I have been under a doctor's care since 1994 because of industrial injuries that developed during my employment as a computer programmer. I had a 3-level cervical fusion in 1996, rotator cuff impingement surgery in 1999 and 2001, and then surgery for radial nerve entrapment in my right arm in 2003. Since 2004 doctors have been trying to find the cause of continuing aching low back pain and deep pain in my right thigh. I have taken several different medications for inflammation and pain over the past 9 years. Three months ago I began once-a-week physical therapy for core strengthening. I have had physical therapy 4 or 5 times in the past 16 years which has gradually reduced muscles to some extent and improved my ability for about a year.
I started acupuncture with Steve Phillips June 15th. After the first visit I could immediately stand up straight. My friends commented on it. With every visit my pain was reduced a little more, the muscle spasms were less, and my flexibility was greater. After 16 visits my overall pain has dropped from 7/10 to 3/10. The pain in my right buttocks is gone. The pain in my right leg has gone from 8/10 to 3/10. My pain in my neck and shoulders is usually 2/10, my lower back pain above my waist is 0, and below my waist is 3-4/10. Standing, I can touch the floor with my finger tips–before I could only get close–11 inches. The quality of my life, my mental attitude, and my ability to function is immeasurably better!!!
In January 2006 I underwent a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at Kaiser Hospital in South San Francisco. The pre screening, counseling and ultimately the surgery went according to plan and was very successful. It probably saved my life due to the morbidities I was dealing with. And "yes", I would recommend this procedure to others if they had the right reasons. And "yes", I would recommend the Kaiser team there to friends and family.
Unfortunately when I awoke from surgery I felt a very uncomfortable pain in my left shoulder. It has taken me all this time to finally get some type of real relief. Medical doctors have prescribed Salsalate, Lyrica, Vicodin, Tramadol, Celexa and other OTC INSIDS. All of these would provide a temporary solution but the pain always seemed to return. One MD advised me I had minor RA in my shoulders confirmed the diagnosis with a scan and surgery was advised. I was at wits end! I did not want additional surgeries.
Reading on the web, I discovered other Post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients were experiencing similar shoulder and neck pain. I am not sure there is a solid connection between the two but to me it is just too coincidental. I was tired of sleeping in the chair at night since every time I would lie down in bed the chronic pain would return. My life was hell.
Browsing on the web for alternative solutions I located Steve Phillips and emailed him for his advice. My first acupuncture treatment provided immediate relief that evening. Followed by sessions every 2 to 3 weeks my pain level has dropped considerably. As of this testimonial I am now on 4 week cycles. And I am not taking any of the drugs I was previously taking for pain control. I have continued the use of Trazadone to help me sleep since my sleep patterns were all out of sync.
I plan to continue to receive my acupuncture treatments and manage my chronic pain, and not let the pain killers manage me. Acupuncture treatments or me are working and I am not reluctant to refer anyone to Steve or his peers around the country.
This last weekend I actually did yard work, no pain and I was able to get a good night's rest.
Thanks Steve…
Bruce Borton
Citrus Heights, CA
I had severe arm and shoulder pain. I am rarely slowed or stopped by pain, I usually can work through it. Working through this pain was not going to happen. I could not get away from it. It was interfering with my ability to do my job. I am the Financial Director of small social services nonprofit and my job puts me in front of a computer all day. The pain was so bad I could hardly move my arm and I was having problems lifting my arm to type. All this happened in the middle of our annual audit. I started looking for alternative treatments because I just could not work and take pain medicine and I needed to work and provide the information required by the auditor. I fully committed to treatment with Steve and within four visits my pain slowing decreased until now I rarely have any pain in my arm or my shoulder. Steve recommended that we do several more visits to make sure that everything is completely gone. Thank you Steve, great job!
Kathy
Steve,
I wish to thank you for the acupuncture treatment that I have received at your clinic. It has been a very good experience. I tried everything to help get rid of my shoulder pain. I was even scheduled for surgery, and on the table, but the proceedure was not done as they could not get the tubes down my throat. Next we tried physical therapy. All that did was create more pain. Now, after 8 treatments, the pain is not as intense, and as often. I have more range of motion and can do more activities. I was sceptical about acupuncture at first, but I am very pleased with the results. I recommend that everyone in my situation try your clinic as they might be surprised with the results.
Russ
Steve Phillips has performed acupuncture for me for many years treating the osteoarthritis in both shoulders which has eroded the cartilage in the shoulder joints.
This condition creates pain from the right elbow to the left causing pain across my shoulders, into my neck, and creates great difficulty in performing many tasks of daily living.
The acupuncture treatments aid greatly in the control of pain, allowing me to live a fuller life despite the problems caused by the osteoarthritis.
Steve also treats other bodily conditions arising from use and abuse related to activity stemming from my profession as a registered nurse and activity of daily living.
