24345 Harper Avenue St. Clair Shores, Michigan
(586) 563-3300 - Phone (586) 563-3313 - Fax
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| The broad spectrum of medical services that we provide brings together the best of both conventional and complementary medicine to improve our patients quality of life. Our practice is on the cutting edge of technology and patient care.
Acupuncture, Cupping, and IMS (intramuscular stimulation) are known to provide many benefits. Acupuncture is performed by inserting needles the size of a human hair into various energy channels, called meridians. Meridians are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. Acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in the body's natural healing abilities and in promoting physical and emotional well-being. After the needles have been inserted they are connected to lead wires, which provide a small electrical current to the area, as shown in the photo above. Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced, so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (the technique is called gliding cupping). This treatment has some relation to certain massage techniques. Cupping is applied by acupuncturists to certain acupuncture points, as well as to regions of the body that are affected by pain (where the pain is deeper than the tissues to be pulled). (IMS) Intramuscular Stimulation combines acupuncture techniques with conventional knowledge to take healing to a level where alternative and traditional medicine can actually complement each other. It is widely used with remarkable success in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain. IMS involves the use of acupuncture type needles into the body where muscles have shortened or contracted, or at points where muscles meet nerves. It is at these points where the long term pain originates. The knotted muscle will "grab" the needle and after a while "let go" and then carry on relaxing after the needle has been removed. The difference between IMS and acupuncture is that with IMS you have to have knowledge of the human body, medical examination, and diagnoses. The needles are then inserted as indicated by examination. With acupuncture, the needles are inserted into non-scientific meridians. Key Benefits
Aqua PT Massage (dry hydrotherapy) The AQUA PT is a revolutionary new machine that provides a whole body water massage while the patient remains clothed and dry. The 36 computer controlled water jets deliver a relaxing massage with heat and adjustable water pressure along three sides of the body as shown below. Aqua PT is a (dry) water massager designed for musculoskeletal pain management. This 3 in 1 machine provides the benefits of dry hydrotherapy, dry heat, and massage therapy.
Key Benefits
Injections for Pain Various injections are performed in our office to help relieve pain and spasms using steroids and homeopathic pain relieving medications. Medications include Lidocaine, Sarapin (all natural), Supartz, and Botulinum toxin type A (Botox). The injections are explained in some detail below.
Trigger point injections are performed when you have a clinical diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome, which is a condition characterized by trigger points located within the muscle tissue. Trigger point injections may help decrease referred pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome. The physician will begin by localizing the taut band. Then, the trigger point injection is performed with either a dry needle or injected with Lidocaine and/or steroid. If the trigger point is injected with medication, the area is then massaged to distribute the medication into the muscle tissue. Trigger point injections are performed by gradually placing the needle into the trigger point and moving it at various angles to break up the scar tissue present. The procedure may take anywhere from 10-15 minutes to perform.
Nerve block injections are performed on patients for a variety of conditions caused by inflammation of specific nerve roots. Nerve Blocks are also useful as a therapeutic tool for treating inflammatory conditions of the nerve roots. Commonly performed cluneal nerve blocks include Cluneal, Sciatic, Paravertebral, Suprascapular, and Occipital. Injections similar to nerve blocks may include hip and shoulder injections.
Botulinum toxin Type A (Botox) is a protein that causes temporary weakness of the injected muscles. It may provide relief of a variety of disorders including dystonia, hemifacial spasms, spasticity, and blepharospasms among others. The physician will clean the skin with alcohol. The injected site may be determined by using an EMG machine. This allows the physician to correctly localize the proper area of the muscle to inject. A small electric current may be applied to onto the surface of the skin or just beneath the surface of the skin with a small sterilized needle. You will usually receive three needle sticks to each muscle for even distribution of the drug. Botox injections may relieve symptoms for three to six months. You may notice some improvement within 72 hours, but may not notice anything for up to two weeks.
The word prolotherapy is a combination of proliferant and therapy. The therapy results when proliferation occurs in the cells of the tendons and ligaments. Looseness or laxity of the ligaments and tendons cause pain. Proliferation of the cells forms new collagen and allows new growth and formation of ligament and tendon tissue in the areas where it has become weak. As the cells lay down new collagen, the body creates ligaments and tendons that are stronger, thicker, tighter, and bigger. Prolotherapy involves the use of natural substances, often as basic as a concentration of dextrose and Lidocaine. These substances are injected into the area of pain, which then causes an inflammatory reaction. Proliferation of the cells results from the inflammation. As the body heals the inflammation, the ligaments and tendons tighten relieving the pain.
Supartz is a solution of highly purified sodium hyaluronate. Supartz is injected directly into the knee joint to restore the cushioning and lubricating properties of normal joint fluid. Supartz injections are approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in those who have failed to respond to simple painkillers, exercise, or physical therapy. Use for other joints is being investigated. Supartz injections are typically given once a week for 5 weeks and is considered a treatment of therapy, not a drug.
EMG (electromyography) and NCS (nerve conduction studies) are performed in the comfort of our office. These tests are used to determine muscle and nerve function. An EMG (electromyography) measures the electrical activity in your muscles. The NCS (nerve conduction study) measures how well your nerves conduct electrical signals. These tests do not require the use of drugs or x-rays. You will be asked to sit or lie down on the exam table. The doctor may ask questions about your symptoms and perform a limited physical exam as part of the study. The EMG consists of a small, smooth needle being placed in different muscles. This involves a little "prick" as it passes through the skin and may be associated with some discomfort. The needles are connected to wires, which lead to the EMG machine. These pick up the tiny amount of electricity that is naturally present in muscle. The doctor watches the muscle signal on the screen and listens to the sound made to determine if there is any muscle, nerve injury, or disease. The NCS (nerve conduction study) consists of a small electrical impulse applied over the nerve, usually on the arm or leg. This tiny shock feels like a "spark" or a "tap" and may cause the hand or foot to jump a bit.
Advanced Physical Medicine 24345 Harper Avenue St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 (586) 563-3300 - Phone (586) 563-3313 - Fax
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