Pain Management
Conveniently located in Beaverton, OR, Apricot Health Clinic offers many options for pain management. Each provider at our clinic offers unique approaches to pain management that complement each other well.
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Acupuncture has a long history and robust scientific support for its benefits in pain management. While pain is only one of the many health problems Dr. Chuang addresses with acupuncture, it can be a very effective approach.
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Manual therapies such as Tui Na (Chinese Medicine bodywork), Fire Cupping, and Gua Sha are tried and true approaches to managing pain.
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Low Dose Naltrexone
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) has been a game-changer for many patients suffering from chronic pain. LDN has a regulatory effect on the body that is particularly helpful for patients with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and complex regional pain syndrome, to name a few. LDN's treatment effects can extend beyond those conditions as well. Dr. Chuang has been prescribing LDN for years and has seen excellent results from its use.
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Methylene Blue
Methylene Blue has anti-inflammatory effects and supports mitochondrial function. Both of these actions, combined with pain signal disruption, not only can help people experience reduced pain, but they also set up an environment in the body that is conducive to healing.
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Chinese Medicine Herbal Formulas
There are many standard Chinese Medicine herbal formulas that are commonly used by Chinese medicine providers. The problem with standardized formulas is that, while they work well in general, they cannot account for the unique needs of each patient. Not every practitioner who prescribes herbal medicine formulas is able to customize those formulas for each patient. Dr. Chuang creates herbal formulas for her patients based on their unique needs instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. Often physical pain can arise from many types internal disruptions that require a comprehensive, whole-person approach that is best accomplished via customized Chinese Medicine Herbal Formulas.
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Manual Therapies
When people think of manual therapies for pain management, they usually think of Chiropractors. What most people do not know is that Naturopathic Doctors are also trained in manual therapies and spinal manipulation techniques as well. Most of Dr. von Plitt's manual therapy instructors and mentors are Chiropractors, in addition to the Naturopathic Doctor instructors, which gives Dr. von Plitt a wide range of manual therapies to apply with his patients. The generic name for a Chiropractic Adjustment is a High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) mobilization. Dr. von Plitt is well versed in applying HVLA mobilizations for patients, however, he uses multiple types of mobilizations for his patients to ensure he is using the best technique for the patient in front of him. His primary form of manual therapy currently is a mobilization tool that can mobilize joints and spinal segments in a gentle manner that most of his patient prefer over the more aggressive manual HVLA treatments. Dr. von Plitt also integrates soft tissue therapies to ensure that when joints are mobilized, the supporting muscles are balanced as well to reduce the chance that mobilized joint will become restricted again.
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Applied Kinesiology is a methodology that helps Dr. von Plitt determine which modalities will be most supportive form his patients. This allows for precision manual therapies to be applied, rather than depending on general treatment approaches.
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PIT is one of Dr. von Plitt's favorite treatment modalities due to its simplicity and impressive, rapid results. With very few potential side effects and a mechanism of action that not only reduces pain, but also helps the effected nerves heal and return to normal balance, this is an excellent support for most patients living with chronic pain.
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Wen most people think of Xeomin, they think of "wrinkle relaxer". While Xeomin is great for its aesthetic effects, it can also be very helpful for chronic headaches and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD). It can help relax muscles that are too tense and unable to relax to offer relief for approximately 3 months before a repeat treatment is often necessary. While this treatment approach is not for everyone, there are many patients who are able to keep their pain at bay and enjoy a normal life without the need for chronic pain medication use and constant manual therapy visits to manage their pain.