Low Back Pain

My name is Margaret. I came to Elements Acupuncture because I was suffering from low back pain. My neighbor referred me to Elements Acupuncture because she was experiencing success in the treatment of her health concern. I decided to give Acupuncture a try because I had had my back pain for many years. I had received three back surgeries and I could barely walk or lie in a bed. I had to sleep in a recliner and it was difficult to get in and out of a car. I had tried chiropractic and physical therapy, but nothing changed. I felt irritable and hopeless.

I started my treatment plan and I felt significant improvement after my first treatment! I still have good and bad days but overall my condition feels 50% better. I have significant improvements in other symptoms like walking and doing my own work. The clinic is great and the staff is also great. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone because it has helped me so much.

Back Pain-Bulging Disks

I came to Elements Acupuncture in May 2008 because I was suffering from back pain (bulging disks) and muscle spasms. My pain started as an inconvenience five years ago and gradually became worse. I was fatigued, depressed and irritable. My pain made it difficult for me to spend time with my family, play with my kids, work, drive, and participate in activities such as golfing and hunting. I tried medications such as Oxycodine and muscle relaxers and also sought physical therapy and chiropractic care. While the PT and chiropractic care helped, they did not provide long term relief. After twelve treatments at Elements Acupuncture, I began to feel improvements in my condition. At this point my back feels 95% better. I am able to play with my kids, golf, work and enjoy life! During treatments I felt no pain from the treatments, only relaxed and calm. The clinic is awesome and the staff is fantastic. I would recommend acupuncture to family, friends and everyone because of the results and ability to better enjoy life.

Spinal Stenosis

I came to Elements Acupuncture because I was suffering from spinal stenosis with low back pain radiating down both legs. I had this problem for five years. It presented flexibility of movement problems. I was unable to walk any distance with a normal gait. I had pain down my legs and knees with very limited mobility. It also caused fatigue and difficulty sleeping. I tried pain relievers and also went to physical therapy and a chiropractor. There was some increase in mobility but then there was a return of back and leg pains. At this point in time my condition feels 80% better. I now feel freedom to move and walk and am able to walk freely. I am beginning to garden again and my balance is improved. I am also sleeping better. During the treatments I felt gradual improvements. The clinic has a calm relaxing atmosphere and the staff is friendly, professional and courteous. I would recommend acupuncture to arthritis sufferers because treatments helped me regain movement and reduce pain.

Janelle

Lower Back Pain

My name is Joan. I came to Elements Acupuncture in May 2007 because I was suffering from lower back, hip, neck, and shoulder pain that resulted from many years of playing golf.

I had this problem for 2+ years. This problem couldn’t be helped by chiropractic care, stretching techniques, exercises specifically for these areas recommended by physical trainers, or ibuprofen type medications. My right hip and back pain radiated down my right leg. The pain in all these areas (back, hip, neck, shoulder) affected my golf swing, limited my practice time and my effectiveness as a golfer.

I began to feel significant improvements in my condition after 2 treatments at Elements Acupuncture. At this point in time my condition feels 100% better. I now feel the blockages are cleared up allowing my chi to flow through my body. I practice Tai Chi Chuan (the long form) and Springforest Qigong for a continuation of chi gathering activities.

I have been recommending acupuncture to my family and friends because it was so beneficial for me.

Herniated Disk

My name is Lisa. I came to Elements Acupuncture in June 2007 because I was suffering from a herniated disk in my neck. I had this problem for two years. This problem would flare up and cause a stiff neck, shoulder pain and migraines. My arms would fall asleep and I had to sleep in a recliner at night. It caused great pain to look down. It also caused fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. It made it difficult for me to work, sleep, and enjoy my family. I tried medications such as hydracodone, mobic, and flexeral, as well as physical therapy to resolve these problems. I attended therapy three times a week and did exercises at home.

I began to feel significant improvement in my condition after six treatments at Elements Acupuncture. At this point in time my condition feels 95% better. I now feel good. I no longer get headaches every day and am able to sleep, work, and exercise. I am much happier. I have also had significant improvement in other symptoms like bladder control, shorter pain free menstrual cycle, and headache relief.

During the treatments I felt relaxed. The clinic is cozy and the staff is caring. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone because whatever is wrong inside somehow self heals. My pain has been relieved 95%.

