What to Expect from Acupuncture treatments

This is a great article to check out in regards to 'how' your treatments should progress with your acupuncturist.  The body is capable of great change. Often that change takes time and only shows in subtle ways. On some occasions, the change is dramatic and overt. Regardless of the speed of change, there needs to be an open line of communication between you and your acupuncturist. The more you tell us, the easier it is for us to tailor your treatment and track what you consider your progress to be. Quality of life is measured differently by everyone and it is impossible for your acupuncturist to gauge your progress compared to another.

Feel free to contact me, Mike Allen L.Ac., with any questions or comments. I am available for free 15 minute consults at the new practice location in downtown Denver, at Accelerate Health, 38 East 5th Ave.

A good thing to keep in mind no matter what kind of care you seek... YOU, the patient, are always in control of your treatments. We, the healers, are but guides...

Acupuncture for Menopause

A common question that comes up during my intakes is; "Can this {acupuncture} do anything for hot flashes?"

My reply is always, "absolutely".  Acupuncture treatments have been used more increasingly to regulate the effects of menopausal syndrome.  With more and more evidence coming out disputing the actual benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), more and more women are seeking alternative methods to regulating the changes that happen during this phase of life.

Menopause is most commonly described in TCM as a Yin deficiency pattern.  Through Acupuncture and herbs the body can be better regulated to supplement the natural decline of Yin in the body.

Like many other treatment scenarios in TCM, it is best to approach this phase of life proactively.  If you are already showing signs and symptoms then the pattern has been at work for some time.  In these cases, the sooner you address the pattern, the sooner (and usually easier) it is to correct it. 

It is important to be consistent with your treatments.  Your body didn't get to to this point overnight and realistically it won't go back that fast either.  I've seen patients get relief with 2-3 treatments and think that they are "all better" and, thus, don't feel the need to continue treatment.  Subsequently the symptoms returned shortly after treatments were discontinued.  Acupuncture and herbs, when given the opportunity, can be very effective in ameliorating the unwanted effects of menopause.

Here is a good article from Acupuncture Today in regards to Acupuncture for Menopause.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or stop by my office downtown for a free 15 minute consult~

Plantar Fasciitis

Signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis:

1. Pain on the plantar surface of the heel.
2. Heel pain that radiates to the toes.
3. Stiffness of the plantar aspect of the foot.
4. Pain early in the morning with initial steps or pain with walking after prolonged sitting.
5. Pain is alleviated with activity but quickly returns.

When one thinks of this condition, it sounds like only one group of tissues is involved.  In actuality, plantar fasciitis can have a number of possible etiologies.  There are three specific structures in the plantar aspect of the foot that are most commonly diagnosed as plantar fasciitis: the muscles of flexor digitorum brevis, and the quadratus plantae along with the plantar aponeurosis.  This grouping of tissues lies more centrally in the foot, whereas the plantar fascia actually lies medial and lateral.  Occasionally, the muscle abductor digiti minimi can be indicated due to it's calcaneal origin and the fact that the quadratus plantae lie just beneath it.  Similarly, the abductor hallucis lies ontop of the medial plantar fascia and any adhesion of these two muscles can create symptoms like plantar fasciitis.  Less frequently, the hallicus brevis is involved.  This deep, strong muscle can be differentiated by testing gait mechanics and looking for hyperpronation during push off.

Plantar Fasciitis is also closely related to the working order of the lower leg, more specifically, gastrocnemius, soleus, flexor hallicus longus, and the achillies tendon.  Trauma in this are can easily refer to the foot.  The best way I have found to ensure that there are no fascia adhesions or nerve entrapments ( medial plantar nerve) in this area is through combined treatments of Active Release Technique® (ART) and acupuncture.  Through ART the muscle condition and gate mechanics of the injury area can be assessed for tissue texture, tension, movement, and function.  There are easily two dozen specific protocols for treating the foot alone.  This should be done by someone that is ART® certified.  Some massage therapists or PT's may claim to 'know some' ART® but do not actually know the protocols and techniques.


So what can be done through acupuncture and to alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?  Usually the standard measures of acute care are applied such as: RICE protocol, anti-inflammatories, and stretching.  Acupuncture treatments should be twice a week for at least three weeks.  Treatments should focus on Kidney and Bladder meridian pathologies due to the location of the pain.  Systemically there is likely qi and blood stagnation with the possibility of heat.  Work to nourish blood, move qi and clear any local heat.

Whitfield Reaves has spent a lifetime applying classical acupuncture theory along with western pathology and kinesiology to create applicable protocols for injuries like plantar fasciitis.  I have found that in combination with ART® and acupuncture, plantar fasciitis can be resolved with a high amount of success and longevity.  Here are some classical protocols from Mr. Reaves that I have found useful in practice.



