Category Archives: Pain Relief

Gamer’s Thumb: What it is and How to Treat it

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gamers thumb

Gaming is an art that requires attention to detail, swift, skilled movements, and dedication. Beyond the basic skills needed, gaming also often demands unnatural, repetitive stimulation of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the hand. As gaming skills need to be polished over time, the same goes for the strengthening of these body parts most often used for video gaming.

What is Gamer’s Thumb?

Gamer’s thumb, also scientifically known as De Quervain’s Syndrome, is caused when the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the hand are subjected to repetitive motions most often associated with gaming or texting.

The overuse of thumb related body parts, including tissue, can trigger severe inflammation, causing pain, snapping noises and even immobilization.

The Anatomy of the Thumb

The below picture represents exact locations of where gamers can experience mild to severe symptoms of Gamer’s Thumb.

The major tendon effected runs along the outside of the hand and toward the thumb. There is a membrane attached to the tendon that works as a cushion, separating the tendon and the bone so that all moving parts slide smoothly and painlessly.

When the tendon becomes overworked due to repetitive actions, the tissue membrane becomes inflamed. Inflammation in the membrane will disrupt the thumb, hand, and wrist’s normal functions, causing pain, swelling and the inability to move.

How can Gamer’s Thumb be treated?

The most popular method of treatment is pharmaceutical medications. As medicine has advanced throughout the years, so has the ability to treat injuries, such as Gamer’s Thumb, with anti-inflammatory chemical medications or even with surgery. Although symptom relief can be temporarily achieved via this route, unwanted and even serious side-effects can develop through long-term consumption. Medical researchers warn of stomach, kidney and liver issues potentially developing if medications are over-used.

On the other hand, surgery (although often used as a last resort) can also cause unwanted side-effects such as the inability to perform tasks that were previously completed, even gaming.

Fast Relief Acupuncture has worked hard to master a new revelation for long-term, natural treatment and prevention of Gamer’s Thumb – Acupuncture. 

Being one of the most natural and safest therapies in the world, Acupuncture has soared to the top of the list of physicians recommended treatments.

Acupuncture Works to Treat and Prevent.

John Kim, owner of Fast Relief Acupuncture, has become an expert in treating Gamer’s Thumb. His knowledge and experience in the Acupuncture filed enables him to provide unique treatment that performs at the highest level of care among his colleagues in New Jersey. During and after his acupuncture appointments, patients are provided with professional service and advice that will work beyond the walls of the office.

Fast Relief Acupuncture treatments aim to produce long-term healing or prevention tendencies. Our therapies differ with each case presented; however, we supply an umbrella of methods to include, needling, electro-acupuncture, acu-massage, heat therapy and more. Each of these methods work to reduce inflammation, abolish pain, and increase movement by regulating bodily functions and naturally targeting the root cause of the injury. As the body regulates, moving parts can strengthen, minimalizing unwanted response to injury for complete and total healing.

Our treatments are nearly painless and have almost no side-effects, except feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated!

Gamers, if painful symptoms have been keeping you from doing what you love, visit Fast Relief Acupuncture to get you back into the game today!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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The Physiology of Acupuncture for Migraines

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1 in 6 Americans suffer from severe headaches, also called migraines, on a regular basis. What are physicians doing to combat migraine symptoms other than prescribing prescription medications? The Journal of Pain Research has been developing and conducting studies regarding the effects of natural treatments, such as acupuncture, for migraines and frequent headache symptoms. Although there are not many studies on the subject matter, the ones existing have provided thorough and positive information toward the credibility of acupuncture treatments.

The Journal of Pain Research conducted an in-depth study where brain imaging was used to show a correlation between acupuncture treatments and its effect on brain metabolites. The study included 45 subjects who were all determined to suffer from frequent and severe migraines. During the evaluation period and before any treatment was administered, the 45 subjects underwent an MRSI Brain Imaging scan which measured the amount of brain metabolites in areas of the brain that housed receptors for pain.

After evaluation, the subjects were administered acupuncture treatments for five consecutive days and then re-evaluated for symptom severity and relief. Upon completion of the full study, researchers concluded that the subjects exhibited a decrease in migraine pain severity and showed a highly significant decrease in brain metabolite levels in areas of the brain such as the Thalami Region. The Thalami Region of the brain is associated with pain.

