Acupuncture For Post Surgical Complications

Here's Your Healthy Tip Of The Day:  Acupuncture is very effective in the treatment of post surgical complications.  The gentle insertion of needles promotes new cell growth, promotes blood and lymphatic circulation to the affected area and increases the rate of recovery.
Case Study:  Patient X arrived at my office wearing a boot and barely walking with a cane.  The patient had bunion surgery 4 months prior and was experiencing excruciating pain (10 out of 10 on the pain scale), had only 5% range of motion in the affected foot (right foot), and was experiencing poor quality of life as a result.  Her surgeon could not determine whether her pain was neurological or from the 'hardware' (pins and rod) that had been inserted to reconstruct her foot.  This patient was referred to my office and I asked for copies of xrays and other medical records pertaining to the case.  Upon evaluation and examination, I proposed one treatment weekly for 4 weeks.  At the end of that treatment period, a reassessment would be made to evaluate range of motion and level of pain.  If there were to be no improvement, a logical theory that the culprit would be the hardware (if this would be the case, another surgery would be necessary).  During the initial treatment, the patient reported no sensation in the entire foot.  Range of motion was only 5%.  Tui Na (Chinese medical massage) was performed after removal of needles, along with the application of an external blood-moving salve.  Two days later, the patient checked in with the office to report that walking was significantly better.  The next treatment involved more of the same process.  Week Four:  the patient arrived at the office sans cane, sans boot and walking without a limp.  Range of motion is at 60%, pain is only intermittent and rated on a scale of one to ten at four.  Re-evaluation and assessment:  this patient will continue treatment on a weekly basis for 8 to 12 weeks for complete recovery.  Patient's quality of life has improved vastly and patient is looking forward to jogging and working out at the gym once again.