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Dr. Daniel Hoover

Can PRP Help with Neuropathy?

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Platelet Rich Plasma Injections being prepared from a person’s blood sample.

With over 25% of the American population suffering from some form of neuropathy, it’s safe to say that neuropathy is relatively common. But just because it is common does not mean you need to suffer through it. At SOHMA Integrative Health Center in Long Beach CA, we offer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to help you with your pains and struggles with neuropathy. Neuropathy is an umbrella term used to describe a range of health issues involving nerve damage. Although rarely fatal, neuropathy can lead to life-altering problems.

Today we’re going to talk about how neuropathy can affect you and how PRP therapy can help treat the symptoms of and may restore damaged nerves.

What Causes Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition that affects over 3 million Americans every year. There are many causes for peripheral neuropathy however, the most common cause is diabetes. Other causes may include:

  • Injury
  • Trauma
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Infections

Accidents can happen at any time and to anyone. Auto accidents, sport,s or even injuries caused by a slip and fall can have the potential to cause nerve damage. Don’t ignore the symptoms, as the longer you let the injury remain untreated, the longer it may take to recover. In some cases recovery is impossible. 

Being exposed to toxins like lead, mercury, arsenic, and some insecticides can also lead to peripheral neuropathy. Heavy drinkers and smokers also have an elevated risk of developing neuropathy.

Many different viruses like chicken pox, shingles, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) just to name a few can also cause nerve damage. 

Symptoms of Neuropathy

The symptoms of neuropathy are varied, much like what causes neuropathy. The most common symptom of them will be numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. The feelings of pins and needles as well as an uncomfortable burning sensation can sometimes accompany the numbness. Symptoms are most frequently experienced in the evenings but can begin to develop during the day. Though this can also be caused by sitting awkwardly for too long or having poor posture when you sleep. If the symptoms persist then we recommend talking to your primary care provider about getting a diagnosis for neuropathy. 

A less common symptom is pain, though when present it presents itself as unusually intense. Pain can be felt in the neck, face, arms, and legs. 

Neuropathy can affect the muscles as well. Many patients will lose strength in their arms or legs. Making their muscles feel weighed down or slow to respond. Older adults may lose balance and fall causing potentially dangerous injuries. 

Platelet Rich Plasma and Neuropathy

What is PRP?

PRP is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from the patient’s blood. Once separated, the PRP is then injected into the affected joints or tissue in order to help the body treat and recover from a number of conditions. When a blood vessel is damaged it will send a signal to attract platelets. Platelets cause growth healing functions and play a key role in the body’s natural healing process.

Our bodies have power, and natural healing ability and PRP therapy only aids our body’s healing process. PRP therapy comes from the patient (autologous), so there is no risk of disease transmission or rejection of the body’s immune system.

When injected into an area of the body being affected by neuropathy, the PRP triggers the body to begin repairing damaged tissue. These platelets promote regeneration and can minimize the amount of time needed to repair tendons, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and nerve damage.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

Addressing Severe Stagnation in Cupping Therapy

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Cupping therapy is a great therapy to address stagnation.

Before talking about severe stagnation, let’s understand what cupping therapy is. Athletes and celebrities have used cupping therapy to help recover from injury and pain by improving blood circulation. 

The cup creates negative pressure with either fire or a pump. This negative pressure pulls the skin, fascia, muscle, and other tissues into the cup, flushing out toxins and promoting blood flow to the treated area and usually leaving a round mark after a session.

Today, we will talk about how we can determine stagnation and how Cupping therapy can help release stagnation under the skin to bring pain relief.

Round Marks and What they Mean

Round marks left behind after a cupping therapy session are often misinterpreted as bruises. Don’t worry, though as these marks are not bruises and can tell you a great deal about your progression in treatment. Depending on the color, you could be nearing the end of your treatment.

Healthy blood circulation will only show a mild redness. This signifies a slight stagnation of toxins in the blood and there is good blood flow. When this results, it’s very likely that you are either nearing the end of your treatment. Alternatively, it can mean that you may need other forms of therapy to address your issues, such as Massage Therapy or IV therapy.

If there is no reaction at all, it could mean there is an imbalance of circulation. It may mean that the area lacks function and is likely not performing correctly.

Moderate stagnation is shown when the mark is considerably redder, it means there is an accumulation of toxins within this area. Blood flow is good but some work still needs to be done.

When there are spottings with a red mark it means there is beginning to be a large accumulation of toxins in the body and there will be more cupping sessions to deal with it.

If a dark, nearly purple mark is left behind then there is severe stagnation. These parts of the body require the most attention and tend to take the longest to heal.

What is Severe Stagnation

In Cupping Therapy severe stagnation can be determined by the aforementioned dark purple mark. This usually indicates that the injury or ailment is not new and it’s been left alone for long periods of time. The injury will therefore require more time to clear the stagnation.

But what does that mean? 

