Chronic pain is a health care and social problem of epidemic proportions. It is a frequent cause of morbidity and economic burden in the United States. Patients with pain have a desire to learn about their condition, prognosis, and treatment alternatives. This is why I am always interested in explaining the cause of their pain to my patients. The moment we understand the cause of our pain we are able to heal.
Acute pain is usually a fast resolving complaint if treated properly. Simple injuries such as strains and sprains often resolve within one to two treatments. To speed up recovery, patients are usually instructed on how to rehabilitate the injured area with simple exercises. Mild stretching or strengthening, ice/heat therapy, or self-massage might be recommended.
Pain can be helpful. Without pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it. Sometimes pain alerts you of a medical condition that would otherwise go unnoticed. However, sometimes pain goes on for weeks, months, or even years. Along with discomfort, chronic pain can cause low self-esteem, depression, and anger, and it can interfere with your daily activities.
Dr. Andreas Schwerte, O.M.D., L.Ac. has offered effective solutions to treating acute and chronic pain with dry needling/trigger point therapy for over 20 years. As an acupuncturist, he’s a pioneer and visionary in his field, bringing this type of therapy to his line of work. He is also a certified Graston therapist. Graston Technique® is a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that is the leading soft-tissue therapy used by the majority of NFL, NBA, and MLB teams.
In addition, he offers gentle joint manipulations as well as individually tailored exercise programs. He is versed in modern orthopedic medicine, osteopathy, and physical medicine. Doctor Schwerte specializes in techniques that help to turn off pain signals, reduce inflammation, and facilitate the realignment of joints and muscles.
Patients usually experience substantial relief within one or two treatments.
It is incredible how effective acupuncture is at releasing muscles for rotator cuff pain. Thank you!
– David San Francisco
My back is much, much better after one treatment. Still amazes me and puts a smile on my face. Before those tweaks and aches would last a week or two or even more…now it’s a day or two. Crazy!
– F. D. San Francisco
I have been dealing with chronic pain for over two years in my neck and arms. The sensations were crippling. I was not able to participate in life and wanted to find a healing. Dr. Schwerte gave that to me. And I could not be more thankful. In less than two months I am living in a brand new world. One full of promise, strength, health and happiness.
– Jerry, San Francisco
I had a serious muscular issue in my calf which caused me problems walking for about 4 years. I went to numerous doctors and health care providers and nobody was able fix it. Three sessions with Dr. Schwerte allowed me to walk extensively and bike again. J. S.
In brief verbal exchange Andreas analyzed my shoulder ache. In two one-hour visits within 10 days Andreas cured my pain. Since then I never had problems with my shoulder again and enjoy life. C. W.
I want to thank you for taking such amazing care of me. I have healed from bilateral Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis) 100%. Not one doctor or person familiar with Bell’s palsy can believe that not even a trace remains. B. B.
I used to suffer from carpal tunnel and tendonitis for 7 years and I had consulted countless medical doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors with very limited success. I was not familiar with oriental medicine before, but after this experience I would highly recommend it to anyone. Doctor Schwerte was able to relief my pain and symptoms within a few weeks. Amazing results – and no surgery or pain medication necessary! The symptoms are gone for good (anyone suffering from tendonitis can appreciate this comment). V. H.
I injured my lower back (sport-related accident) and a few acupuncture sessions later the pain was completely gone. I did not have to take any of the medication my orthopedist had prescribed. S. F.
After suffering what was diagnosed as a repeated stress injury I was in need of finding a fast-acting, reliable, low risk and lasting treatment. In my first treatment I could feel the tension dissolve, my muscles responding and a freer flow of energy passing through the channels of my body. My mind was completely at ease, serene, clear. I felt aware, balanced and strong. Absolutely incredible. I have been back on several occasions, for specific maladies as well as general realignment. B. T.
Doctor Schwerte made me believe in oriental medicine, specifically acupuncture. He did remarkable work in heeling me from pretty major injuries I had as a result of a bicycle accident. I had huge results from my first visit to him. I have recommended him to many other friends and family and he’s always delivered the same outstanding results in heeling them.
I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone that needs immediate pain treatment for muscular injuries. M.C.
Last summer, my wife and welcomed a baby boy into our family. Everything was wonderful until I threw my back out and was unable to carry my son. I had heard through a friend that Dr. Schwerte’s practice was somehow different, and more personal than other acupuncturists. I’m pleased to say that this is true. Schwerte is a calm and calming presence. He listens carefully to what you have to say, and really remembers you on follow-up appointments. After just two visits, my back pain was nearly gone, and that’s not due to the acupuncture alone, but thanks to concise, sound advice about posture, exercise, and lifting techniques. After a week, I was able to carry my son around the city for hours at a time. He’s grown about 15 pounds since then, and the back pain hasn’t returned! A.T.
More About Pain
Whereas a reduction or disappearing of perceived pain is often very easy to facilitate, it is hard for most patients who experience pain on a regular basis to stay pain-free for a long period of time. Pain often has a tendency to reoccur. This is because most musculoskeletal pain has its origin in an imbalance of the musculoskeletal system. This is usually due to muscle tightness and/or weakness. As muscles are the active/mobile components of this system, they are responsible to keep our bones aligned, moving them, and protecting us from injuries. Even so-called “weak” muscles often regain their strength immediately after their strain, or the strain of an opposing muscle has been released. This is most effectively achieved through trigger point needling combined with specific stretch therapy.
By its nature, our modern lifestyle brings plenty of stress and long workdays. Therefore muscles are often over-excited, which leads them to strain and shorten. This may inhibit other muscles, creating an imbalance within the muscular system, with muscles weakening and some shortening. This not only causes misalignment in the musculoskeletal apparatus but also functional disarray.
Simple movements require a very coordinated interplay of individual muscle contractions called the kinetic chains of movement. If one muscle in this chain is tight or weak this kinetic chain will be disturbed overworking certain muscles and leading to chronic pain. Musculoskeletal imbalance is mostly caused by a lifestyle that is too stressful and/or sedentary as well as over-exercising without proper support, prevention, or wrong nutrition.
Common Causes of Pain
- Faulty posture & Repetitive strains in sports activities or at the workplace
- Stress increases inflammation and muscle tightness, especially in the jaw, neck, hips, lower back, and calf muscles.
- Poor diet increases inflammation causing muscle tightness and pain.
- Food allergies can cause chronic inflammation, muscle tightness, and pain.
- Adrenal imbalance can cause inflammation, muscle tightness, and pain.