Alternative Medical Treatments

Roy Jones on Wheels recognizes that every individual's treatment plan varies, and while medications may be necessary for some, we advocate for exploring alternative therapies whenever possible. The goal is to minimize reliance on medication; reducing the number of substances entering our bodies can lead to an enhanced quality of life. Through our list of alternative treatments, we aim to empower individuals to explore diverse healing modalities that complement traditional medicine and promote overall well-being. Talk to your healthcare professional about exploring alternative medical treatments today!

Acupuncture

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and is a form of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. Traditional Chinese medicine explains that health is the result of a harmonious balance of the complementary extremes of “yin” and “yang” of the life force known as “chi.” Illness is said to be the consequence of an imbalance of these forces. Chi is said to flow through pathways, in the human body. These energy flows are accessible through 350 acupuncture points in the body.

CHRONIC PAIN & ACUPUNCTURE

Chronic pain in the muscles and joints can make life miserable. Standard treatments like ice and heat, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and appropriate exercises can often ease the pain. But when they don’t, acupuncture is an option with a good track record that’s worth considering. Want to learn more? Please take a look at our source for this information from
Daniel Pendick Former Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture can help reduce pain and nausea. Read More
The practice also can help relieve:

Back pain
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Joint pain
Neck aches
Menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms

Osteopathic
Manipulative Treatment

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, or OMT, is a set of hands-on techniques used by osteopathic physicians (DOs) to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Using OMT, a DO moves a patient’s muscles and joints using techniques that include stretching, gentle pressure and resistance. OMT can help people of all ages and backgrounds. The treatment can be used to ease pain, promote healing and increase overall mobility. (Information collected from American Osteopathic Association)

THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION, MAY 2017

Chronic pain reduces the quality of life and productivity, costing billions of healthcare dollars and lost revenue. Physicians routinely prescribe opioids, which has led to opioid addiction and overdose. The US Surgeon General recommends nonpharmacologic treatment for patients with chronic pain. A paradigm shift is necessary for patients to partner with physicians to take control of their health.

HOW MASSAGE WORKS FOR CHRONIC PAIN

(Source from Professional massage therapist for River Dance)

Your muscles are busy. As you go about your day, exercise, or enjoy the hobbies you love, your muscles are in motion. Over time, your muscles may become overworked or overtasked, causing them to become tense or inflamed. Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, which in turn reduces painful contractions and spasms that cause your discomfort.

Besides giving your muscles a much-needed break, therapeutic massage therapy can also reduce nerve compression. When your muscles are tensed, they can compress the nerves around them and constrict their ability to transmit messages efficiently. By relaxing the muscle tissue, nerves can receive proper nutrients and do their normal work of transmitting messages to and from the brain, resulting in improved muscle and organ function. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA®): 75% of the individuals surveyed claim their primary reason for receiving a massage in the past 12 months was medical (including pain relief, soreness, stiffness or spasm, injury recovery, migraines, and injury prevention). 61% of the individuals surveyed stated their physician has recommended they get a massage.

TYPES OF MASSAGE

Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that's mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries.
IASTM
Also known as Gua Sha, this healing modality offers relief from chronic tension.

PAIN RELIEF
Therapeutic massage may relieve pain by way of several mechanisms, including relaxing painful muscles, tendons, and joints; and relieving stress and anxiety.

NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY
Designed to address a variety of health concerns, this specialized form of massage uses pressure and friction to release areas of strain in muscles.

What is Physical Therapy?

If you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic illness, dealing with disability, or facing the aches of aging, a physical therapist may be recommended for you. These experts in movement guide individuals of all ages in enhancing their quality of life through exercises, hands-on care, and education.

While many individuals seek physical therapy to address a specific pain or condition, it doesn't solely focus on problems. Physical therapy can also be incorporated into a broader wellness plan.

The goal of physical therapy is to instruct you on exercises that can enhance your movement, strength, flexibility, and balance. These techniques not only improve fitness but also serve as preventive measures against future issues or injuries.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare experts with specialized graduate training in physical therapy.
They assess your condition, create a customized care plan, and oversee your therapy.
PTs may administer hands-on treatments and instruct you in specific exercises to enhance movement and functionality.
In many states, you have the option to consult a PT directly, without needing a referral from your doctor.
PTs frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate treatments and enhance complete functionality in the targeted area.

What does a Physical Therapist do?

A Physical Therapist (PT) plays a crucial role in restoring and maintaining physical function and mobility in individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With a deep understanding of the human body's biomechanics and musculoskeletal system, PTs assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions, injuries, and disabilities. They design personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, incorporating therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, and patient education. Beyond rehabilitation, PTs also focus on injury prevention, promoting overall wellness, and enhancing quality of life. Whether aiding in post-surgical recovery, managing chronic pain, or improving mobility in older adults, the expertise of a Physical Therapist is instrumental in helping individuals achieve optimal physical health and function.