Where there is stagnation, there will likely be a pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the term stagnation is one of the most common causes of disease. Stagnation can be caused by chronic stress, pollution, smoke, or chemicals that your body can’t remove on its own. Usually, our bodies are able to remove stagnation, but when this is not possible there becomes a buildup of toxins which can cause severe stagnation. 

If you want to remove the pain, remove the stagnation. Cupping therapy is one method used to remove this stagnation by clearing the blockage to restore your body’s natural blood and energy flow. Once the stagnation begins to clear you’ll notice some pain relief.

Cupping therapy is fine for the majority of patients however, those who have sensitive skin, are pregnant, bleed easily, or are physically weak should ask our staff at SOHMA to see if Cupping therapy is right for them

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

What are The Top 10 Herbal Medicines

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Herbal medicine has been around for centuries and are the building blocks to modern medicine.

Herbal medicines are the oldest remedies used by people. For a long time, modern pharmaceuticals pushed herbal medicines to the wayside, but recently there has been an increase in popularity for herbal medicines again. The reason being is they are more affordable and easier to obtain than typical pharmaceutical medicine. 

Herbal medicine is typically safe to consume but we at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA recommend you consult a professional herbalist in assisting you when looking for extensive treatment. As they will be knowledgeable in what herbs can negatively counteract with each other, or other medicines you may be taking. 

Join us, as we talk about 10 herbs with medicinal properties that can be helpful in reducing pain, recovery and healing.

Garlic

Garlic has been used in cooking for as long as it has been used as a herbal remedy. Garlic has been used as a supplement for conditions associated with heart and blood vessels. Commonly used in patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The topical use of garlic may be effective at healing wounds, reducing scarring, and skin rejuvenation.

Peppermint

Also known as water mint or spearmint is a common plant in North America. The leaves and oil of the peppermint plant have been used to help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among other digestive problems. It has been used to reduce symptoms of the common cold and headaches. The oil in peppermint can be applied to the skin to help with joint and muscle pain as well as itching. In aromatherapy peppermint oil has been used for treating the common cold, improving mental function and reducing stress.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a native flower with nine known species in North America. Natives used echinacea for thousands of years as medicine. It is used as a supplement for the common cold and other infections as it may promote and boost your immune system.

Dandelion

The humble dandelion thought by most to be an unwanted weed actually has several uses. All parts of the dandelion are edible. The root of the dandelion can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute for people who are sensitive to caffeine. In tea, the flowers and leaves act as a diuretic that can be used for digestive problems.

Valerian

Native to Europe and Asia, valerian is a flowering plant that has historically been used as medicine. Valerian has been used as a supplement to help with insomnia, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It has also been known to help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and symptoms of menopause.

Lavender

Lavender has a beautiful aroma that the ancient Romans used to clean and wash. Today Lavender’s fragrance is used in soaps and cosmetics. Its use in aromatherapy and as a supplement can help with anxiety, depression and digestive conditions.

Ginger

Known as one of the best superfoods, in Asia ginger has been used as a medicine for more than 1,500 years. As a supplement ginger has been known to help with nausea and vomiting linked with pregnancy. Ginger supplements may also be helpful with menstrual cramps. It also contains high nutritional density per portion. It also contains antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Green Tea

Green tea has been used in China and Japan for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The tea contains caffeine, so it can be used to retain alertness and can be used as a substitute for coffee. Green tea has been used to relieve digestive symptoms and headaches. It may also provide positive effects on weight loss and liver disorders.

Cinnamon

Used for thousands of years as a spice, cinnamon has been used in traditional herbal medicine in places like China, India and the middle east. Cinnamon supplements are used for upset stomach, diarrhea and gas, and can also be used to stimulate appetite. Cinnamon tea is also used to reduce symptoms caused by the common cold.

Aloe Vera

A cactus-like plant, aloe vera has been used topically for skin conditions. Aloe vera has been used to reduce itching, acne and soothe sunburns. Research suggests aloe gel may speed up the healing of burns as well.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

Questions to Ask Before Getting an HCT/P Injection

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It’s important to ask your healthcare provider questions before receiving HCT/P injections.

Any procedure involving needles can be intimidating. That’s understandable, at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA want our patients to recover and heal naturally. HCT/P injections help by letting your body repair damaged tissue or regenerate lost tissue. Helping relieve pain and return some mobility to your joints and body.

Today I want to go over what questions you should ask before getting HCT/P Injections. Join me as I clear up any misconceptions you may have towards this procedure.

What are HCT/P Injections Used for?

HCT/P injections are used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Some of the more common injuries treated with HCT/P injections include:

  • Arthritis
  • Trauma caused by injury
  • Ligament or muscle tear or strain
  • Muscle pain
  • Inflammation
  • Chronic joint pain

HCT/Ps heal many kinds of bone and soft tissue problems. In the injection site, growth factors become triggered. Over the following days or weeks, cells may grow, multiply and form new tissue.

How Long Does HCT/P Injections Last?

