After sustaining a neck injury in an automobile accident, a patient walks into the physical therapy office of Doug Fickes, DPT, MTC, looking for help in rehabilitation. She is in severe pain and cannot move her head at all. Any movement causes debilitating pain. Fickes, a Doctor of Physical Therapy at the Harrisburg office of First Choice rehab finds, after a complete evaluation, that he will be able to help the patient with physical therapy. However, in order to begin the course of treatment, which involves movement, the patient's initial pain must be reduced.

"At this point, I find acupuncture to be a real valuable treatment," reveals Fickes. "A few acupuncture treatments can help decrease painful spasms and allow more mobility." With decreased muscle spasms, the patient can then progress to more aggressive PT and manual therapy techniques. They will then be able to move on to more therapeutic exercise which will improve their conditioning, endurance, balance and strength. "A better quality of life is what we are aiming for in PT," adds Fickes.

"If I think acupuncture will aid in the patient's progress, I will consult with the family physician and request an acupuncture consult with a reputable practitioner." Conditions such as muscle pain and spasms, acute back, headaches, vertigo, neck and joint pain can all be helped with acupuncture.  

Fickes often works with Dr. Jessica Ying Williams, MD in managing patients with acute pain problems.  Dr. Williams specializes in Acupuncture and Pain Management. She explains, "With a musculoskeletal injury, such as whiplash, the earlier the patient seeks treatment, the better. Patients with acute pain should seek treatment within 24 hours of the injury. Then, with one or two acupuncture treatments, they are better able to move and proceed with physical therapy." She adds that acupuncture treatments use tiny, sterile, disposable needles and the patient experiences minimal discomfort.

Both Fickes and Williams agree that Acupuncture and Physical Therapy treatments work well together for patients with certain injuries. "We address different aspects of the problem," explains Williams. "Acupuncture makes it less painful to start therapy." And Fickes adds, "It helps patients to make a faster recovery in therapy. Once their pain is diminished, I can help them become stronger, get better motion and flexibility so they can avoid future injury." 

Pain can keep many people from enjoying the activities they love. Keeping an open mind to complimentary therapies of acupuncture and physical therapy can aid in relieving pain and improving the quality of your life.