Transcript CAM Resources for your Patients

CAM
Resources for our
Patients
Becky Render, D.O.
February 3, 2009
Overview
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Acupuncture
Chiropractic
Osteopathy
Massage
Community Resources
Why is CAM important?
Acupuncture
Definition
 Acupuncture is one of the main forms of
treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. It
involves the use of sharp, thin needles that are
inserted in the body at very specific points. This
process is believed to adjust and alter the body's
energy flow into healthier patterns, and is used
to treat a wide variety of illnesses and health
conditions.
http://medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Accupu
ncture
Acupuncture
Purpose
 The World Health Organization (WHO)
recommends acupuncture as an effective
treatment for over forty medical problems
Acupuncture
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Including: allergies, respiratory conditions,
gastrointestinal disorders, gynecological problems,
nervous conditions, and disorders of the eyes, nose and
throat, and childhood illnesses, among others.
Acupuncture has been used in the treatment of
alcoholism and substance abuse.
It is an effective and low-cost treatment for headaches
and chronic pain, associated with problems like back
injuries and arthritis.
Acupuncture
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It has also been used to supplement invasive Western
treatments like chemotherapy and surgery.
Acupuncture is generally most effective when used as
prevention or before a health condition becomes acute,
but it has been used to help patients suffering from
cancer and AIDS.
Acupuncture is limited in treating conditions or
traumas that require surgery or emergency care (such as
for broken bones).
Acupuncture
The origin of acupuncture is Chinese medicine.
 Chinese medicine does not draw a sharp line, as
Western medicine does, between mind and body. The
Chinese system believes that emotions and mental
states are every bit as influential on disease as purely
physical mechanisms, and considers factors like work,
environment, lifestyle and relationships as fundamental
to the overall picture of a patient's health.
Chiropractic Medicine
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Chiropractic is one of the most popular
alternative therapies currently available. Some
would say it now qualifies as mainstream
treatment as opposed to complementary
medicine. Chiropractic treatment is covered by
many insurance plans and in 2004, the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs announced full
inclusion of chiropractic care for veterans.
http://medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com
Chiropractic Medicine
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It has become well-accepted treatment for acute
pain and problems of the spine, including lower
back pain and whiplash. Applications beyond
that scope are not supported by current
evidence, although there are ongoing studies
into the usefulness of chiropractic for such
problems as ear infections, dysmenorrhea, infant
colic, migraine headaches, and other conditions.
Chiropractic Medicine
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Depending on the cause and severity of the
condition, options for treatment may include
physical therapy, rest, medications, surgery, or
chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatment carries
none of the risks of surgical or pharmacologic
treatment. The odds of an adverse outcome are
extremely low.
Chiropractic Medicine
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Chiropractic has proven in several studies to be
less expensive than many more traditional routes
such as outpatient physical therapy. Relief from
some neuromuscular problems is immediate,
although a series of treatments is likely to be
required to maintain the improvement.
Osteopathy
What Is OMT?
Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, is
hands-on care. It involves using the hands to
diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.
Using OMT, your osteopathic physician (D.O.)
will move your muscles, bones and fascia using
techniques that involve stretching, gentle
pressure and resistance.
http://www.osteopathic.org
Osteopathy
What sorts of injuries/illness can OMT treat?
In 1999, a study released in the New England Journal
of Medicine noted that OMT is not only an effective
and low-cost form of treatment for low back pain but
also a treatment that decreased the need for
medications and surgery. In addition to being used to
treat low back pain and musuloskeletal abnormalities,
OMT can be used to treat asthma, carpal tunnel
syndrome, menstrual pain, sinus disorders, migraines
and much more.
http://www.osteopathic.org
Osteopathy
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JAOA, Journal of the American Osteopathic
Association, is a great resource for the latest
research and techniques in practice.
For those interested in learning manipulation,
there are CME courses you can take.
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See article printed about MD’s taking OMT courses.
Osteopathy
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How to refer to our own DO’s
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DO clinic proposal
Massage
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I’m a huge advocate!!!
Massage is good for so many reasons, everything
from cancer to stress reduction.
www.amtamassage.org
Massage
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Massage therapy popular among young and
lower-income Americans
Younger age groups and lower-income Americans
are the most likely to consider massage for stress and
other health reasons.
 Fifty-six percent of 18-24 year olds would consider
massage to manage stress.
 Forty-six percent of those earning less than $25,000
a year get massage for medical/health reasons; more
than any other groups.
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www.amtamassage.org
Community Resources
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Yes, we do have options for our patients.
Make sure you tell your patients to check what
insurance coverage the provider takes (many referrals
have been made to providers that don’t take Medi-Cal)
In reality, this is an ongoing project to find resources…
Community Resources
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Acupuncture:
Ori Tzvieli—Monday afternoon clinic in Martinez
 Kuelewa Furaha, Lac—Wednesday afternoon, RHC
 Joanne Fanucchi, Lac—Oasis Acupuncture and
Herbs in Concord. Wednesday 1-3pm, Thursdays 79pm: low cost community clinic
 There is a list available of others…
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Community Resources
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Chiropractic:
Again, there is a list and it is updated annually.
 I can’t recommend anyone at this time, but I’m open
to suggestions.
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Osteopaths:
This is a work in progress due to insurance issues.
 I will take patients.
 Hopefully coming to a CCRMC clinic near you… 
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Community Resources
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Massage:
Unfortunately we don’t have good resources for our
patients to receive massages.
 There are discounts at student massage schools.
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National Holistic Institute (Teaching clinic in Emeryville)
References
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Thank you Karen Burt, Joanne Fanucchi and
many others for your help in pointing me in the
right direction.
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com
www.osteopathic.org
www.amtamassage.org
www.medicalacupuncture.org
EJ Swint: Provider Relations, 925-313-9507
Thank you!