There are a variety of diseases and conditions that are not susceptible, or only partly responsive to traditional Western medicine. Millions of people throughout the world face this issue, and acupuncture may be a good alternative for them.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment that originated in China and has been practiced for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the mid to increase blood flow, and release natural painkillers.
What is it used for?
This technique has been quite successful in treating pain related to particular conditions:
Neurological conditions – a migraine and tension headaches
Musculoskeletal disorders – osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia
Obstetrics and Gynecology – labor pains and menstrual cramps
Oral health – TMJ and toothaches
Oncologic disorders – nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
Side Effects
There are little to no side effects, contingent upon the acupuncturist performing this technique correctly. Potential risks include soreness, organ injury and infection. However, organ injury and infection can be prevented, provided the practitioner inserts the needle correctly and uses sterile needles.
Setting up an appointment
As with any health care provider, it is prudent to suggest someone. Some insurances will pay for this treatment, so inquire if this is a covered benefit through your provider.
What happens at the visit?
Initially, a patient will be assessed to twenty minutes, the needles are easily removed.
Outcomes
Studies, with regard to other treatments.
About the Author
Dr. Lev Kalika is a world-recognized expert in musculoskeletal ultrasonography, with 20+ years of clinical experience in advanced rehabilitative medicine. In addition to operating his clinical practice in Manhattan, he regularly publishes peer-reviewed research on ultrasound-guided therapies and procedures.
Dr. Kalika is an esteemed member of the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment ((SMST), and the only clinician in New York certified by the ISMST to perform extracorporeal shockwave therapy. He is also an active member of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), and has developed his own unique approach to dynamic functional and fascial ultrasonography.
In this instance, an athlete was originally diagnosed with minor quadriceps muscle strain and was treated for four weeks, with unsatisfactory results. When he came to our clinic, the muscle was not healing, and the patients’ muscle tissue had already begun to atrophy.
Upon examination using MSUS, we discovered that he had a full muscle thickness tear that had been overlooked by his previous provider. To mitigate damage and promote healing, surgery should have been performed immediately after the injury occurred. Because of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the patient now has permanent damage that cannot be corrected.
The most important advantage of Ultrasound over MRI imaging is its ability to zero in on the symptomatic region and obtain imaging, with active participation and feedback from the patient. Using dynamic MSUS, we can see what happens when patients contract their muscles, something that cannot be done with MRI. From a diagnostic perspective, this interaction is invaluable.
Dynamic ultrasonography examination demonstrating the full thickness tear and already occurring muscle atrophy due to misdiagnosis and not referring the patient to proper diagnostic workup
Demonstration of how very small muscle defect is made and revealed to be a complete tear with muscle contraction under diagnostic sonography (not possible with MRI)
Complete tear of rectus femoris with large hematoma (blood)
Separation of muscle ends due to tear elicited on dynamic sonography examination
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