Practitioners | Chiropractic
Acupuncture Now Available Through PrimeCare
Acupuncture is gaining acceptance nationwide and is now used by more than a million Americans each year. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) define acupuncture as an ancient Chinese health practice that involves puncturing the skin with hair-thin needles at particular locations, called acupuncture points, on the patient’s body. This stimulates production of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemical changes help to reduce pain or release other chemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body’s self-regulating systems.
One of the main reasons Americans seek acupuncture treatment is to assist in the treatment of chronic problems, such as severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, post-surgical pain, tennis elbow, and many other chronic conditions.
Acupuncture increases flexibility and restores blood flow, which in turn decreases pain. Patients treated for arthritic knees and tennis elbow respond very quickly. Those with severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis don’t necessarily respond as quickly; however, acupuncture can be very effective over time. While arthritic conditions can not be alleviated with acupuncture, patients generally become more flexible, allowing them a better quality of life.
Acupuncture also complements conventional treatment. It may reduce the need for conventional pain-killing medications.
Most patients experience no pain with acupuncture treatment. At worst, it is often no more painful than a mosquito bite. That is because acupuncturists are trained in exact needle placement.
The Food and Drug Administration has set strict standards for the manufacture and use of acupuncture needles.
To make an appointment with Robert Gietzen, a certified acupuncturist affiliated with PrimeCare health group, call 530-5550 or 800-530-5550. Patients do not need a referral from their doctors. You may also ask Gietzen questions through the online “Ask An Expert” service located at www.st.alexius.org.