Healing Choices P.C. - Offers relief from pain, distress and
fatigue with drug free options
 
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Question: Can you treat Parkinsons with the mind heals approach? -

Answer: The Mind Heals Approach is a philosophic approach that supports and maximizes the healing that can occur with all effective medical treatment. At Healing Choices we can work with individuals who have a variety of chronic medical conditions such as Parkinsons who are interested in exploring drug free treatment options as part of an integrative interdisciplinary approach. We work in collaboration with the patients primary care physician and other specialists such as neurologist based upon patient need.


Question: Your quote: " a team that supports a positive mental attitude and your intuition as to what will work best for you is critical." isn't always the case with all doctors and their teams..even with those who specialize in fibro. What can a patient do when faced with the problem with so little access of good care available locally? -

Answer: You are correct, this approach is not always supported. However, if you are not able to identify a team that shares this philosophy, I would suggest a couple of points to consider. -It may be worth travelling in some situations to get the type of care and support that you need. -Create your own team. If one does not exist in reasonable proximity. Interview different practitioners to find out if they are willing to work together in partnership with you. Do not forget to ask others if they are familiar with a team or practitioners who have the expertise and philosophy you are looking for. -Remember that you are the most important member of the team. If you do your own research, have a positive attitude and take responsibiliy for your health and healing, while being open to your own intuition you will do well.


Question: I HAVE HAD SEVERE PAIN THROUHOUT MY BODY. THE PAIN IS USALLY REALLY BAD IN THE MORNING AND NIGHT. I HAVE HAD X-RAYS OF MY FEET AND HANDS ,ELBOWS,KNEES AND A BONE SCAN WERE ALL NEGATIVE. I ALSO HAVE A VERY HARD TIME SLEEPING. I KNOW IM NOT CRAZY I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PAIN IN MY WHOLE LIFE. WHAT SHOULD I ASK MY DOCTOR TO DO. DO YOU THINK I SHOULD SEE A SPECIALIST. -

Answer: In addition to the x-rays that were done, if not already ordered, basic lab work might be useful as well as a full physical exam that includes assessment for tender points. Obviously, a more detailed history is needed which would also lead your physician to appropriate testing. If your primary care physician needs further assistance with the evaluation process, then a specialist may be appropriate. This is a discussion that you would need to have with your primary care physician.


Question: I have been diagnosed with fibro, arthritis in my spine, migraines, lately my eyes seem to want to jump around does this have anything to do with fibro? Also have twitching and sweating. -

Answer: Although visual symptoms can be present without any other diagnosis once a thorough opthalmologic exam is done, the constellation of symptoms does not seem typical of this diagnosis. I would strongy urge you to have this evaluated further by your primary care physician and/or an appropriate specialist.


Question: How is the Chinese Medicine approach different from the western approach? -

Answer: The chinese medicine approach includes acupunctue in conjunction with diet, proper exercise and when appropriate herbal medicine. Rather than focusing on a body part or a symptom in isolation, the skilled practitioner will evaluate and treat any imbalances in the entire body and recognizes the important connection between the physicial and mental/emotional state of the individul. In our program we have found that Chinese medicine and in particular acupuncture can be very effective in addressing a variety of symptoms including chronic pain, fatigue, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, hormonal imbalances and a variety of other medical symptoms.


Question: Can fibromyalgia cause pain in just one part of the body such as an arm, a leg the chest or the back? -

Answer: Although it is common for all of these locations to be affected by pain, by definition the pain from fibromyalgia tends to be generalized and not restricted to one location. However, it is certainly common for someone who does have more generalized pain from Fibromyalgia to have specific locations that are more affected at any given time.


Question: Is Myofascial Release Therapy very effective for Fibro/CFS? How long does one have to go to see results? And are they permanent? What other types of therapy do you recommend for this condition? -

Answer: Myofascial Release can be helpful for individuals living with Regional Myofascial Pain syndrome or localized areas of pain related to Fibromyalgia as a component of treatment. When effective, this form of treatment may require some follow up visits. This approach is not meant specifically for patients who are diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, if regional myofascial pain is not present. I rarely see Mofascial Release as a stand alone treatment for Fibromyalgia and would suggest that you consider the more comprehensive approach that is listed on this web site as an option to consider.


