Testimonials

After a few appointments I was amazed at how good I started feeling

I was a skeptic at first because, I had tried another form of acupuncture and found it only helped a small amount, but my husband’s back had gone out on him and he could barely walk. A friend told us about Steve Philips’ acupuncture clinic and my husband had tried the chiropractor and was in even more pain, so we called Steve. We walked in with my husband bent over and in pain hoping he would walk out with less pain and better posture.

When my husband walked out straight and with less pain I was a believer and made an appointment for myself because I was suffering daily with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

I had been seeing many doctors for my issues and only resulted in taking more medication and not relieving much of the pain. After a few appointments I was amazed at how good I started feeling. With help from the acupuncture and Steve knowing just where to treat my problems, I actually started feel better than I had in years. Then when I started getting cold or started feeling bad I would call and my symptoms would disappear within a day.

Before seeing Steve I had a weekend immune system and if I caught a cold or the flu I was down for at the least a week. Now if I feel I am getting sick or I am in pain from the IC and IBS I call him have a treatment. I am either better when I walk out or within a couple of days.

I have watch co-workers, friends and family get sick and when they are on their second bottle of antibiotics or even their first I am over it and never even took any antibiotics.

I call Steve my miracle worker, I know he doesn’t like to be called that, but it has helped me tremendously. I take less medication and feel healthier than ever.

If you are reading this you are on the web site and considering treatment, well I wholeheartedly believe you need to call and make an appointment, walk in with an open mind and let the acupuncture work for you because it will. Once Steve listens to your reason for being there he will find the right spot and start treatment, it may take a couple of treatments, but you will be amazed at how you will feel.

Mary B.

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low, Digestive Disorders, Immune System Strengthening, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

I feel hopeful that I will regain my full mobility

Over the past 3 months I’ve come to believe that Steve Phillips works magic with his tiny acupuncture needles! I didn’t think that I would ever find the relief that I’m experiencing now.

My story is a common one in which my low back pain and sciatica continued to worsen year after year despite my best efforts. Each attempt met with more pain and frustration. I sought medical intervention and was seen by several very kind Physical Therapists, given medication and eventually referred to Kaiser’s Pain Clinic. I was offered a procedure that would destroy the nerves near my problem joints, but may only be temporary and the nerves might reconnect in different pathways. I wanted to explore a less invasive procedure but wasn’t optimistic since I had tried 4 years of Pilates and many, many years of Yoga. I remained active and modified my exercise from running to walking yet my mobility decreased and my pain increased. Walking was painful, sitting in a car for more than 20 minutes caused severe pain. My life became constricted and less joyful. The fear that I would continue this downhill spiral frightened me.

I asked the Pain Clinic about acupuncture and was referred to Steve. He is a caring professional who inspires confidence and trust. After 5 sessions I had 2 days pain free and was amazed… I’d forgotten what that felt like. After working with Steve for several months my former life is returning to me. I feel hopeful that I will regain my full mobility and again enjoy my Yoga classes and long walks. Today it is the occasional flare-ups that surprise me, not the absence of pain. I feel very fortunate to have been referred to Steve Phillips. His self-confidence is reassuring and his skills are incredible.

Robin McKnight, PhD

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low, Disc Herniation and Disc Degeneration, Sciatica, Testimonials from Health Professionals

Since 2004 doctors have been trying to find the cause

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!!!

(no name)

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low, Neck Pain, Sciatica, Shoulder Pain

Made me feel “whole” again as well as a whole lot younger

I am grateful to Steve for what he has done not only for my right shoulder, which has been a source of chronic pain for two decades due to calcium deposits, but also for my lower back, which x-rays confirm has arthritis at several levels resulting in my specialist’s conclusion that I have “thoracic spondylosis due to scattered areas of disc space narrowing and osteophyte formations being present throughout the thoracic spine”. Before meeting Steve I had already received my quota of steroidal injections in my shoulder, which were wonderful for providing temporary relief, but I was also taking 30 mg of vicodin and 1000 mg of Nabumetone daily to try to reduce the pain in both my shoulder and my back.

After my first session with Steve I began to feel improvement, both physically and mentally, for Steve, after listening to my history, squeezed the section of my shoulder which I said was where I hurt, and said, “I can make that better”. Following failed physical therapy and dreading elective surgery, I was uplifted by Steve’s “can do” attitude. After I positioned myself on the table and Steve moved about me, he began to leave the room and I asked, “When do you put the needles in?” (since I hate needles). Steve told me they were already in and asked if I didn’t feel an electrical current. Only then did I realize I was “hooked up” and receiving treatment.

