Pain and Rehabilitation

Dr. Barrett treats Musculoskeletal and Neurological Pain with Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine in Los Angeles.

Treating pain is one of the most popular applications of Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine in Los Angeles. The most common forms of pain treated with acupuncture in Los Angeles are:

• Lower Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Shoulder and Neck Pain
• Migraine and Tension Headaches
• Knee Pain
• Carpal Tunnel Pain
• Pain from Plantar Fascitis
• Pain from Injuries
• Post Surgical Pain & Numbness

The type of pain being treating determines the mechanism of action required by acupuncture. The two basic types of pain are musculoskeletal pain and neurological pain.

Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment

Musculoskeletal pain is the most common and usually the result of poor posture, poor circulation, repeated motions, aging and/ or the result of an injury from sports, work accidents. auto accidents or surgery. Musculo pain is usually associated with damage to soft tissue such as muscles, tendons and cartilage and can happen in any part of the body with the neck, back, hips and joints being the most commonly affected areas. Skeletal pain is usually associated with one of the above joints and involves the break down of structural bone matter. This usually affects the surrounding soft tissue and can therefore cause associated musculo pain.

Neurological Pain Treatment

Neurological pain is commonly caused by poorly nourished nerves which most commonly lead to migraines, arthritis, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Stress due to emotional excesses from family, relationships and careers may also be contributing factors. Damaged soft tissue and skeletal structures can also lead to neurological pain.

Dr. Barrett treats pain with acpuncture in three steps as follows:

1. Step One involves a consult diagnosing the source and location of pain and to what extent it is musculo, skeletal or neurological. This can most often be done in the office with simple orthopedic and neurological testing. Any limitations due to a breakdown of the skeletal structure or nervous system and the need for X rays, MRIs or CAT scans will be discussed at this point.
2. Step Two involves the application of acupuncture needles which quickly and efficiently increase circulation, decrease bruising, swelling and inflammation, and release hypertonic or pulled muscles. This is achieved by producing an immune response at the local area and/or intra-muscular stimulation leading to trigger points releases that relax hypertonic, inflamed or knotted muscles.  Since stress may contribute to pain, acupuncture is also used to relax the sympathetic nervous system and enhance key aspects of parasympathetic nervous system further promoting long term enhanced circulation and relaxed pain free nerves and tissue.
3. Step Three involves self care instructions that may include taking herbal prescriptions and dietary recommendations using foods as medicine to increase circulation and decrease inflammation. In addition the patient may be given therapeutic exercises to increase flexibility, circulation and muscle strength. Since digestion transforms foods into a usable nutritional format which is then transported by the blood stream to all parts of the body, instructions on maintaining optimal gastrointestinal health is key to the third step.

Overall Dr. Barrett’s philosophy is to relieve your pain and make it so you do not become dependent on acupuncture or any other treatment with instructions on stress management, diet and excersize.

Why wait? Call his friendly staff at 310-277-7179 and make your appointment today. Se habla espanol.