A Surge of Back and Shoulder Injuries Among Korean MLB Players: What Are the Korean Medicine Treatments?

Recently, news has emerged about injuries sustained by Korean players who have been performing exceptionally well in Major League Baseball (MLB). Ha-seong Kim (Tampa Bay Rays) and Hye-sung Kim (LA Dodgers) have both begun rehabilitation after suffering back and shoulder injuries, respectively. Although Ha-seong Kim has since returned to play for his team, he was placed on the Injured List (IL) last month after suffering a lumbar sprain. Around the same time, Hye-sung Kim was diagnosed with bursitis in his left shoulder. In addition, Do-young Kim, a star player from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) aiming to join MLB, has been ruled out for the season due to a hamstring injury.

Image material from the Tampa Bay team announcing the injury news of player Kim Ha-sung. Photo by Tampa Bay Rays

Due to the nature of baseball, which requires players to repeatedly perform intense swings and throws and to sprint at full speed to bases, injuries are common. In light of the recent injuries among Korean MLB players, let's explore the corresponding treatment methods from the perspective of Korean medicine.

Lumbar Sprain in Ha-seong Kim: 'Motion Style Acupuncture Therapy' Effective for Acute Low Back Pain

At the end of last month, Ha-seong Kim complained of back pain while attempting to steal second base during a game against the Chicago White Sox. He showed abnormal symptoms during a throwing motion after the change of innings and was eventually substituted out in the fourth inning. Although the injury was initially thought to be minor, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that he had suffered a lumbar sprain and placed him on the 10-day Injured List.

A lumbar sprain is a condition in which the ligaments connecting the vertebrae in the lower back are damaged, resulting in pain. The main causes include sudden, large movements or external impacts such as car accidents. Commonly referred to as "throwing out one's back," this condition can sometimes improve with sufficient rest for two to three weeks. However, if the pain worsens or persists over time, it is advisable to visit a nearby hospital for a medical evaluation.

In Korean medicine, integrated treatments are used to alleviate lumbar sprain symptoms, combining Motion Style Acupuncture Therapy (MSAT), Chuna manual therapy, and herbal medicine prescriptions. MSAT, in particular, is highly effective for acute low back pain and provides immediate pain relief.

Motion Style Acupuncture Therapy involves inserting needles around the area of pain while the practitioner actively or passively guides the patient's movements to relax tense muscles. A study published in the international journal 'PAIN' reported that MSAT reduced pain more than five times as effectively as conventional analgesics.

Bursitis in Hye-sung Kim's Shoulder: Excellent Results with Shinbaro Pharmacopuncture for Inflammation Reduction

Throughout July, Hye-sung Kim played through pain in his left shoulder. As a result, his batting average, which had been 0.383 in May and June, dropped to 0.193 in July. Ultimately, the LA Dodgers announced his shoulder bursitis injury and assigned him to a minor league rehabilitation game.

Shoulder bursitis is an inflammatory condition in which the bursa, a thin sac containing lubricating fluid that allows smooth movement of the shoulder, becomes irritated due to repetitive stress or trauma. The bursa reduces friction between bones, muscles, and tendons.

LA Dodgers player Hyesung Kim. Photo by LA Dodgers

Bursitis commonly occurs in athletes such as baseball and swimming players who frequently use their shoulder joints. The main symptom is joint pain during shoulder rotation, and in severe cases, the pain can radiate to the elbow and wrist.

In Korean medicine, Shinbaro pharmacopuncture is used to treat shoulder bursitis and improve related symptoms. Pharmacopuncture combines the physical stimulation of acupuncture with the pharmacological effects of herbal extracts, maximizing therapeutic outcomes. It rapidly reduces inflammation and pain while promoting the recovery of damaged nerves, cartilage, and other soft tissues. Shinbaro pharmacopuncture, in particular, contains Shinbarometin, which is effective for inflammation reduction and cartilage protection, and is widely used for relieving shoulder pain and promoting nerve regeneration.

In fact, a research team from Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine published a study in the SCI(E)-level international journal 'Integrative Medicine Research,' reporting that pharmacopuncture was significantly more effective than physical therapy in terms of pain relief, function, and range of motion in the treatment of shoulder joint conditions.

'Mellitin' in Bee Venom Acupuncture Improves Hamstring Function

Do-young Kim, who was preparing to move to the United States, suffered three hamstring injuries this year alone. He injured his left hamstring in the season opener, his right hamstring at the end of May, and his left hamstring again in a recent return game, ultimately being ruled out for the season.

The hamstring refers to the muscles and tendons that run from the buttocks down the back of the thigh to the knee joint. They are responsible for controlling running speed and changing direction. In sports such as baseball, soccer, and basketball, which require sprinting and rapid changes in direction, the hamstrings are often strained, leading to injury. Continuing to exercise with an injured hamstring can result in injury to the opposite side, so it is wise to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms are detected.

In Korean medicine, bee venom acupuncture is sometimes used to treat hamstring injuries. Bee venom contains 'Mellitin,' which suppresses tissue inflammatory responses and aids in cell protection and functional improvement. According to a research paper published by the Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine in the SCI(E)-level international journal 'Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy,' higher doses of Mellitin administered to laboratory rats led to increased use of their hind limbs and a reduced rate of missteps on a ladder course.

Director Hong Sunseong of Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine explained, "In baseball, there is significant rotation of the body during batting and of the shoulder during throwing, and players must sprint at full speed while running the bases. Therefore, injuries to the back, shoulder, and hamstring are common. If you experience unusual symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion compared to usual, do not hesitate to report them to the medical team and receive appropriate care to prevent further injury."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.