I’ve been seeing Steve weekly for appointments that last an hour or so, and his treatments have vastly improved the quality of my life. My shoulder “works” again, and my back, which used to awaken me during the night with stabbing pain, has been silenced. Furthermore, when I last saw my doctor, my blood pressure was 119 over 68, unbelievable numbers for me. I told my primary care physician I was seeing an acupuncturist “on my own dime” for my shoulder and my back, and he was supportive (medically, not financially). When I told Steve about the improvement in my blood pressure, Steve’s response was, “You should have mentioned your blood pressure: we can work on that, too.” I suppose I could have gone through the hoops of being referred by Kaiser, but my ex-wife was referred by Kaiser Point West, which is where my primary care physician is, to an acupuncturist in Roseville. Following her quota of visits she felt her treatments were ineffective and didn’t continue. I prefer to “pay my own way” with Steve because one can’t put a price tag on the amount of relief I have received and the resultant improved quality of life I am enjoying.

As I mentioned earlier, Steve’s “can do” attitude of addressing my shoulder, my back, and my blood pressure at the same time, coupled with Steve being an obviously extremely gifted acupuncturist, has turned my life around. At 68, I had lived with chronic pain for so many years that I had almost accepted that such would be my lot in life. As a high school teacher, I would write the outlines for the next day’s lectures on my white board before leaving school as I knew the next day my shoulder would be locked in pain until midway though the day when the drugs “kicked” in and only then would I enjoy marginal movement. I hired people to clean my home, a gardener to mow and blow my lawn, and a neighbor boy to clean my rain gutters. I could no longer perform such routine chores. This weekend I’ve pruned a hedgerow between my neighbor’s and my property with my old pruning shears and am able to sit at my computer and keyboard this statement re: my acupuncturist experience with Steve Phillips. I have no idea if I will continue to see Steve for a month, a year, or for the rest of my life: that’s something he and I haven’t discussed. All I know is that he has truly made me feel “whole” again as well as a whole lot younger than I felt when I first walked through his door.

Had anyone told me that one day I, who is frightened by needles, would one day visit an acupuncturist, much less write a testimonial in which I heap sincere praises and gratitude for said acupuncturist’s many gifts and incredible knowledge, I would have said, “You’re crazy”. Life is full of surprises and gifts, and I know that in addition to the healing one must remain open to receiving such gifts and reinvigorating surprises. Steve began his practice here in 1991: my only regret is that I wasn’t among his first patients/clients. To think that twenty years ago I could have been relieved of all the unnecessary pain and accompanying suffering I’ve experienced is a reality I accept since Steve’s office is literally close enough to my home that I pass by it once a week.

Jerry Waugh

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low, Hypertension, Shoulder Pain

Within six treatments I was on my feet again and sleeping well

I am an active 63 years old male. But 8 years ago, I found myself facing two ruptured vertebrae disks in my lower back. I couldn’t walk more than 100 feet before needing to sit down, and the horrific pain was non-stop. Eventually, I found acupuncture. Within six treatments I was on my feet again and sleeping well.

Years later, the discomfort came back. Western doctors offered me surgery, a metal plate encircling my spine and six months of rehabilitation. I chose acupuncture with Steve Phillips, M.A., L.Ac. in Sacramento, and as before, I have experienced significant improvement from pain, nerve damage to my legs and general health.

At the same time, I’ve been fighting wrist tendonitis (heavy computer usage). Thanks to Steve and seven acupuncture treatments, the wrist has been restored to normal. As before, western medicine was offering me nothing more than pills and expensive long-term therapy.

No thank you. I’ll rely on Steve and acupuncture for ailments of this nature. Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing, and for my money, it commands a firm position in modern medicine.

David Logsdon - Carmichael, CA

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low, Wrist Pain

A co-worker recommended acupuncture

My lower back pain started after a fall down a flight of stairs. When it did not subside after several months, I visited my doctor and he prescribed pain medication and physical therapy. Both treatments did very little to actually solve the problem and only masked the issue. Several months later, a co-worker recommended acupuncture for relief. I was skeptical, but open minded, and scheduled a visit at Steve Phillips’ Acupuncture Healing Arts. After just 1 treatment, I noticed a significant reduction in my back pain and after some additional visits my back pain is almost completely gone. Given this success, I asked Steve to treat some other conditions I had been living with; shoulder pain, skin problems, and IBS, all of which are now completely cured. Steve is friendly and professional and his office is comfortable and relaxing. I fully recommend Acupuncture Healing Arts to cure what ails ya.