Shoulder Pain

My name is Edward. I came to Elements Acupuncture in January 2007 because I was suffering from shoulder pain and limited movement of my right shoulder. I had this problem for 10 years. It caused pain in both shoulders that became worse the more mobile I was. It also caused irritability and made it difficult for me to reach. I tried medications such as Celebrex and Tylenol as well as physical therapy to resolve this problem, which only provided temporary relief.

I began to feel improvements in my condition after 5 or 6 treatments at Elements Acupuncture. At this time my condition feels 80% better. I now feel less restricted motion and I am able to reach more.

During the treatments I felt totally relaxed and left walking on a cloud. The clinic is nice and the staff is great. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone.

Spinal Stenosis

I came to Elements Acupuncture in June 2008 because I was suffering from spinal stenosis which gave me extreme pain from my right hip to my ankle and losing control of my leg and sometimes falling. I had this problem for over two years and it progressed over time and at its’ worst it felt like a knife was being turned in my hip and leg. My health condition also causes fatigue, loss of sleep, depression, and irritability. I was not able to enjoy simple things in life such as walking, yard work, and fishing.

I tried cortisone shots and chiropractic which provided some minor relief for a short period of time. After beginning my treatments at Elements Acupuncture I began to feel improvement after 4 treatments. I worked out a treatment plan and at this point in time my condition feels 100% better. I feel good and pain free for the first time in 2 years. I was able to do my annual Canadian fishing trip which I was going to cancel after going for 38 years. I was pain free! I also had other improvements like being able to straighten my leg out while lying on my back.

During the treatments I felt relaxed and comfortable even thought at first I was very skeptical of trying acupuncture. I would recommend acupuncture to my family and friends because it was so beneficial to my health.

Jim

Knee Pain

My name is Kaila. I came to Elements Acupuncture in March 2007 because I was suffering from knee pain. I had been dealing with this problem for 8 years. My knee pain woke me up at night and wouldn’t allow me to sleep. I had trouble walking during the day. It also caused fatigue and sleep problems. I tried medications such as painkillers, which only provided temporary relief from the pain.

I began to feel significant improvements in my condition after 6 treatments at Elements Acupuncture. At this point in time my condition feels 100% better. I now feel better and more relaxed and am able to sleep better and run more during track. I have also had significant improvements in other symptoms like nausea and stomach problems.

During the treatments I felt relaxed. The clinic is relaxing and the staff is friendly and polite. I would recommend acupuncture to almost anybody because it helps for a variety of problems.

Hip Pain & Difficulty Sleeping

I’ve had 23 treatments…after my first treatment my headaches were gone. I had a lot of sinus problems and now I’m only slightly bothered when the humidity is real high.

I came mainly because of hip pain. I had gone off and on to the chiropractor, but this last time he couldn’t get the pain out. At work I’m up on a ladder from November until Christmas putting gift packs on the risers and, being right handed, I’m always turning to the right.

Before acupuncture I couldn’t lay on my left side at night and after a couple treatments I could easily lay on my left side again. For a while it transferred to the right hip and has gone back and forth but it is much, much better now and I can lay on either side now. I was able to only get three or four hours of sleep and now on days I don’t have to work I can sleep anywhere from eight to thirteen hours. Just after a few treatments, that’s how long I can sleep now. The minute I hit the pillow I’m gone, where as before I was always trying to get comfortable. It has done wonders.
Lynn

Knee Pain

My name is Trae. I came to Elements Acupuncture in March 2007 because I was suffering from knee pain. I have had this problem for 6 months. My painful knee did not allow me to train for marathons. It also caused irritability and made it difficult for me to maintain a healthy weight.

The medical doctors did not see anything on the MRI but I still had the pain. I began to feel significant improvements in my condition after the first treatment at Elements Acupuncture. At this point in time my condition feels 100% better. I now feel I can run again and I am able to continue my marathon training.

During the treatments I felt relaxed and no pain from the needles. The clinic is great and the staff is friendly. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone because it works. Acupuncture really helped me and it only took 4 treatments!

