SOHMA Integrative Medicine

We offer the best of Eastern & Western medicine without using drugs or surgery

rehabilitation

Joint Injections for Knee Injuries

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Joint injections in knees can help increase recovery from injury and even improve ailments without surgery.

Your knees are some of the most important joints in your body. We use them to walk, run and jump. Keeping your knees healthy is one of the best ways to maintain mobility. Unfortunately as we age the risk of injuring our knees becomes greater. Knee injuries go farther than just a simple sprain where you can recover with some rest. 

In today’s article we’re going to go over what joint injections we offer at SOHMA of Long Beach CA, and what they can do to help you recover from knee injuries.

Knee Injuries that Joint Injections can Treat

Let me preface this by saying that joint injections do not treat all injuries. If there is a fracture or a severe tear you may require surgery however, post surgery joint injections have been shown to help recovery times. PRP therapy has been used by doctors to help patients heal faster after surgical procedures. It has been shown to shorten recovery times by days, in some cases even weeks.

Your knees are a major joint in the body, making it a common area to sustain injury. Some of the more common injuries that have been treated with HCTPs or PRP include:

  • Arthritis
  • Trauma
  • Ligament or Muscle Tear
  • Ligament or Muscle Strain
  • Muscle Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Chronic Knee Pain

Relatively minor accidents can result in knee injury. For older adults a slip or fall can cause life altering fractures or dislocation.

What are Joint Injections?

Starting off with the basics, joint injections are as the name suggests, they are injections that are used to help in recovery from joint conditions. At SOHMA we offer both Human Cellular Tissue Products (HCTPs) or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). HCTP injections can aid the body in healing damage on its own without the need for surgeries. Tissue can be regrown to its former strength and recover the functions in highly used areas of the body such the spine, hips, shoulder, knees and other major joints. In PRP therapy, blood is drawn from the patient into a vial and separated in a centrifuge. Once separated, we draw the PRP from the vail and use it in the treatment. Meaning its the patient’s own platelets being used in areas that need healing support like  muscles and joints.

Long Term Effects of Knee Injuries

As stated previously there are many different types of injuries one can sustain in the knees. Depending on the type of injury sustained, as well as how long the patient went without treatment, long term effects can vary. If left untreated, knee injuries can lead to many mobility problems, pain, and early onset of arthritis.

A decrease in range of motion of the knees can make you unable to bend the knee fully or completely straighten the knee out. When you lose mobility in your knees the decreased mobility makes running nearly impossible and walking becomes difficult and puts you at risk of further injury due to loss of balance. Sitting and standing from chairs can also become uncomfortable and difficult.

Arthritis usually is thought of as something that affects older adults. Due to it being associated with aging and natural wear and tear. Injury suffered at a young age has been shown to increase the risk of early onset osteoarthritis. Sport related injuries like ACL or meniscus tears are often associated with a form of post-traumatic form of osteoarthritis.

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 Side Effects of Spinal Decompression?

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Back pain may be treated by spinal decompression with little to no side effects.

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression can help with many pains and aches you may be suffering due to diseases or sitting for long periods of time, as your spine is being compressed by gravity. 

We have gone over if non-surgical Spinal Decompression is good for your spine, but perhaps you are wondering if there are any side effects to non-surgical Spinal Decompression. If there are, then what are they?

Today we’re going to cover what you should expect after Spinal Decompression therapy as well as any side effects you may be worried about.

How is Spinal Decompression Performed?

We should first start by answering how this therapy is performed. The patient is set up on a specialized decompression table called a spinal traction. The patient is then gently stretched in intervals according to each individual patient’s treatment. During the treatment the patient is fully dressed and takes only about 30 to 45 minutes.

This therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment that brings relief to patients with a wide variety of neck and back problems. The decompression pressure from the spinal traction may retract disc bulges and disc protrusions. Which can reduce pressure from nearby nerves and encourage blood flow. Increased blood flow brings oxygen with it which promotes healing.

What are the Side Effects?

With any treatment, therapy or procedure there are bound to be some side effects regardless of how minimally invasive it is, however the majority of patients do not experience any serious side effects from non-surgical Spinal Decompression. 

The most common side effects would be dull aches for the first couple weeks as the body adjusts to the decompression. Spinal Decompression stretches the back muscles in a direction that they are not accustomed to. This may leave some patients feeling the same type of soreness one would feel after a particularly hard day at  the gym.

On rare occasions Spinal Decompression can cause muscle spasms, or pain going down the patient’s arms and legs. 

Is Spinal Decompression for Me?

As an alternative to spinal decompression surgery, this non-invasive therapy is quite alluring. Although there is no significant recovery time from non-surgical Spinal Decompression some patients may require 4 to 6 weeks for treatment to be complete before they experience lasting relief which can be too slow for some people. 