~~Bleeding the alternate KD 1 location on the medial aspect of the fifth digit.  Many classical acupuncture treatments of trauma involve bleeding of the meridian to dredge out the stagnation and create movement in the channel.

~~A Shu-stream combo of UB65 on affected side and SI3 on opposite side.  These points correlate to the TaiYang (Urinary Bladder) region of the calf.

~~KD7&8 Jing river and xi-cleft point of YangQiao mai.  Xi-cleft points are typically indicated for acute pain within a meridian.  The YangQiao mai is an 'eight extra' category of meridian and passes directly through the heel. 

~~KD4&5 a Luo and xi cleft combo of KD.  The use of electrical stimulation between the two points at about 4-6 Hz for pain.  Electrical stimulation can be a very powerful tool in accelerating the healing process in the body as well as providing more immediate analgesic effects.

~~UB56&57 use these points liberally and be sure to hit both heads of the Gastrocnemius as u will hit one or both of the motor/trigger points.

~~'lateral' shi mian and 'medial' shi mian on the heel are also effective.  These points lie directly above the medial and lateral plantar fascia as they originate from the calcaneous.

As always, stop by our Denver Office anytime or call us at 303.863.8330
I am available for free 15 minute consultations to answer any questions you might have!

Insurance Parity Bill Passes

Good news for Colorado Acupuncturists and patients! HB11-1186 passed and will be enacted January 1, 2012... What does this mean for practitioners and patients? The description of the bill is, as follows:

Currently, when an insurance policy or plan provides for reimbursement for services performed by certain health care providers licensed to perform the services, a health insurance carrier cannot deny reimbursement when the services are performed. The bill adds licensed acupuncturists to the list of health care providers that cannot be denied reimbursement.

So now patients can start to claim reimbursement more frequently and actually be repaid for services. This is a huge step for acupuncturists as well. You can read more about the bill and thank the Acupuncture Association of Colorado for their diligence and perseverance~

Runner's Knee

Recently, one of the players on my fantasy basketball team missed a few games due to "Runner's Knee". Yesterday I got an e-mail from my local running group, Runner's Edge of the Rockies, reminding everyone that Spring trail season has begun. I thought this would be a good time to discuss a little bit about Acupuncture, Active Release Technique and how they can help Runner's Knee.


What is Runner's Knee? Commonly referred to as Patellofemoral Syndrome, Runner's Knee isn't always a  singular condition, rather a term used to describe a number of disorders with different causes that all create the same relative discomfort. Some of the most common disorders leading to this type of injury are:

• Overuse.
• Direct trauma to the knee.
• Misalignment. 
• Problems with the feet.
• Weak thigh muscles. 

While most commonly seen in runner's, this condition can affect anyone.  Repeated bending of the knee can irritate the nerves of the kneecap. Overstretching tendons may also cause the pain of Runner's Knee. If any of the bones are slightly out of their correct position -- or misaligned -- physical stress won't be evenly distributed through the knee joint. This can cause pain and damage to the joints. Sometimes, the kneecap itself is slightly out of position. Uneven tension from the Quadriceps muscles can lead to uneven tracking of the patella over the tibiofemoral joint. Runner's knee can also result from flat feet, also called fallen arches or overpronation. This is a condition in which the impact of a step causes the arches of your foot to collapse, thus compromising the mechanics of the foot and ankle, increasing the stress on the the knee joints.

The type of pain associated with Runner's Knee can vary depending on it cause. Commonly we see; A diffuse ache/pain behind or around the kneecap, especially at the junction of the femur and patella. Pain that's worse when walking downstairs or downhill. Mild swelling. Popping or grinding in the joint. Pain is easily recreated with movement (e.g. walking, bending, running).

 Treatment Options for Runner's Knee:

• Firstly, the common acute protocol of R.I.C.E should be applied. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation should help alleviate most symptoms.  

• Secondly, if this is a frequent occurrence, have an assessment.  Go to your doctor, chiropractor, movement specialist, family physician, and have the joints evaluated for mechanics and strength.  Some advanced imaging may be necessary in complex cases. 

• Thirdly, evaluate your options for recovery.  Runner's Knee is typically non surgical and can become a chronic exercise in pain management.  Long term use of anti-inflammatory medications is often not advised.  Here is where Acupuncture and Active Release Technique can benefit you.