I highly recommend Steve to perform acupuncture for the myriad of bodily problems occurring from daily life, to enjoy relief of pain, release of tension, reduction of stress level, and overall bodily rejuvenation.
Lois Mikelson, R.N., M.F.C.C., Ph. D, and Reiki Master
I consider Steve Phillips as the MIRACLE MAN of my right arm. After two Kaiser Physicians recommended surgery on my right shoulder rotator cuff, I refused and opted for painful physical therapy which did nothing but created more pain, I sought help from Acupuncture. As a result, after just 7 treatments from Steve, I regain full circular use of my right arm. I was able to again, extend my arm out front, side and backward from my body, sleep on my right side, reach above my shoulders, and carry my cane and return to work. When the pain flares up, normally every three years, I return for another set of treatments. It is great, no pain pills, just tiny hair like needles that are almost painless.
Thanks Steve for your personal and professional touch.
Sylvia S., Ph.D.
I am a 53 year old woman who trains horses for a living and has a martial arts filled past. In other words, I am a gold mine of old and current injuries, particularly my ankle, shoulders and lower back.
Steve Phillips with his athletic savvy and acupuncture talents has kept me in the best possible condition I need to not only work, but to enjoy life to its fullest. My immune system is better than it's been in years as well as my general health and energy level. His practice combines a kind concern with a no nonsense view towards health care that is quite refreshing. I certainly recommend it strongly.
Sincerely,
Teresa T.
I would like to take this opportunity to write a brief testimonial for Steve Phillips, L.Ac.
I have worked in the medical field now for 15 years and hold licenses in two healthcare modalities. I've had the opportunity to work with many medical doctors and other healthcare professionals and this experience has enriched my knowledge about the human body and many medical treatments and procedures.
Having direct patient contact, my job is quite physical and we are at high risk for musculo-skeletal injuries. I have suffered multiple work related injuries from my job, which had resulted in sciatica from a disc herniation, chronic back pain and chronic shoulder pain.
Surgery was the last resort, so I used both chiropractic and massage therapy. While these were beneficial and offered temporary relief, my condition worsened. Then I heard about acupuncture from a co-worker who had success with it. I was quite skeptical about acupuncture, but I figured that… with my declining condition, what did I have to lose? I would have most likely been unable to continue working the way things were going.
I found Steve in the yellow pages (lucky me) and began treatments in 2003. I honestly laughed after my first treatment because I noticed release in the back muscles which had been in chronic spasm for several years. I continued a steady treatment regimen of chiropractic, massage therapy, and acupuncture. All three are complimentary, but acupuncture was the keystone to my recovery. Steve also taught me special exercises which I will use for the rest of my life which helped bring me out of that trough of pain and suffering.
I've seen two sides of treating ailments: western medicine and chinese medicine. With what I know now, I'd opt for acupuncture first and foremost for any aches, pains, and/or injuries before surgery and pills. I still use and highly recommend Steve for his services… try it, you can't go wrong!
Thank you,
James B. age 47
Steve,
I really hate needles! That tells you how difficult it was for me to go to an Acupuncturist.
My husband had gone to Steve Phillips with great success, so I gave him a try. I had tennis elbow and was in a lot of pain. After five visits, the pain was gone and it never came back. My next visit, some years later, was for shoulder pain on one side and arm pain on the other side. I waited three months to call Steve. By that time, the pain was severe. Again, five visits and it was gone.
I am now seeing him for lower back pain. I have no doubt that it will gone soon.
I have recommended Steve to several friends. They have also been relieved of their pain.
I still hate needles, but continue to go to Steve for permanent relief of my aches.
—Evelyn J.
I am writing this sincere and thankful endorsement of acupuncture treatment in general and Steve Phillips in particular. I began my treatment nearly a year ago for unremitting pain in my right forearm and elbow area that had originated about four months earlier as a result of a lifting injury. Visits with my primary care doctor and medications had not resulted in any significant improvement in my pain level or return of function. Steve was able to provide pain relief after just one visit and within about 3 to 4 treatments the pain was entirely gone. As my elbow treatment was occurring, I had a recurrence of some back pain that was related to a disc compression and sciatica nerve related pain. Steve was able to begin treating this back pain as he was completing the treatment for the elbow. Because these two treatments were so successful and helpful to me, I asked Steve to work on other pain issues in my shoulders with excellent results. The most recent treatments Steve has provided are focused on Carpal Tunnel issues that have developed over the last year. Acupuncture treatment has succeeded in addressing this condition as well. In addition to the acupuncture, Steve offered suggestions such as specific stretching exercises which were helpful in preventing a return of the pain issues in my shoulders, elbow, arms, and wrists.
Steve is an exceptionally knowledgeable practitioner of Acupuncture who has a very professional manner that inspires trust and confidence. His training, his confidence in the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment, and his genuine interest in the overall well being of his clients are all key aspects of his successful treatments. He is an excellent listener who gives his full attention to each person who consults him for assistance. He has the ability to answer questions in a comprehensive and understandable manner that lets his clients know that he has clearly understood their concerns and that encourages the type of additional discussion that enhances treatment decisions and effectiveness.
