What We Treat in the Clinic
▪ Specializing in the treatment of sports injuries and pain
▪ Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries
▪ Acute and chronic pain
▪ Dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system
THE SHOULDER
Whitfield Reaves is very well trained in assessing and treating shoulder injuries. Rotator cuff strain and tendonitis usually respond quite well to acupuncture. Other injuries where acupuncture often benefits include bicepital tendonitis, frozen shoulder, and shoulder impingement syndrome.
THE KNEE
A wide variety of knee injuries are commonly seen in this clinic. Anterior knee pain, caused by patello-femoral joint syndrome, is a condition experienced by a growing number a patients over the age of 50. This chronic pain syndrome responds to the acupuncture protocol that Whitfield has developed. With proper and precise technique, the acupuncture needle reaches the sub-patellar (under the knee cap) region. With the addition of electrical stimulation or heat (moxibustion), patients usually report this treatment protocol is more effective than any other form of treatment that they have tried. Patients with patello-femoral pain will frequently be referred to a physical therapist for complementary modalities, which works well with acupuncture treatment.
Other acute and chronic injuries to the knee that may be considered for treatment:
▪ Ligament sprain (MCL, LCL, and ACL)
▪ Patellar tendonitis
▪ Meniscus injury
▪ Ilio-tibial band syndrome
TENDONITIS
In general, acupuncture may benefit many types of tendonitis, both acute and chronic. Treatment to the muscle, the tendon, and the surrounding tissues may increase micro-circulation and therefore relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance healing time.
Other commonly treated conditions:
▪ Achilles tendonitis
▪ Lateral epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”)
▪ Medial epicondylitis (“golfer’s elbow”, “climber’s elbow”)
▪ Shin splints (both anterior and medial)
ARTHRITIS AND JOINT CONDITIONS
Arthritis often responds well to acupuncture, although treatment may take a bit longer. The knee and the hip are two common sites of osteoarthritis. Both are well-treated by the techniques used in this clinic. However, the smaller joints also may respond well to acupuncture. By treating the surrounding tissues, increasing micro-circulation at or near the joint, and addressing other metabolic and structural issues, patients with arthritis usually experience relief. And they have confidence in the overall programs we use to maintain their joint function.
The following may respond well to acupuncture:
▪ Arthritis of the hip
▪ Osteoarthritis of the 1st metatarsal-phalanges joint (the “big toe”)
▪ Shoulder joint arthritis and bursitis
▪ Knee osteoarthritis (anterior, medial, or lateral compartments)
▪ Arthritis of the smaller joints of the wrist and hand
OTHER INJURIES AND PAIN SYNDROMES
Acupuncture may be considered a very effective modality for treating other injuries and pain syndromes, including:
▪ Achilles tendonitis
▪ Plantar fasciitis
▪ Ilio-tibial band syndrome
▪ Trochanteric bursitis (hip)
▪ Carpal tunnel syndrome
▪ Sprained ankle
ENHANCING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
If you are training for a specific athletic event, Whitfield has developed protocols that I might be beneficial to you during both training and competition. It is an interesting application of traditional Chinese techniques, and some athletes find treatment to offer “significant” support to their performance. For an article recently written for The American College of Sports Medicine, click HERE. You can find this article on page 4.
LOW BACK AND NECK PAIN
Both the neck and low back are common patient complaints. Injuries include sprain, strain, bulging or herniated discs, and soft tissue injury. In his practice, Whitfield does not specialize in cervical and lumbar pain syndromes. He will treat only those patients that can be helped with the style and techniques of acupuncture that he utilizes. If unable to help, Whitfield can refer you to some of the best practitioners in the Denver-Boulder area.
BOULDER ACUPUNCTURE SPORTS MEDICINE
The Office of Whitfield Reaves
303-552-8722