As a Licensed Acupuncturist I often get calls for an emergency
appointment for severe neck pain, with stiffness and limited mobility.
In these cases, I know the patient is looking for fast pain relief. And
before they call me they have usually try everything else without any
improvement.
What to expect at an acupuncture visit.
As soon as the patient is settled in the room, I start the interview with specific questions such as how long has he had the pain, how this pain started etc. I check the blood pressure, and if the blood pressure is not too high or too low, I do a physical exam. I then place needles in the patient's ears to help them relax and allow the body to receive treatment easily.
After that, I introduce sliding cupping and explain to the patient all benefits that they will get from this modality. Also, I explain the side effects such as bruises that result from cupping. The patient is usually compliant for treatment by this point so they receive pain relief as soon as possible.
As I apply olive oil on the affected area I start to massage affected area, after that I apply cups and leave them there for a few minutes. Then slowly I move them through the affected area for several minutes. After removing cups and cleaning treatment area, the next step is acupuncture. After I apply needles in the neck, hands, legs and feet, I set an Infra-Red lamp along with some electro stimulation attached to needles in the painful area. Turning on soothing music, turning off lights, I leave the needles in place for about 25-30 minutes.
When I check in on the patient, I usually find a much more relaxed person, but they still may not be sure they will get any result with the treatment (since lying in one position without moving does not show any results yet). Removing the electro- stimulation, turning off the Infra-Red lamp and removing needles are preparation for the big moment of truth. At first, the patient's movements are slow and careful, than a slow smile is proof that the patient's pain level has improved. As we make the next treatment and walk out of the treatment room, I give the final instructions for care at home.
At the end, don't forget that every journey starts with the first step, therefore, let this knowledge lead you toward your own "Bridge to Health".
What to expect at an acupuncture visit.
As soon as the patient is settled in the room, I start the interview with specific questions such as how long has he had the pain, how this pain started etc. I check the blood pressure, and if the blood pressure is not too high or too low, I do a physical exam. I then place needles in the patient's ears to help them relax and allow the body to receive treatment easily.
After that, I introduce sliding cupping and explain to the patient all benefits that they will get from this modality. Also, I explain the side effects such as bruises that result from cupping. The patient is usually compliant for treatment by this point so they receive pain relief as soon as possible.
As I apply olive oil on the affected area I start to massage affected area, after that I apply cups and leave them there for a few minutes. Then slowly I move them through the affected area for several minutes. After removing cups and cleaning treatment area, the next step is acupuncture. After I apply needles in the neck, hands, legs and feet, I set an Infra-Red lamp along with some electro stimulation attached to needles in the painful area. Turning on soothing music, turning off lights, I leave the needles in place for about 25-30 minutes.
When I check in on the patient, I usually find a much more relaxed person, but they still may not be sure they will get any result with the treatment (since lying in one position without moving does not show any results yet). Removing the electro- stimulation, turning off the Infra-Red lamp and removing needles are preparation for the big moment of truth. At first, the patient's movements are slow and careful, than a slow smile is proof that the patient's pain level has improved. As we make the next treatment and walk out of the treatment room, I give the final instructions for care at home.
At the end, don't forget that every journey starts with the first step, therefore, let this knowledge lead you toward your own "Bridge to Health".
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