Finally, Steve offered numerous recommendations that have assisted me in altering my lifestyle in ways that have enabled me to begin losing weight and to eat in a manner that is much healthier. One extremely positive outcome of following Steve's advice and guidance in lifestyle changes has been significantly improved management of my diabetes reflected in blood glucose levels that are more frequently in the normal range. In addition, I think the acupuncture treatment has improved my immune system and resistance to illness such as colds and flu caused by viruses.
Steve has been a pleasure to work with in so many ways. He is personable, professional, flexible, friendly, knowledgeable, and wonderfully competent in performing acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of issues. It has been a pleasure to work with such a caring and competent acupuncture provider and I whole-heartedly endorse and recommend him as an exemplary person and acupuncture practitioner.
Stephen Grouell, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Testimonial for Steve Phillips
I had been having left shoulder pain for a very long time and right knee pain for at least 2 months, and had decided I would have to live with it. I thought that it was just part of getting older, along with the loss of energy and "hot flashes". When I started having excruciating right wrist pain, I decided that it was time to do something. That's when I came to Steve Phillips for acupuncture. That was the most wonderful choice I could have made. Within weeks after having energy balancing treatments as well as treatments for all my problem areas, most pain was gone, except for that of my very painful wrist, and even that is greatly improved. My energy level has greatly improved, and the "hot flashes" are gone. I am truly grateful to Steve for everything he has done for me.
Theresa Miyashiro, R.N.
I first saw Steve Phillips for acupuncture treatments in 2004. I was experiencing headaches and nausea from subdural hematomas. The sessions helped to lessen these symptoms. Over the past few years I have undergone acupuncture treatments for a variety of conditions such as anxiety, pain in my knees, my shoulder and a sinus condition. All of these sessions have given positive results. I presently continue with the acupuncture sessions to maintain good health and a sense of well-being.
K.A., Female age 55-60
After a fall, I had experienced fairly constant neck, shoulder and back pain even after physical therapy. The pain specialist recommended acupuncture. I did not expect much relief and was not looking forward to the needles. However, to my surprise, the needles do not hurt and after a few sessions, I realized that the pain has been reduced dramatically in frequency and intensity. I recommend you keep an open mind and give it a try.
Donna G. from Sacramento, CA
Steve Phillips has been treating me for around two years assisting me to cope with several chronic medical issues of mine, which include chronic low back pain, a rotator cuff problem in my shoulder, and anxiety. I can say without any doubt that Steve is very professional and has a deep concern for his patients. Prior to each session, Steve is sure to evaluate me and makes sure to address any issues that are currently hindering me. He is then able to adjust my treatment so that I'm able to gain the maximum benefit from the session. Steve has always clearly explained his recommended treatment with me and made sure that I was comfortable with his suggestion before proceeding.
Through the past two years with regular acupuncture treatments I have found that most of my medical issues are much easier to manage. The back and shoulder pain is much improved. In addition, each session has allowed me the time to grow through the solitude and quiet music which allows me to easily fall into a meditative state and focus on my body and spirit. This greatly helps my anxiety.
I would highly recommend to someone who is having difficulty maintaining any medical issue to sincerely consider Steve Phillips Acupuncture Clinic. It truly is an incredible alternative method of treatment to utilize in conjunction with your current medical treatments.
—Todd M.
I have been receiving acupuncture from Steve Phillips since 2002 for pain control from having rotator cuff surgery. Before receiving acupuncture from Steve Phillips, it was difficult to do any activity without a high amount of pain. I could not care for my goats, nor could I groom, walk, or train my horses because of the tenderness. In addition, it was also impossible to go to a fitness club to exercise due to the throbbing. Since seeing Steve Phillips, I can care for my goats, work with my horses, and work out at a fitness club regularly. Not only does Steve Phillips aid in pain control, he has developed a technique to reduce scar tissue, so the surgery scars are almost unnoticeable. Steve Phillips has also treated my family members for other ailments such as sciatica, migraine headaches, and scoliosis pain. Before poisoning the body with drugs, try acupuncture first. I do.
—Candy Y.
I began acupuncture treatment after a minor vehicle crash which caused me neck, shoulder and lower back pain. Physical therapy did not work and seemed to cause me more pain. After a couple of sessions at The Acupuncture Clinic, I began to feel relief. I was sleeping through the night, taking less medication and rating my pain lower and less frequently. I am almost done with my acupuncture sessions and feel wonderful. Steve Phillips from the clinic provides a gentle, relaxing but effective treatment. I have never had acupuncture treatments before but can honestly say that it has helped me with my pain so that I can sleep comfortably and lead a normal life.
Laura G., Elk Grove