgery — can Korean medicine replace it?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 39

Are there lifestyle habits to prevent wrist pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes — proper ergonomics, regular stretching, and avoiding repetitive strain.

Question 40

Is night-time consultation available?

Accepted Answer

Limited evening hours available; please call to confirm.

Question 41

Can I see orthopedic and Korean medicine clinic together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dual treatment is allowed and often more effective.

Question 42

Does cupping help wrist pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for forearm muscle tension affecting the wrist.

Question 43

Does moxibustion help the wrist?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 44

Can physical therapy alone heal wrist pain?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 45

Do you also do wrist traction therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gentle wrist traction available for stiff wrists and carpal tunnel.

Question 46

What effect does infrared therapy provide?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 47

How long do cupping marks last?

Accepted Answer

5–10 days typically; harmless and not bruising.

Question 48

What is ICT (interferential current) therapy?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 49

Is wrist Korean medicine treatment covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 50

How much does Chuna therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 51

Can I claim herbal medicine cost on private insurance?

Accepted Answer

Generally not — herbal medicine usually excluded.

Question 52

Are card payments and installments available?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 53

Is industrial-related wrist treatment available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fully covered by industrial insurance.

Question 54

How much is the initial consultation fee?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 55

Is Chuna therapy painful?

Accepted Answer

Generally not painful — most patients find it relaxing.

Question 56

Is Chuna effective for wrist conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, very effective for joint stiffness, alignment issues, and tendon problems.

Question 57

Is Chuna therapy covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 58

Are there precautions after Chuna treatment?

Accepted Answer

Avoid heavy lifting and forceful gripping for 24–48 hours.

Question 59

Are there precautions after wrist Chuna treatment?

Accepted Answer

Avoid heavy lifting, repetitive typing, and forceful gripping for 24–48 hours.

Question 60

Is acupuncture effective for wrist pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially excellent for tendon and nerve-related pain.

Question 61

How is pharmacopuncture used in wrist 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 wrist hurt more after acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

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

Wrist / Hand Pain

🏥 FAQs by Condition

Acupuncture & Pharmacopuncture

Cupping & Physical Therapy

Herbal Medicine

Chuna Therapy

Cost & Insurance

Other Treatments

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Tenosynovitis

Trigger Finger

Ganglion Cyst

Finger Arthritis

💬 All FAQs 71questions