Heel Pain

In late April or early May (05), I experienced a sudden sharp pain in my left heel. The pain was so severe that I could not walk at all without shoes to cushion my heel and even with shoes; I found it difficult to do any walking at all. I do some walking at my job and I was basically hobbling from place to place. I had been walking about a mile a day for exercise, but no way was I able to do that. I spent nearly three months with this condition; taking aspiring and hoping it would go away. Then I talked to another patient of Elements Acupuncture and decided to give it a try.

Joel and the staff were very friendly and he explained the theory and procedures thoroughly. I noticed an improvement in the pain level after two or three treatments. Now after about two months of treatments the pain has subsided to the point where it is hardly noticeable. I have resumed walking for exercise and feel much better. I think that acupuncture is a very effective, drug free way to relieve pain. Joel and the folks at Elements Acupuncture are very committed to helping patients to a natural way of healing.

John

Knee Pain

I came to Elements Acupuncture in September 2007 because when running a pain would develop on the inside of my right knee. I had this problem for 13 years. This problem became worse after a mile and a half of jogging. I could no longer run because of intense knee pain. I tried chiropractic to resolve this problem and I started “Chi Running.” I was then able to jog over 5 miles, however, I still had a slight knee ache.

I began to feel significant improvement in my condition after 1 treatment at Elements Acupuncture. At this point my condition feels 99% better. I now feel no pain and am able to jog longer distances without pain.

During the treatments I felt fine. The clinic is great and the staff is very helpful. I would recommend acupuncture to other joggers because knee pain is a common problem with experienced runners.

Severe pain in arm from nerve damage.

My name is Helen, and I have received acupuncture treatment from Joel Thielen for pain I suffered from a fall 2 ½ years ago. The result of the fall was a broken ball on the top of my shoulder for which I had surgery to pin a new ball on that arm. I suffered a lot of pain with that operation and a lot of physical therapy. The following year I rammed the same arm against a door jam and broke the upper bone and damaged my rotator cuff. The result was I suffered with a lot of pain that limited my life. I could no longer use that arm, I lost my ability to keep up my house, I lost my appetite and 20 pounds, I was unable to sleep, and the severe pain led to anxiety and depression, I had given up hope of leading a normal life.

I visited local doctors and pain specialists in Madison. Doctors kept prescribing pain medication, but no relief came from the medication for any length of time. The medication not only didn’t help the pain, but it also had negative side effects by adding to my depression and loss of appetite. The pain ultimately affected my health in such a way that it led to hospitalization. An EMG exam revealed nerve damage in my shoulder from the original fall 2 ½ years earlier. The doctor said there was nothing they could do except for medication.

Just prior to my hospitalization, we were going to give one last attempt for relief and try acupuncture. While in the hospital, Joel came up to my room and gave an initial examination. After many questions about my condition and an exam, he applied a few pressure points on my leg. Surprisingly, I had more range of motion in my arm and he thought I would be a good candidate for relief through acupuncture.

I began treatments and remarkably the first treatment left me without pain for 3 hours. That was the most relief I had in 2 ½ years. After the first three initial treatments, I noticed a remarkable difference in the level of pain-it was a miracle. After a month of treatments I am almost pain free in that arm. Life is so much different because of acupuncture.

I have relatively no pain, a much greater range of motion in my arm; I am able to do almost any type of housework and activity. I can sleep again and the depression is lifted. I have a new lease on life because the pain is so much less/ Acupuncture probably saved my life.

Since then I have recommended people to try acupuncture because it is so effective, so relaxing and it doesn’t have any negative side effects. I enjoy the office help, the people are so helpful and friendly and Joel really cares about my health and my quality of life.

Thank you Joel for helping me and to your office help for helping walk me through those first sessions.

Helen

Knee Pain

I came to Elements Acupuncture in November, 2008. I was suffering from knee pain and had been having this problem for 4 years. The pain made it difficult to walk up and down stairs, and it hurt the worst when getting up after sitting for a long time. It also made it difficult to sleep and I became more irritable. I tried medications, such as, Alive, which made me sluggish and I knew the effects it would have on my kidneys.
I began to feel improvement after 4 treatments at Elements Acupuncture. And at this point and time my pain feels 75% better. I now feel like I can exercise and I am able to climb stairs. I also have significant improvements in other symptoms like, sleeping and relaxing. During the treatments I felt relief from the pain. The clinic is a great place and the staff is wonderful. I would recommend acupuncture to almost anyone because it really helped me.

