Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine

The time has passed when acupuncture and other unconventional therapies could be dismissed as exotic or as healing arts on the fringes of medical care. Instead, such unconventional treatments are improving the health and well-being of patients suffering from a wide variety of conditions. By integrating these therapies with conventional treatment, we can bring significant – and often permanent – relief to patients throughout South Jersey.

Acupuncture: A Well Established Treatment

Acupuncture has been successfully used for over 2000 years to treat a wide variety of conditions. In fact, more people have been treated with acupuncture than all other therapies combined. A 1997 consensus panel of the National Institute of Health (NIH) endorsed acupuncture as a safe and effective method of treatment. Acupuncture can be successfully used in conjunction with conventional Western medicine, osteopathic treatment, chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions.

What to Expect from Acupuncture

As practiced in the United States, acupuncture involves the use of very thin, stainless steel needles – about the width of a human hair – to stimulate various parts of the body.

These needles have smooth, not hollow, points. As a result, there is little or no discomfort involved in applying the needles and practically no likelihood of bruising or irritating the skin. Only sterile, disposable needles are used by physicians.

The effect of acupuncture is to redirect energy in the body and to stimulate the body’s internal chemicals and hormones.

The number of recommended acupuncture treatments will vary according to the patient and his/her condition. Complex or long-standing conditions sometimes necessitate one or two treatments every week for several months. Acute problems usually require fewer treatments, while health maintenance visits may total as few as four a year. In cases involving severe or chronic conditions, there may need to be a regimen of ongoing treatments to maintain well-being.

Other Unconventional Therapies

Our physicians also offer other types of unconventional therapies that have proven to be highly effective. These include:

• Prolotherapy
• Neural therapy
• Trigger point injection therapy
• Intramuscular stimulation (IMS)
• Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS)
• Osteopathic manipulation
• Massage therapy
• Vein Sclerotherapy

We welcome inquiries about these various therapies and the benefits they offer.

Consultations to Determine Appropriate Integrative Therapies

The board-certified physicians, nurses, and medical staff associated with Cooper University Hospital are deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of their patients.

These skilled professionals consult closely with both patients and referring physicians. Only after a careful evaluation of the patient and his/her condition are appropriate integrative therapies recommended. Our staff understands that individuals coming to Cooper are often seeking relief from problems that have failed to yield to conventional treatment. They are prepared to provide in-depth explanations of the therapies available and to patiently answer all questions.

Effective Integrative Treatment

Here is a list of the many ailments and conditions that have responded successfully to treatment:

• Adjunctive conditions such as post-chemotherapy nausea, fatigue, and the side effects of medication.
• Digestive conditions including gastritis, chronic heartburn, spastic colon, and diarrhea.
• Gynecologic difficulties such as pelvic pain, vulvodynia, painful intercourse, infertility, and morning sickness.
• Neurological disorders which can include trouble concentrating, ringing in the ear, restless leg syndrome and various neuropathies.
• Pain of the neck or back, migraines, headaches, rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, arthritis, knee pain, plantar fasciitis and post-operative residual pain or dysfunction.
• Physiological imbalance such as hot flashes from natural or surgical menopause, fatigue, or a general sense of not feeling well.
• Respiratory problems including allergies, sinusitis, asthma, and recurrent chest infections.
• Skin disorders like chronic hives, eczema, and refractory rashes.
• Sports conditions which may include chronic sprains, restricted movement, dance injuries, tennis elbow, and other problems limiting peak performance.
• Stress-related disorders such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and a general feeling of being ill at ease.
• Urinary problems such as bladder urgency and pain.
• Varicose veins, spider veins, telangectasias
• Wounds resulting from surgical procedures, as well as scars and injuries that are resistant to healing.

Consultations

Our board-certified physicians, nurses, and medical staff are deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of their patients. They are prepared to provide in-depth explanations of the therapies available and to patiently answer all questions.

These skilled professionals consult closely with both patients and referring physicians. Only after a careful evaluation of the patient and his/her condition are appropriate integrative therapies recommended.