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression therapy has been gaining popularity quickly. Many physical benefits like increased mobility, improved joint flexibility and general pain reduction have been well documented. Other benefits of choosing non-surgical Spinal Decompression over something invasive include removing the risk of having post surgery infections. Patients are not required to take any additional medication or painkillers. Once treatment is completed, non-surgical Spinal Decompression provides lasting natural pain relief whereas painkillers only reduce pain while it is active in your body. When compared to surgery, this treatment is  safer, faster and requires no downtime compared to post surgery recovery times. 

As safe as non-surgical Spinal Decompression is, there are some people who should ask their primary care provider before deciding to receive Spinal Decompression therapy these include:

  • Pregnant Woman
  • Patients with degeneration of the spine
  • Patients with severe osteoporosis
  • Patients with surgical implants (screws, rods, plates etc.)
  • Patients with severe nerve damage
  • Patients who have had spinal fusion surgery
  • Patients with tumors
  • Patients with spinal fractures.

To avoid as many risks as possible the patient may be asked to undergo screening tests to rule out any of the conditions listed above. Feel free to ask the staff at SOHMA of Long Beach CA if you have any questions or concerns regarding Spinal Decompression.

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

5 Questions to Ask Prior to Cupping Therapy

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What is Cupping Therapy?

This first question is a freebie, Cupping Therapy is a Traditional Chinese therapy in which cups with negative pressure are placed on the skin. The negative pressure causes a suction to occur on the skin which pulls on the skin, muscle and fascia up into the cup. This action brings fresh oxygenated blood into the injured tissue. While at the same time pulling out old toxins and stagnant blood from the soft tissue, it is then recirculated and filtered out of the body.

Now that you are more acquainted with cupping therapy, there are a few questions you may have before going through with Cupping Therapy. Today I’ll be answering 5 of the more commonly asked questions patients ask prior to Cupping Therapy.

Does It Hurt?

Quite possibly the most common question asked before Cupping Therapy is whether it’s painful. No, it doesn’t really hurt. The truth is every patient experiences Cupping differently so it is difficult to give an absolute answer. Some patients feel the pulling of the soft tissue is uncomfortable and not very pleasant. On the other hand there are patients who find the experience soothing and relaxing like getting a massage. Depending on the stagnation of the tissue being treated you may experience some soreness. If for some reason you do feel pain, let the therapist know as they may need to adjust the strength of the suction on the cup in order to make the therapy more comfortable.

What are those Marks?

Once you are done with your Cupping Therapy session you’ll notice round marks left behind from the cups. Some people think they are bruises however, these marks can tell you how stagnated the treated tissue was. With darker marks meaning there was more stagnation. These marks can take one to two weeks to clear up depending on your body’s stagnation as well. Staying well hydrated can shorten the time for the marks to fade.

How do I Prepare for Cupping Therapy?

Firstly you should be hydrated. Cupping works with your lymphatic system to get rid of toxins and cellular waste from your body. In order for this to work properly plenty of water is required. Avoid shaving, exfoliating or anything else that can make your skin sensitive. Having sensitive skin can increase discomfort during a Cupping Therapy session and can cause you to have an overall poor experience. 

Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes as once a Cupping Therapy session ends your skin may feel sensitive.

How Many Sessions do I Need?

It depends on the specific needs and goals of the patient. Cupping Therapy has an immediate effect on patients, and effects can last for days after. If you are just looking to detoxify, a single session every month may be enough. On the other hand an active and athletic person may require more frequent sessions. Feel free to ask the helpful staff at SOHMA if you would benefit from frequent Cupping Therapy sessions.

Is Cupping Therapy Safe?

For the vast majority of patients, yes. It is unusual and rare for Cupping Therapy to cause any serious problems. Side effects are limited to the marks left behind after Cupping Therapy though in extremely rare cases skin infections can occur. Precaution is necessary if you have suffered from recent cardiac arrests, have been fasting for long periods of time or if you are pregnant.

If you still have questions regarding Cupping Therapy be sure to ask your therapist at SOHMA Integrative Medicine of Long Beach CA if Cupping Therapy is right for you.

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.

How Ozone Therapy Can Improve Local Circulation

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Ozone Injection

Ozone Therapy? Ozone as part of a treatment program? You might be thinking what does Ozone, a gas most learned about in elementary science, have to do with a treatment program. We invite you to explore how ozone is used to treat different conditions.

Ozone is a gas most commonly associated with the atmosphere. It is the layer of gas that protects us from some of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Which in excess can cause skin cancer. But did you know that we can also use the power of ozone at ground level to help with healing?

In this article I’m going to share with you how ozone therapy can improve local blood circulation, why it is important and how this benefits your body in the healing process.

Importance of Blood Circulation

The importance of blood circulation can not be understated as it is absolutely necessary to maintain a healthy body. When blood circulation is poor it can cause an accumulation of fluids in certain areas of the body, often occurring in the arms, legs, ankles and feet. This swelling can occur when the heart can not properly supply blood through the body. Other symptoms of poor blood circulation are:

  • Varicose Veins (Spider Veins)
  • Skin Discoloration
  • Swelling of the Legs or Feet (Edema)
  • Split skin (weeping Eczema)
  • Ulcers
  • Aches and Pain in Limbs
  • Numbness and Tingling in Limbs

Poor blood circulation can also cause even minor injuries to take longer to heal. Meaning even a small bruise can become an ulcer and potentially become infected.

