Alternative Treatments for Pain
Alternative treatments can be useful adjuncts to the overall treatment of pain. Some of the options available are:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions. It is based on the theory that there is energy, called chi or qi, flowing through your body. Chi is thought to flow along energy pathways called meridians. Chinese medicine practitioners believe acupuncture unblocks and rebalances the flow of chi to restore health.
The treatment of orthopedic pain with acupuncture has many success stories. You can use it by itself or as part of a treatment program. Acupuncture may be useful for:
- Tennis elbow.
- Osteoarthritis, or the breakdown of the tissue (cartilage) that protects and cushions joints. A recent study found that acupuncture can reduce knee pain and increase movement of the knee in people with osteoarthritis.
- Low back pain.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, or pressure on a nerve in the wrist that results in tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain of the fingers and hand.
Massage
Orthopedic /Rehabilitative massage is a combination of several massage and manual therapy techniques integrated to create functional improvement in soft tissue conditions and injuries.
Some of the important clinical effects of the Orthopedic Massage are:
- Increases new tissue cells to promote repair & healing of injuries
- Promotes fluid exchange of blood, lymph and synovial fluids to increase nutrition & oxygenation of the tissue
- Normalizes the function of muscles by reducing hypertonicity in the muscles & strengthening weak muscles
- Establishes normal neurologic function in the soft tissue
- Mobilizes restricted joints and promotes healthy cartilage.
For information about alternative treatments for pain visit our Center for Integrative Health and Wellness.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).