Travis

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Happy with the results

It’s been really nice to have a pain-free lower back for the first time in a year, and without pain killers. I’m very happy with the results of acupuncture.

TMR

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low

Strained my lower back

I had strained my lower back on business travels recently. Steve was able to treat me unexpectedly expediting the healing process. Feeling immobile is tragic while keeping a schedule. Be sure to patronage your local licensed Acupuncturist when in need of pain management without popping a pill. With much ALOHA to you and yours Steve.

Mahalo.

Kai

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low

Has a deep knowledge and very good skills

February 3, 2013

A letter of reference from Lilia Brossova, M.D. for my therapist Steve Phillips, M.A., L.Ac.

I am Steve Phillips’ patient starting from April 2012, doing treatments regularly, twice a month, since then to present. I started treatments with him right after I moved from Tucson, Arizona. I was looking for a therapist prior to my move to Sacramento because I needed continuous supportive care for my severe back injury. It was very hard, being still in Tucson, to find a good therapist without knowing anyone in Sacramento, but when I started calling to acupuncturists, many of them, after learning about my medical condition immediately recommended me Steve Phillips as the best therapist for my condition. When I called him I was very impressed with his very compassionate and professional manner of talking to me as a prospective new patient, ready to accept me right away when I moved to Sacramento, reassuring me with true empathy, welcoming me to come for the first treatment whenever I need to.

Since then every time I come for the treatment I can’t help admiring Steve Phillips’ very calm, kind attitude, sincerely cheerful and compassionate way of talking to me and other patients. Being a doctor of medicine myself I also couldn’t help noticing that even though he is always busy and has a few patients in the office simultaneously, he always finds time to greet you with a smile and makes sure you are comfortable while waiting for the treatment. I also admire how he manages to keep his office always clean, quiet and comfortably warm in the winter and cool in the summer for his patients’ comfort. He works with needles, and again as a medical professional, I noticed that all shelves and tables look very clean and all rooms have special containers for used needles, which is extremely important for any patient to feel safe and comfortable.

Steve Phillips checks on patients in the most caring way to make sure they are alright. He is always ready to accommodate to patients’ schedule needs and makes schedule changes very willingly and happily.

He definitely has a deep knowledge and very good skills to understand and treat my condition and his treatments are always helpful and give me relief each time. I heard the same about his treatments from other patients while talking to them in the waiting room. I move around in his office with a four-wheels walker, he personally makes sure that I can comfortably walk through the doors and moves chairs for me to help me have space in the room to be comfortable. I also admire his dedication to his patients, he is very focused on the treatment and very politely keeps my attention on the treatment so that he can have my feedback for the best results. He always makes an effort to give the best possible treatment and does not get distracted, stays focused on the treatment each time.

While waiting for the treatment in the waiting room, each time I admire his way of talking to his patients on the phone in the most friendly manner, changing appointments for their needs very willingly, and welcoming inquiring prospective new patients in a very compassionate, warm way.

I am totally disabled and I arrive to Steve Phillips office on a special ParaTransit bus each time way too early for my appointment and also after the treatment I have to wait most times for up to one hour for the bus to come and pick me up. Steve Phillips always reassures me that that is fine with him and he even goes an extra mile to offer me a spare room so I can relieve my constant strong back pain by laying down while I am waiting for my bus. I am very grateful for his hard work with me and I feel lucky to be his patient. I would recommend Steve Phillips to anyone who needs medical attention from a professional of his specialty.

Lilia Brossova, M.D.

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low, Sciatica, Testimonials from Health Professionals

Steve Phillips’ knowledge/ability changed my pain filled life!

In early November 2011 I experienced a serious pain in my lower back and right leg. the pain was excruciating and I was on my back on the floor and stayed that way getting up only for basic necessities. This lasted for several months. I was taking Flexeral, Soma tablets and Vicodin but none helped much. Aleve helped a little but only for a short time. I then had an MRI and followed up with an Epidural injection. This cortisone shot completely eliminated the pain but relief only lasted 10 days. Excruciating pain was back; In desperation I decided to try acupuncture. Seven 1-hour treatments in seven weeks and my excruciating pain was gone and 2 years later it’s still gone. I still have a week lower back but I exercise, walk and don’t sit for long periods of time.

Acupuncture is only as good as the acupuncturist and Steve Phillips’ knowledge/ability always impressed me and changed my pain filled life!

Charles Fischer

Treated (for): Back Pain - Low

PreviousNext