Neck & Arm Pain

I came to Elements Acupuncture in December of 2008. I was suffering from Arm and Neck Pain from two bulging disks. I had this problem for 8 months and it was interfering with my life. I was in constant pain, had difficulty concentrating, and was grumpy. It also caused irritability, hopelessness and made it difficult to use my right arm. It was hard for me to talk on the phone, drive a car, and maintain everyday functions.

I tried medications such as pain killers and cortisone shots. I also went to physical therapy, which gave me some improvement, but the pain would not completely go away. I began to feel significant improvement in my condition after 4 treatments at Elements Acupuncture. At this point and time my condition feels 90% better. I now feel pain only occasionally and I am able to do all of my normal activities pain-free. During the treatments I felt very relaxed and often fell asleep. The clinic is comfortable and the staff is very kind. I would recommend Acupuncture to anyone because it works.

Sincerely,
Shelly

Knee & Shoulder Pain

I came to Elements Acupuncture in January 2009, because I was suffering from knee and shoulder pain. I had this problem for many years, and I just lived with the pain to the point where I could hardly walk. My problem also caused fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. It also made it difficult to do the things in life that I enjoy, such as bowling and playing softball. It was also hard to just work. I had tried physical therapy, chiropractic care, and surgery. I would get some relief for a while but the pain would always return.

I began to see significant improvements in my condition after five treatments at Elements Acupuncture. At this point and time my condition is at least 75% better. I know feel better than I did prior to treatment and I am able to do more activities without severe pain. I have also had great improvements with my shoulder pain as well. I felt very comfortable during my treatments and the clinic/staff is excellent. I would recommend acupuncture to everyone who is suffering from pain because it gives relief.

Headaches

For 2 ½ years I suffered from extreme headaches. With the exception of 2 or 3 days after a Chiropractic adjustment the pain persisted 24 hours a day. On a scale of 1 (mild) to 10 (extreme) the pain was consistently 5 to 10. Although a series of blood tests, x-ray, CAT scans etc. were run, no cause could be found. They were labeled “tension headaches”. I was offered pain killers which I rejected because of possible side effects. I had been considering acupuncture but didn’t know where to go. In early 2008 I read about Elements Acupuncture in the Golden View. I called and made an appointment. After a consultation I decided to give it a try. My treatment started in late March. After a series of treatments over several months the headaches are gone. Knowing firsthand what acupuncture can do I would certainly recommend giving “Elements Acupuncture” a chance to alleviate discomfort from health problems.

Migraines

My name is Helle. I came to Elements Acupuncture in February 2007 because I was suffering from migraines and food allergies. I had a problem with PMS and no ability to sweat. I had this problem for 10 years. It would take days or weeks out of my life. I could not get out of bed. I always had pounding headaches and no energy. It caused fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and hopelessness. I would take allergy medications, which made me want to sleep more and made it difficult for me to function on a daily basis. Just keeping the house would be a huge task.

I tried medications such as prescription Imitrex and allergy medications, chiropractic and neurological treatments to resolve this problem. This resulted in having to take more medications from the neurology treatments, which made me lose my hair. The chiropractic gave me some relief.

I began to feel significant improvements in my condition after 6 treatments at Elements Acupuncture. At this point in time my condition feels 90% better. I now feel full of energy and pain free. I am able to do all my house chores, sleep less and am still full of energy to actually be a good mom. I have also had significant improvement in other symptoms like PMS, mood swings, and irritability. I now know what it feels like to sweat.

During the treatments I felt completely relaxed and confident when my health gradually got better. The clinic is professional and the staff is wonderful. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone because if it works for me it will work for you!

