A staggering 100 million Americans or 1 in 5 people suffer from chronic pain on a daily basis!  

Understanding and Defining Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months and pain which does not respond to treatment.  The pain can be caused from various different issues such as: arthritis, sprains, injury, or, it can even begin with an acute event that turns into a chronic issue.

Some of the most common types of chronic pain we see in our office result from:

  • Headaches and migraines
  • Join pain
  • Backaches
  • Tendinitis
  • Sinus pain
  • Carpel tunnel syndrom

Many patients present at our office with several types of of symptoms associated with the chronic pain they are experiencing.  Some of these symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Sleeplessness
  • Withdrawal from activity and increased need to rest
  • Weakened immune system
  • Changes in mood including hopelessness, fear, depression, irritability, anxiety, and stress
  • Disability

The good news is, there are several things people suffering from chronic pain can participate in to help alleviate and relieve symptoms and the pain they are experiencing.  Check out our list of success strategies we encourage our patients to try in order to help improve their quality of life:

Success Strategy #1:  EXERCISE!

Exercise promotes the release of endorphins in our body.  Endorphins act like natural pain killers for our body.  Even the smallest amount of exercise can help!  A short walk around the block, a quick dip in the pool, any movement you do to get your hear rate elevated, even a small amount may help!

Success Strategy #2:  Heat and Cold Therapy

A couple of rules of thumb can help you determine when you should treat with heat or ice.  Acute injuries should be treated with cold packs to help minimize swelling.  In the case of an emergency, call 911 or get to the nearest ER or walk-in clinic.  For chronic pain, heat can help ease the intensity of the pain.  Consider heating pads or hot baths enriched with pain relieving bath salts.  Learn more about bath salts and their healing properties HERE.


Success Strategy #3:  Mindful Meditation

Concentrating on calming the body and entering a state of relaxation and help you in your journey of managing chronic pain.  Explore more about meditation HERE.

dry-aqua-massageSuccess Strategy #4:  Massage

Everyone loves a good  massage!  Did you know that massage has therapeutic properties?  A skilled massage therapist can help with inflammation, boost endorphins and serotonin.  Endorphins assist with reducing pain and serotonin is the body’s natural mood boosters.  Consider discovering more about massage and its benefits by reading more HERE.

Success Strategy #5:  Acupuncture

The ancient form of Chinese Medicine can help ease a number of ailments contributing to pain such as:

  • Chronic back pain
  • Migraines
  • Tension Headaches
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sciatica
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Understand how acupuncture works and the benefits by reading more HERE.

EWHS Wednesday 1 20 16 CanvaSuccess Strategy #6:  Yoga

More than 20 million + Americans practice yoga for a variety of reasons.  Not only can it help relax the body but some have found the poses to be therapeutic and may help sore, stiff muscles and joints.  Learn more HERE.

East West Healing Solutions offers its patients the opportunity to stop hurting and start living with the many therapeutic modalities offered within the practice.  In addition to various treatments available, East West Healing Solutions’ Wellness Studio offers classes for those with chronic pain in mind.  Curious about what East West Healing Solutions can do for you?  Schedule a FREE consultation or stop by for a tour of our facilities.  East West Healing Solutions is located at:  34876 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684 Phone: 727-216-3972

marie-2015Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist.

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.

East West Healing Solutions is located at:

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