Like many procedures, longevity of the treatment is dependent on the patient, and severity of the condition or injury. It has been shown that using HCT/P can result in lasting pain relief of arthritis for over 6 months up to several years. Due to every patient’s reaction to treatment being different it is difficult to put an accurate result however, results show to be positive from the majority of patients.

How Many Treatments Will I Need with HCT/P?

Depending on how fast a patient heals and the severity of the injury it is possible that only one treatment will be needed to relieve pain and recover from injury. If several months go without any noticeable improvements, your primary care provider may consider repeating the treatment. In order to further aid healthy tissue growth. During consultation they should be able to communicate what to expect in regards to your injury.

How Long Before HCT/P Begin to Show Effect?

Because the body is beginning to start making new tissue with the HCT/P injections, it will take some time for treatment to start working. Some patients have described a dramatic reduction in pain levels in a few as a couple months. Other patients have reported to experience improvement within the first months. Each patient responds differently to treatment, depending on their body.

What are the Side Effects of HCT/P Injections?

Side effects are not common, after application there may be some discomfort. In the area of the injection site there may be increased sensitivity. In some cases, especially ones involving nerve damage, an increase in nerve sensation can be seen as a side effect. 

The doctor may advise to refrain from heavy activity for a couple of days after administration of HCT/P injections. Usually this is the length of time needed for recovery after the procedure.

Do HCT/P Injections Hurt?

Being injections, HCT/P injections will hurt to a certain extent. Usually for only a few seconds. Depending on the area being injected it will vary on the level of discomfort. HCT/P injections much like any other injections will have a level of pain due to the needle piercing the soft tissue. For the most part, the injections are no more painful than any other joint or soft tissue injection.

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.

What is an Herbal Pharmacist?

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A Professional Herbalist will know the right combinations of herbs to treat ailments in a natural way.

In modern days with medicines being in the shape of pills or injections, we need to remember that humans’ earliest forms of medicine were herbs. It’s safe to say that roughly half of all pharmaceuticals today are either derived from herbs or inspired by the effects of herbs. Herbal medicine generally is safe for consumption but it is recommended for you to consult a professional herbalist to assist you for more important treatments.

Today we are going to talk about what an herbal pharmacist is and how they can help you when choosing a natural treatment.

Herbal Pharmacist

Also known as a professional herbalist, a herbal pharmacist uses herbs to treat different kinds of conditions and ailments. When looking for herbal medicine, you’ll have a consultation with the herbal pharmacist to get to the root cause of your symptoms. Since herbal medicine can interact with each other in less than ideal ways, we at SOHMA of Long Beach CA highly recommend you consult with a professional herbalist who understands if there are any contradicting herbs that can have an adverse reaction to each other, and other prescriptions you may be taking. 

Herbs are unique much like our patients. Depending on the person’s physical health and build, a trained herbalist will decide whether to use a single herbal treatment or a herbal formula to treat each patient. Even two people with identical ailments may be given different herbal remedies based on their constitution.

A herbal pharmacist may also consider using other forms of alternative medicine such as topical creams and ointments. A herbal pharmacist will attempt to find herbs based on your symptoms or pattern of ailments you describe during the consultation with the herbal pharmacist.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine used by people, predating recorded history. Medicine derived from herbs can be used in preventative care, relief from symptoms caused by disease and infection, or simply boost energy or relax. Many herbal remedies are taken as teas or supplements. 

Compared to their pharmaceutical counterpart, herbal medicine is more affordable than conventional medicine and easier to obtain. In many cases, herbal medicine has fewer negative side effects. Unfortunately, many times herbal medicine is ignored when compared to modern drug therapy. Regrettably, many people miss out on many of the health benefits of herbal remedies. 

Common Beneficial Herbs  

Although dedicated herbal pharmacies like the one at SOHMA can provide supplements and treatment options, you can purchase many herbs at your supermarket. These herbs can be added to your daily routine to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Chamomile – Chamomile can be used as a tea for minor digestive problems. Most commonly, chamomile tea is used to help relax and de-stress. Helping with conditions like anxiety, and insomnia. With no major side effects having multiple cups of chamomile tea a day is fine.

Turmeric – Turmeric has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years. Recently it’s been discovered that turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Though in high doses can cause headaches or irritate the stomach and skin.

Peppermint – Another herb that can be used as a tea, peppermint is used to soothe a sore throat and coughing caused by a cold.

Lavender – Lavender is a versatile aromatic herb that can be used as a sleep aid when combined with chamomile or simply sprinkle the flowers on your bed. It can also help with headaches.

Ginseng – This root is usually dried to be used as a powder, but can also be drunk as tea. It’s often used in Chinese medicine to boost your immunity, energy levels, and brain function.

These common herbs can elevate your lifestyle, however, should not be used to treat serious conditions. 

Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine

Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can reach out to us and ask us about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health. 

Located in Long Beach, CA we help individuals from the surrounding cities.

We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.