According to the Institute of Medicine, about 115 million Americans are living with chronic pain. When it seems like everyone knows someone with a bad back or shoulder, chronic stiff neck, migraines or an arthritic joint—that’s because 1/3rd of the country is suffering from these sorts of conditions. People often go for months and even years with unresolved pain, relying on pain-killers which are often better suited for short-term use. It doesn’t have to be this way, however. If you or a loved one is living with chronic pain, there are effective ways to help resolve the condition and restore ease of movement.
Research shows....not only was acupuncture more effective than a placebo, but that it was much more effective than standard treatments.
One medical practice that is both gentle and effective as well as safe for chronic pain is acupuncture. This is no surprise to those of you who’ve had acupuncture here at Manhattan Family Practice, where we’ve offered it since 2006. I’ve even used it myself to relieve a persistent shoulder pain that eased after just two sessions.
Recent research coming out of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center provides the best evidence yet of acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating osteoarthritic pain, as well as headaches, shoulder, neck, and back pain. Researchers there carefully analyzed the results from 18,000 people treated by acupuncture in the U.S. and Europe. They found not only was acupuncture more effective than a placebo, but that it was much more effective than standard treatments.
Acupuncture is a holistic medicine....both gentle and effective as well as safe for chronic pain.
Here is what you can expect from an acupuncture session from Christopher Dye, L.Ac., the acupuncturist at Manhattan Family Practice:
1: Listening - Acupuncture is a holistic medicine, so Christopher will ask a few questions to better understand you and your unique situation.
2: Gentle Chinese Massage - The treatment will begin with Chinese massage using aromatic Chinese herbs to relax muscles and tendons as well as improve circulation. This massage is an excellent treatment all on its own.
3. Gentle acupuncture - You may have a feeling of warmth or heaviness as the body brings circulation to the areas treated as part of its own intrinsic healing response. Acupuncture is often very relaxing and people often fall asleep during treatment!
Keep in mind that you might be shown gentle exercises to do at home. These are designed to relieve tension around the parts of the body where you’ve had discomfort. Acupuncture usually takes a few sessions to begin fully working, although you may feel some effects immediately. For longer term conditions, a longer course of treatment may be necessary.
For more information on Christopher Dye call our office on 212 288 7193. His website is http://manhattanclassicalacupuncture.com
