May is National Arthritis Awareness Month - East West Healing Soiutions

May Is National Arthritis Awareness Month!

What is arthritis?

The word arthritis comes from the Greek word anthrax with means “joint”. “Itis” is of Latin descent meaning “inflammation”. Therefore, the simplest definition of arthritis is that it is painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. This pain and stiffness can worsen as you age.

Fast Facts:

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month!
Did you know? About 1 in 5 Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis by their physicians!
The most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis – A type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down. A very common condition affecting 3 million + American per year
- Rheumatoid arthritis – A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet affecting 200,000 to 3 million Americans a year
- Infectious arthritis – Caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi spread though the bloodstream or from a nearby infection into a joint causing an infection.
- Juvenile arthritis – an autoimmune and inflammatory condition that develops in children ages 16 and younger.
- There are over 100 different types of arthritis

How Acupuncture May Help

Arthritis can cause debilitating pain and the pain can be exhausting from the person who suffers from it. Acupuncture and holistic therapies can help to ease arthritis pain. It is believed that acupuncture may be able to decrease arthritis pain by releasing certain chemicals in the body acting as a pain block. These chemicals are call endorphins.

Many of the areas where acupuncture is applied (called acu-points) are near nerves. when these nerves are stimulated a message is sent to the nervous system to send out endorphins to help stop or block pain. This sort of treatments may be helpful in assisting in the relief of pain caused by arthritis.

What Is Acupuncture Treatment?

Acupuncture treatment is conducted by a an acupuncturist. The body has many cu-point locations or areas that are used to stimulate the body to help relieve pain. The acupuncturist will sanitize, clean and prep the area where an acupuncture needle will be inserted. The acupuncture needle used is very thin, almost hair-like in diameter. Depending on the treatment needed, the acupuncturist will insert various needles at different depths to help relieve the pain an arthritic patient may be experiencing. These hair-like needles stay in place anywhere from several minutes to an hour depending on the treatment needed.

Does it Hurt?

When a needle is inserted you may feel a slight prick. Many patients tend to get a feeling of relaxation during the treatment and may even fall asleep!

The Advantages:

Acupuncture is a drug-free, natural alternative that has been used for centuries to help reduce pain, treat illnesses and promote overall wellness.

Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. – Qualified to Help!

Dr. Marie Perkins works with each of her patients creating and developing a personal healing and health plan, giving them the best course of treatment for the best outcome.

Dr. Marie Perkins is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor, Florida as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist.

She is licensed by the National:

• Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

• Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

• Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

Stop hurting and start living! Contact East West Healing Solutions today for a FREE consultation. Discover how we can help you start living pain free again.

Contact Us:
34876 US Highway 19 N
Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Phone: 727-216-3972
Fax: 727-216-3982

Email: drmarie@eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3
Web: eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3

About the Author: Marie Perkins

Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist. She is the founder of East West Healing Solutions and is dedicated to helping patients enjoy optimum health. Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993. Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004. Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient.. “Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!, Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.” Aside from offering Traditional Acupuncture to Palm Harbor patients, her clinic also offers several other complementary treatments such as Herbal prescriptions, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, Diathermia, Dry Aqua Massage, Cold Laser Therapy, Medical Massage and Postural Analysis among others. Dr. Perkins also develops customized, personal healing and health plans for each patient at East West Healing Solutions.