Migraines

My name is Bev and I came to Elements Acupuncture in January 2008. I was suffering from migraine headaches that were controlling my life at least ten days per month, sometimes fourteen days. I had this health problem for 32 years and it was so bad at times that I could hardly function. I have had to miss out on important family events because of these headaches and there have been many family vacations that have been altered because of my condition. It also caused fatigue, difficulty sleeping, depression, and hopelessness in my life. I also experienced nausea because of the headaches and I would rate the pain a nine or ten. This made it difficult to leave home and left me unable to care for my family as I was raising four children. Each one of those children has taken their turn driving me to the emergency room for treatment when my prescribed medication failed to help me. Once the 3-4 day migraine was over, it was followed by a day or two of feeling totally worn out and depression. I tried medications such as Imitrex, Relpax, Maxalt, and Oxycodone. I also used medication to control the nausea and received chiropractic treatments which helped me with other headaches, but had never helped with the migraines.
I began to feel significant improvements in my condition after the first month of my treatment plan. At this point my condition is 75% better and I now feel that although I am not completely headache free, my headaches are less frequent and respond to medication better. I also feel like I am able to bounce back quicker after the attack because I don’t have such a depressed feeling following it. Acupuncture has also helped me to feel more relaxed and during the treatments I felt totally peaceful. The time passed by so quickly and there were times I felt myself wishing for a few extra minutes. The clinic is a peaceful place and the staff is very polite and sensitive to the needs of the people coming to seek help. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone who feels like they are running out of ideas for getting well. It took some persuading to get me to try acupuncture, but it ended up being a great thing for me. Not just physically-but emotionally as well!

Arthritis

My name is Jane and I came to Elements Acupuncture in April 2008. My main complaint was arthritis which I had been suffering from for 20 years. The pain would come from across my shoulders between the shoulder blades and go into my arms and hands. It made it difficult to grasp or pick up objects, peel potatoes, stir food on the stove, and drive a car. I began to feel significant improvement in my condition after 4 treatments at Elements Acupuncture. Now, at this point my condition feels 100% better. I feel no pain across my shoulders and in my arms/hands and I am able to stir batter, peel potatoes, write, and do other daily tasks with little or no pain. I have also had significant improvements in other symptoms such as, asthma and a decrease in appetite. During the treatments I felt calm, at ease, and an openness of being. The clinic is quiet and peaceful and the staff is kind and understanding. I would recommend acupuncture to others who are suffering from pain and tension because it has been an experience resulting in a pleasantly surprising reduction in pain and an overall positive feeling.

Neck pain and Headaches

Dear Joel,
I want to thank you for helping me after my latest round of severe neck pain. I cannot believe how much your acupuncture treatments have helped.

As I told you, my “pain in the neck” started when I was in 4th grade. As a 10 year old I sustained a neck injury in gymnastics class. For years I saw a chiropractor, which helped with my range of motion and the worst sharp pain. But ever since I have suffered chronic headaches, upper back and neck pain and discomfort. As an adult, occasionally I wake up in the morning in intense pain, unable to move my head or neck. I came to you hoping you might be able to help me with pain management. I had no idea I would also experience greater range of motion AND relief from my constant headaches!

I didn’t know quite what to expect during my first treatment. I was surprised how it felt when the needles were inserted and removed. There was a tiny “ping” feeling, some pressure, and then I couldn’t feel the needles at all. I’ve found it easy to drift off and small asleep during treatments because it’s very relaxing, actually.

Before taking acupuncture, I had headaches all the time---about 4 per week, sometimes more. And I always had tension and aching in my neck and upper back. Now, headaches and all that discomfort are rare for me. At first, when I had pain free days, I was so unaccustomed I kept saying, “I can’t believe how good I feel! I don’t have a headache! I’m not in pain!” Pain had become a part of my life at such a young age; it’s very strange to not feel it now. I really appreciate this new pain-free life! It’s a gift.

There have been other unexpected benefits. Because I don’t suffer so much physical pain and discomfort, I actually feel like doing things more often with friends, and I enjoy myself more because I’m not fighting a head or neck ache. It’s easier for me to focus on having a great time. Also, I’m more comfortable on the job because my range of motion isn’t restricted, my upper back and neck pain are almost completely gone, and again, I’m not fighting headaches. It feels like a new life.

Thank you so much. Your work has improved the quality of my life!
Kristanne

I came to Elements Acupuncture in October of 2008 because I was suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. I had a lot of joint pain and fatigue. I needed surgery on both thumb joints and on my right wrist. I had this problem for 13 years and it was only getting worse. I was taking the maximum dose of Tylenol daily and I was worried about my long term health because of the side effects. I was also quite fatigued and had difficulty sleeping.