Question: Can Reiki be used when receiving acupuncture treatment? Is this done individually, or in a group session? -

Answer: Yes, Reiki and other forms of energy work can be done in conjunction with Acupuncture. Some individuals prefer to work with one approach at a time, but both treatments can complement each other. Reiki is typically done on an individual basis.


Question: What is therapeutic Reiki? Is this something that your offer? -

Answer: Reiki is a form of energy healing. Some of the practitioners on our team incorporate this and other forms of energy healing as part of a more comprehensive individualized program.


Question: What are some alternative methods of treatment that I can do in lieu of taking pills. The pills make me groggy and unable to care for three children? -

Answer: When we are speaking of treatment for chronic pain and fibromyalgia more specifically there are several drug free options that can be very effective. Although it is always useful to be properly evaluated, in general for chronic pain a comprehensive individualized interdisciplinary approach works best. The Healing Choices web site has many of the therapy options that do work. Irregardless, of whether you choose acupuncture, explore nutritional approaches, massage, chiropractic, physical therapy, etc, a team that supports a positive mental attitude and your intuition as to what will work best for you is critical.


Question: Does Fibromyalgia have an impact on the family? -

Answer: If a loved one is living with chronic pain, discomfort and fatigue there is often a significant impact on the family. Since this condition is usually hot as physically obvious as other medical conditions, it may make it more difficult for family to truly appreciate what the individual with fibromyalgia is experiencing. In addition to the emotional impact on the family, there may also be a change in the role that the individual plays when it comes to work and household responsibilities. The program of treatment and rehabilitation must consider this reality to be most effective. For most of us, our families are our biggest support. Both the family and the patient need an opportunity through education to fully dispel some of the myths about what fibromyalgia is and what options can make a big difference. To be most effective the patient and the family need to be supported in this process.


Question: Are your services covered by health insurance. -

Answer: Most health insurance cover the medical evaluation and follow up visits as well as Chiropractice treatment we offer. Although each individual would need to check their own policies for coverage. Since we focus on drug free options, some of the therapy may not be covered. Services like Acupuncture, Massage, Sauna Treatment, and some of the Mind/Body work may not be covered by insurance. However, this may vary depending on the policy.


Question: What percentage of individuals in the US have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia? -

Answer: The estimated prevalence in the United States of a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is between 3 to 6 million individuals. Approximately 90% of those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia are woman. I am not aware of a specific breakdown of prevalence by state.


Question: Can Fibromyalga cause nerve damage? -

Answer: Although there is some evidence that Fibromyalgia can effect communication within our nervous system and how we perceive or respond to pain and different forms of stimulation, there is no evidence that Fibromyalgia causes nerve damage.


Question: In your opinion can leg tremors be related to fibromyalgia. -

Answer: Although some individuals do describe a sensation of being tremulous, it is unlikely that overt tremors of the lower extremities as the primary symptom is necessarily related to a diagnosis of Fibroyalgia alone. I would advise seeking consultation with your primary care physician or a specialist in the field of neurology for a further evaluation.


Keith W.L. Rafal, MD, MPH is a medical doctor, board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, with training in internal medicine and fellowship trained in geriatric medicine from Brown University.

Doctor Rafal is the medical director of the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island as well as the director of their Fibromyalgia program. He has had additional training in the areas of behavioral medicine, homeopathy and western herbal medicine which he has been able to successfully incorporate into his private practices both in Rhode Island as as co-founder of the Alternative Care and Healing Center in Franklin, MA. Dr.
Rafal has completed his Masters in Public Health from Tufts University.

Healing Choices, P.C. 116 Eddie Dowling Highway, North Smithfield, RI, 02896
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