Acupuncture can use a combination of Tendinomuscular Meridian treatments (TMM) and Trigger Point activation to alleviate symptoms. TMM treatments are very straight forward and quite often extremely effective.  TMM theory is not overly complex but understanding it involves a fairly intimate understanding of the different types of energy (qi) in the body and how it flows.  Look back in the next few days for a more in depth explanation of TMM.

Understanding trigger points and correctly identifying the muscle groups is another key to getting results.

Trigger points in the Vastus Medialis refer pain to the front and inner side of the knee. Since trigger points in other muscles can produce similar pain patterns, a tip off to the Vastus Medialis is if the patient also mentions weakness in the thigh and knee area, including buckling of the knee. Also, Vastus Medialis trigger points cause deep pain in the knee joint, leading to the common misdiagnosis of knee-joint inflammation.

Vastus Lateralis is the largest of the quad group and can create multiple pain sites along the lateral thigh, from the pelvic area all the way to the knee joint.  Vastus Lateralis is also the only quad muscle whose trigger points can cause pain behind the knee.  An easy test to identify this muscle is pain in the knee and difficulty with flexion/extension after sitting for a period.

Rectus Femorus trigger points often occur on the more proximal end of the muscle yet refer pain to the front of the knee, much like Vastus Medialis.  Careful palpation will help distinguish which muscle is involved. 

Active Release Technique is a set patented soft tissue techniques designed to treat muscle, fascia, tendon and nerve disorders.  A qualified ART practitioner can assess the muscles, tendon and nerves involved in the affected area and choose from over 500 techniques to treat the injury.  ART treatment are often immediately effective and can resolve acute and chronic issues with equal success.

Stop by our Denver office for a Free 15 minute Acupuncture consult and let us help you stay on your feet!!

So now that you are armed with all this new info, Happy Running !

Herbal Remedies. A Classic fix to a Classic problem

Many western approaches to cold and flu are passive...Drink lots of fluids, rest and wait for it to pass.  The word 'cure' may not be the best fit, but TCM offers a very effective set of treatments that can alleviate the unwanted effects of colds and flu.  Acupuncture and herbs can help resolve colds and flu much quicker than 'just waiting it out'.

In the this article from Acupuncture.com there is a nice presentation of classic Chinese herbal formulas that can deal directly with your symptoms.  It is always important to seek the advice of a licensed herbalist before taking or preparing any of these herbal decoctions.  Herbs are given for very specific conditions and ingesting the incorrect formula could worsen your condition.

Feel free to stop by my office in downtown Denver for a free 15 minute Acupuncture consult.

Trauma, an East Meets West Breakdown

Acupuncture and TCM are very effective at treating many physiological responses in the body. In recent years, more techniques have been developed to treat trauma more specifically. How can we make a TCM diagnosis while using a western model to classify the trauma? Connecting the terminology of the two models is a key step in correctly identifying and treating injuries.

Firstly, there are three basic stages of traumatic injury.

The first stage is the initial trauma, manifested by pain, heat, and swelling.

The second stage of trauma starts when the initial inflammation first subsides. What remains is blood stagnation combined with congestion of qi and fluids in the local area.

The third stage of trauma, according to the biomedical model, is tissue healing. In this stage TCM is also concerned with invading pathogens such as, wind, damp, or cold.

John Heuertz, DOM wrote a fantastic article here, in Acupuncture Today, in an effort to bridge the gap between understanding the eastern and western approach to traumatic injury. Understanding how TCM modalities effect the body at each stage of trauma can better prepare you treat such injuries.

Treatment of Chronic Shoulder Pain

This Article in Acupuncture Today sheds some light on chronic shoulder issues.

Rarely does Acupuncture have difficulty reaching muscular areas. One such time would be when Subscapularis is involved in rotator cuff injuries. Due to it's location on the anterior surface of the scapulae, needling the bulk of this muscle is tricky, if not impossible. Subscapularis is not often indicated as a primary cause of shoulder stiffness or pain but usually ends up being one of the main reasons such discomfort becomes chronic.

Combining soft tissue therapy like Active Release Technique with your treatment should yield more positive results than just Acupuncture. Most massage therapists will not address this area for a number of reasons but mostly due to it's cumbersome location.

Having lingering shoulder pain and stiffness?? Come by Our Office and be evaluated ~

New Tools: Active Release Technique

Since working with Dr. Michelle Clark I have seen the value of ART. Combined with my acupuncture knowledge, ART enables me to more completely address the body on both physical and energetic levels.

Learn more about Active Release Technique and how I can help you ~

Tinkering

The past few months I have been primarily using Facebook more to see if there is a difference in efficacy. FB has a wider outreach but, for my business purposes, generates less of a discussion forum. I will revive this blog in hopes of connecting a bit more with current and prospective patients. Thank you for your patience!