I began to feel some improvements in my condition after 5 to 6 treatments at Elements Acupuncture. At this point and time my condition feels 95% better and I am able to resume doing things I thought I had lost forever. I also had significant improvements in other symptoms like blood pressure, digestion, muscle tension, and body strength. During the treatments I felt comfortable and relaxed. The clinic is a wealth of knowledge and the staff is super. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone because it improves your health on all levels.

Russ

Fibromyalgia

I have had Fibromyalgia for many years. I was in a lot of pain. My body ached all over. My arms and shoulders ached so that at times I couldn’t hold a book or newspaper up to read. My physician prescribed amitriplyline for my muscle aches and sleeping problems. I would wake in the night and couldn’t go back to sleep for two or three hours. I would get cramps in my legs. My back and hips ached. I didn’t get much relief.

I started Acupuncture treatments and after three treatments I had relief. I continue to feel better. I now can hold a book and newspaper without pain. I sleep better and have more energy. I can’t believe that I even take a nap during treatment. It is very relaxing. Joel and staff are very helpful and accommodating. I would encourage anyone who is suffering from pain to have acupuncture treatments. Every time I come in I think it’s a Miracle!

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

I came to Elements Acupuncture in February 2008, because I was suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Stress which was causing much abdominal gas and impacting all aspects of my life. I had this problem for years and it had been flaring up recently due to an extreme amount of stress. After I ate anything, I had horrible gas with many loose stools and much irregularity. I had had been experiencing fatigue, irritability, hopelessness, exhaustion, nervousness, which created more stress. All these symptoms made it difficult for me to enjoy eating, especially in social settings and while traveling. I tried medications like Zantac, which made my stomach even more “sensitive.”

I began to feel some improvement in my condition after about a month of treatment. At this point and time I feel 60% better and I feel comfortable eating. I am able to go out to eat without worry that the inevitable gas will follow. I have also had significant improvement in other symptoms like managing stress more effectively and the tension in my muscles has improved. During my treatments I felt relaxed and encouraged by the results. The clinic is clean and the staff is helpful and professional. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone who is seeking medical advice, because it is one of the least invasive approached and very “natural” when trying to correct your body’s natural process.

Insomnia

I came to Elements Acupuncture in October 2008 because I was suffering from insomnia. I had been dealing with the insomnia for 10 years. It was very difficult for me to get to sleep and stay asleep. I can count the times I heard the birds chirping in the morning. Not getting sleep was terrible and I decided that nobody should have to live with this!

I tried different medications (prescription and over-the-counter) but nothing would work to resolve my problem. I became more fatigued, irritable, and unable to enjoy my life. I began to feel significant improvements in my condition after only three treatments at Elements. Even though I am still receiving treatment, my condition already feels 70% better. I am able to enjoy falling asleep easily, something I have only dreamed about! During my treatments I felt comfortable and relaxed and excited about the progress. The clinic is warm and welcoming and the staff is professional. I would recommend Acupuncture to everybody! And I do because the benefits are undeniable!

Osteoarthritis

My name is Sara and I came to Elements Acupuncture March of 2008. I was seeking relief from osteoarthritis and had seen an advertisement for a free seminar on Acupuncture. I decided to learn more because I had been suffering for 4 year from OA and thought it was time to try something different. The problem was primarily in my left foot and left hand. Due to past accidents and medical conditions, I also suffered from several unrelated health problems, like a bad knee and shoulder injury. The combination of my health issues led to fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and depression. All of which, made it difficult for me to accomplish everyday activities, hobbies, ect.

I tried medication such as, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressants. I also had been through surgery, physical therapy, and chiropractic. The chiropractic provided immediate results yet temporary results and the medication had too many side effects. After I started my treatments, I started to feel significant improvement shortly after my first treatment. At this point and time my condition feels 90-95% better and I am able to exercise without pain and pursue my hobbies. I have also have been able to get off my anti-depression medication.

During my treatments I felt relaxed and encouraged. The clinic is a haven and the staff is dedicated to healing. I would recommend acupuncture to anyone struggling with a chronic condition because acupuncture is a no-risk, win-win option.

Sincerely,
Sara

Fibromyalgia

To Elements Acupuncture

I am 66 years old and began having symptoms of fibromyalgia over thirty years ago. I had muscle pain, mostly in my shoulder, upper and lower back, and neck especially the last few years. I had difficulty keeping my arms up for more than a few minutes at a time, to hold a book, play piano or use a computer, without experiencing pain.