Although certain factors such as age, gender and even the weather can impact blood circulation. It is important for your health to have rich, oxygenated blood flowing properly throughout your body.

Varicose Veins

Also known as spider veins, this incredibly common condition which affects over 3 million Americans per year is the result of improper blood flow. This caused discoloration and swelling in the veins. The veins may appear larger than usually, twisted or appear to be in a cluster. They tend to also appear to have a prominent purple or blue color giving them their common name. Usually asymptomatic, some patients have reported to experience swelling, itching and pain in their legs.

Swelling (Edema)

It is common for the legs to experience swelling as a cause of poor blood flow. When blood flow is poor, swelling may be caused by blood pooling around the feet or ankles and forces fluids into surrounding blood vessels. Poor circulation caused by heart problems may cause abdominal swelling. If this is the case it is advised that you contact your primary physician to provide further diagnosis.

Numbness and Tingling

Another common symptom of poor circulation is feeling of numbness or “tingling” in your limbs. Due to the lack of blood flowing though your arms or legs you may feel them become cold or numb. And at some point you may also begin to have the feeling of pins and needles. This is commonly associated with blocked or compressed blood vessels which can interfere with blood circulation to the great.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy is the administration of ozone (O3) for therapeutic treatment either as a standalone treatment or a complementary therapy to other treatments such as Myer’s cocktail IV therapy or Platelet Rich Plasma (prp) injections. Ozone improves blood flow in affected tissue and transports more oxygen to inflamed areas. Delivering more energy and improving the previously affected tissue. By improving blood flow it helps the liver to detoxify, this supports the liver in removing solids from the blood which promotes better circulation.

Feel free to ask the specialist at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach CA if you are interested in complementary treatment options.

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.

5 Benefits of Ozone Therapy

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How Ozone Can Help You

Ozone, I’m sure you have heard of this gas consisting of 3 oxygen atoms. It is most commonly found in earth’s atmosphere creating a layer that protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. 

But did you know ozone can be used therapeutically? At SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach California we offer ozone injection therapy which can be used for a variety of ailments, or a boost of energy. Ozone has anti-inflammatory properties and also acts as a disinfectant, preventing viral replication and killing bacteria. In this article we will look at five other amazing benefits ozone therapy has.

Fortified Immune System

The immune system is the main line of defense to protect your body from viral and bacterial infections. With age comes the decline of your natural immunities. Ozone has amazing anti-inflammatory properties which helps the body be ready to naturally fight off pathogens. 

In a short 30 minute session, the immune system becomes stimulated to aid healing. This Improves your blood circulation and cleans your arteries from potential viral and bacterial infection by oxidizing the toxins.

Inflammation can lead to an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. This is called oxidative stress and is associated with pain and irritation. Inflammatory and pain related ailments and can be greatly improved with ozone therapy.

Detoxification

Toxins build up in the body of everyone, even when taking necessary precautions. Toxins, when built up in the body, can have many adverse effects including the body’s ability to heal itself. Exercise and an improved diet helps to slow down the accumulation of toxins, though a build up can be unavoidable. Ozone therapy detoxification can help with:

  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Joint Pain
  • Allergies
  • Skin Conditions
  • Digestive Issues
  • Insomnia

Pain Relief from Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting over 30 million adults in the United States. Most frequently occurring in the hands, hips and knees. This degenerative joint disease caused pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion in the affected areas. 

Although there is no cure for the damage caused by osteoarthritis, the symptoms can be managed with ozone therapy. Due to ozone’s anti-inflammatory properties it can help reduce swelling, reduce tension in the joints which provides pain relief and increased flexibility.

Helping to improve the quality of life of people suffering from arthritis as well as giving people the ability to delay or avoid more invasive treatment such as surgery is our end goal.

Heart Disease

Tightness in the chest can be experienced by people with heart conditions and the feeling of lightheadedness occurs when there is low oxygen saturation in your blood. Ozone therapy can increase the oxygen saturation in red blood cells, which allows more oxygen to be delivered to the heart and other tissue.

In cases of blood clots, the clumping of red blood cells makes it difficult for blood to flow through the smaller capillaries. This decreases blood flow and oxygen to vital organs, ozone therapy can fit through the smallest of blood vessels and helps prevent the clotting.

Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal Properties

Viral infections like the flu and cold affect people every year, especially during the holiday season. Once infected with a virus there is no pill to eliminate it. Though you can take medicine to fight the symptoms, the virus itself is left to run its course. 

As ozone has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties it can be used to reduce the number of viral replications in your body. This results in a shorter period of feeling under the weather.

Ozone therapy has also been used to resolve bacterial infection within a couple of days after treatment.

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.