MONROE - Pressure in the neck, shoulders and back with sciatic pain from day after day of bending and slouching over dental patients. Some therapeutic remedies work, but the next week, the pain is back, and she's running out of hope to just feel normal again - a vicious cycle for 16 years.
This was one woman's journey to discovering acupuncture.
"I was tired of popping pills like Tylenol," said Monroe resident, Yvonne Posey. "Chiropractors and masseuses might work for some people, but it wasn't enough for me. When I would receive these treatments, I would need to revisit every month or more. I needed something that would take my pain away more permanently."
Posey turned to her yellow pages and computer for help. She started researching acupuncture as a potential solution.
Posey found acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to reduce pain and promote healing. The ancient medical treatment involves inserting thin needles at precise points around the body. It's often used in combination with heat or electrical stimulation.
A dental hygienist by trade, Posey was excited to discover Vasudev Patel, MD, a provider at Monroe Clinic, practiced acupuncture. Knowing that she was receiving treatment from a skilled medical professional put her at ease.
"I like that Dr. Patel is a medical doctor and has that background," explained Posey. "It makes me comfortable and confident that I'm going to get good care."
Being an anesthesiologist and licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Patel has extensive knowledge of anatomy - which can help to ensure proper needle placement and insertion - plus a broader understanding of physical health issues. He draws on his expertise in both areas to address a patient's medical concerns holistically.
Her first appointment with Dr. Patel at Monroe Clinic hospital took about 45-minutes including her medical history and 30-minutes of sitting after the needles were inserted. Posey noticed a marked difference after the first treatment. The second day she said she felt 85 to 90 percent improved.
"It's common for patients to feel better right away," said Dr. Patel. "Inserting a needle stimulates the nervous system and causes it to release chemicals that influence how the body deals with pain and healing."
The traditional theory behind acupuncture is the stimulation of the needling unblocks or restores the body's natural channels - also called meridians - of energy.
"In China, 'chi' is the energy that flows throughout the body," explained Dr. Patel. "When a part of the body is in pain, that means the chi is not flowing."
Posey's follow-up visits started every other week for the first two treatments, then every six months. Two years after her first treatment, she's gone nine months between appointments with no pain.
"I have recommended acupuncture to friends with chronic pain," concluded Posey. "One friend's wife thanked me. She said she's noticed a difference in not just his pain but also his mood."
To make an appointment with Dr. Patel, call Monroe Clinic at 324-1577.
This was one woman's journey to discovering acupuncture.
"I was tired of popping pills like Tylenol," said Monroe resident, Yvonne Posey. "Chiropractors and masseuses might work for some people, but it wasn't enough for me. When I would receive these treatments, I would need to revisit every month or more. I needed something that would take my pain away more permanently."
Posey turned to her yellow pages and computer for help. She started researching acupuncture as a potential solution.
Posey found acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to reduce pain and promote healing. The ancient medical treatment involves inserting thin needles at precise points around the body. It's often used in combination with heat or electrical stimulation.
A dental hygienist by trade, Posey was excited to discover Vasudev Patel, MD, a provider at Monroe Clinic, practiced acupuncture. Knowing that she was receiving treatment from a skilled medical professional put her at ease.
"I like that Dr. Patel is a medical doctor and has that background," explained Posey. "It makes me comfortable and confident that I'm going to get good care."
Being an anesthesiologist and licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Patel has extensive knowledge of anatomy - which can help to ensure proper needle placement and insertion - plus a broader understanding of physical health issues. He draws on his expertise in both areas to address a patient's medical concerns holistically.
Her first appointment with Dr. Patel at Monroe Clinic hospital took about 45-minutes including her medical history and 30-minutes of sitting after the needles were inserted. Posey noticed a marked difference after the first treatment. The second day she said she felt 85 to 90 percent improved.
"It's common for patients to feel better right away," said Dr. Patel. "Inserting a needle stimulates the nervous system and causes it to release chemicals that influence how the body deals with pain and healing."
The traditional theory behind acupuncture is the stimulation of the needling unblocks or restores the body's natural channels - also called meridians - of energy.
"In China, 'chi' is the energy that flows throughout the body," explained Dr. Patel. "When a part of the body is in pain, that means the chi is not flowing."
Posey's follow-up visits started every other week for the first two treatments, then every six months. Two years after her first treatment, she's gone nine months between appointments with no pain.
"I have recommended acupuncture to friends with chronic pain," concluded Posey. "One friend's wife thanked me. She said she's noticed a difference in not just his pain but also his mood."
To make an appointment with Dr. Patel, call Monroe Clinic at 324-1577.