In addition, I experienced problems, which often seem to accompany fibromyalgia such as, difficulty sleeping, mental fogginess, frequent headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, flu-like symptoms, muscle spasms, and a lack of energy. These symptoms were usually not severe, but taken together they interfered with my daily life. When I did feel more energetic, it was easy to overdo and the next day I would pay for it with increased symptoms. I had always been a reader but concentration became more difficult.

I have taken amitryptilline to help with sleep, and I took various NSAIDS for pain relief but nothing helped much. I had gastric bleeding after taking naprosyn (Aleve). I tried to exercise regularly but it was difficult at times.

I assumed that at my age I would have to accept the aches and pains I was dealing with, but my husband encouraged me to try acupuncture. Although I was skeptical, we met with Joel Thielen and he set up a treatment regimen for me. Now I am an acupuncture “convert”. I have more energy and am more mentally focused. I have read more books in the last few months than I had read in the past two years! I have been playing piano again, have been walking regularly, and my muscle pain and gastric symptoms have improved dramatically. In addition, I have experienced a decrease in seasonal allergy symptoms and in discomfort from arthritis.

The atmosphere at the clinic is very peaceful and relaxing and the staff makes sure that I am comfortable. Thanks for my new “lease of life”!

Janice RN, BSN

Low Energy

My name is Penny. I came to Elements Acupuncture in December 2006 because I was suffering from low energy. I have had this problem for 3 years. This problem made me feel weak both mentally and emotionally. It also caused fatigue and depression and made it difficult for me to do anything. I had problems sleeping and a feeling of hopelessness.

I tried chiropractic sessions as well as massage therapy. I began to feel some improvements in my condition after four treatments at Elements Acupuncture. At this point in time my condition feels 95% better. I now feel like a million dollars. I have also had significant improvement in other symptoms such as sleeping better and having an overall better attitude.

During the treatments I felt relaxed. The clinic is good and the staff is good. I would recommend acupuncture to my friends and family because it has helped me.

Pain Relief

I think of all the treatments I have had acupuncture I am the most astonished about the one for pain. I was born with part of my backbone fused to my hip. It always hurts. That is not something a chiropractor can fix. I have bone spurs on my neck along with deterioration. I also have a bone spur on my heel making walking at times very difficult.

First I am amazed at just how much energy pain takes out of a person. I am also surprised how we learn to live with pain thinking we have no other choice other than taxing our system with drugs. We learn to live with pain far more than we realize. I didn’t until it was no longer there. I would wake up several times at night because of pain. I just couldn’t get comfortable. To roll over in bed was a major effort. I would basically have to sit up and then go through my maneuvers to roll over. Then I was usually awake for awhile after all that. At times I would just give up and get up for a few hours and wait until I would basically pass out with exhaustion. I felt drained most of the day due to tolerating pain and not sleeping. I wasn’t able to clean my own house and very embarrassed by that.

It took one treatment. Well two for good measure and that was it. The treatment was simple. Needles were placed, I think in the side of my foot and legs. The key word of ‘think’ is because I didn’t really feel them. I got 45 minutes of very peaceful rest. I usually just sleep. I look forward to this time where I can honestly rest with no interruptions. After the first treatment the pain was gone and has stayed gone. For awhile I kept waiting for it to come back but it has been three months so far and I still have NO pain! In fact, I found that my body needed to be retrained to learn how to not live with pain. The first night after my treatment I couldn’t sleep! My body kept saying that something was missing! It was, but it was a good thing! There was no pain! I would turn over the same way and realize I didn’t need to do that anymore. I would gingerly get out of a chair and realize, nothing hurt and again. I didn’t need to do that. This behavior was so instilled that I am still finding things that I did to compensate for pain that I never realized I did but no longer need to do.

What I am able to do now is nothing short of a miracle. I can not only clean my own house, with great speed I might add, but I can work lifting, standing on concrete all day, climb ladders or just do whatever my heart desires. I have a ton of energy and no longer hurt anyplace. I just did a big project that I knew would keep me in bed the next day. Not only did I not hurt and have to stay in bed I hit the ground running!

My husband commented that he could tell I feel better. He said I have bounce in my step and I take bigger strides and well, hey, he just can’t keep up with me anymore!

Donna