A positive correlation was drawn between acupuncture treatments and a reduction of brain metabolite levels in the brain, showing a decrease in painful symptoms associated with migraines. The results are a significant attribute to the practice of acupuncture and the availability of natural treatments versus migraine relief from prescription medications.

How does it work?

Acupuncture treatments are uniquely tailored to each patient. Whether you are suffering from frequent, irritating headaches or debilitating migraines, Fast Relief Acupuncture works to figure out what the best route of treatment is for you. Overall, however, acupuncture can provide a multitude of benefits to patients including symptom relief from headaches at all severity levels. Acupoints at specific areas of the body are manipulated to provide pain relief, a stimulation of various systems of the body which will trigger healing processes, and muscle stiffness and tension relief.

Needling is the most common form of acupuncture treatments for migraines. The insertion of tiny hair-like needles into acupoints is virtually painless and there are no negative side-effects.

Fast Relief Acupuncture is proud to identify as a migraine specialist, providing outstanding care and developing satisfactory, lasting results. If you present with any number of the migraine symptoms below or have been diagnosed by a doctor, you can be sure that Fast Relief Acupuncture will garnish the results that you need to heal.

Symptoms of migraines

  • Sensitivity to light or sounds
  • Severe pain in the head that is described as throbbing, sharp or dull
  • Distorted vision
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Overall feelings of sickness (Malaise)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Nasal congestion
  • Inability to function as normal

Fast Relief Acupuncture will work together with your doctor to create the best treatment plan for your unique migraine diagnosis. Come heal with us, the fast way!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Acupuncture is an Alternative Treatment for Headaches Related to Traumatic Brain Injury

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A Traumatic Brain Injury is defined as, “a brain dysfunction caused by an outside force, usually a violent blow to the head”. This type of injury is a common occurrence in all age groups, however, is most significantly seen as the result of a sports injury or a vehicular collision. Approximately 1.1 million ER visits, per year in the United States, and approximately 235 hospitalizations per year in the United States are attributed to Traumatic Brain Injuries. Even more noteworthy is the 50,000 deaths every year that result from this serious injury.

Although many Traumatic Brain Injury patients go on to live with mild symptoms, numerous experience a life-long disability that completely changes the course of their day to day lives. Disabilities resulting from trauma in the brain can lead to high risk surgeries, medication, lasting side-effects and routine doctors’ visits.

Although all patients who are diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury are encouraged to routinely see their physician so that the condition can be properly monitored, there is a way for patients to be treated and healed in a safe, effective manner that doesn’t include surgeries, prescription medications or adverse side-effects. Acupuncture can aid these patients in regaining cognitive, motor, emotional, verbal and behavioral related components while also serving as a headache reliever, which is the most common symptom of a Traumatic Brain Injury.

Proven studies that show acupuncture works

Over the last few years, acupuncture has especially boomed in areas such as China and North Korea. Medical professionals have joined together to conduct extensive studies in all areas of acupuncture research, to include the effects of treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury patients. Some studies, which were conducted within the acupuncture epicenter of the world, China, were compiled together and analyzed by top-notch researchers at the Cochrane Review. Based on their specific collective data pulls, Cochrane Review discovered that acupuncture, when administered by needling or with electrodes, was indeed effective in treating acuter Traumatic Brain Injury over a period of time.

Backing up the Cochrane Review conclusions, in 2018, Hindawi researchers in China concluded, based upon their own extensive research, that Traumatic Brain Injury patients receiving acupuncture were less likely to use emergency or hospital services than those who weren’t receiving acupuncture treatment, within the first year of the injury.

Acupuncture relief for Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

After a diagnosis has been received, patients who suffer from a Traumatic Brain Injury can turn to acupuncture treatments to better aid in their healing process. Fast Relief Acupuncture works together with the patient’s team of doctors to administer the best possible care. Acupuncture has been proven to be beneficial to a patient’s cognitive quality, sleep progression, and symptom relief, which are all main side-effects of a traumatic injury to the brain.

Migraines or frequent headaches often result from a brain injury and, believe it or not, can be extremely hard to manage with prescription medications or other therapies. Fast Relief Acupuncture owner, John Kim, is a certified migraine specialist who works with Traumatic Brain Injury patients to manage their symptoms and ultimately become symptom-free. Using top-notch acupuncture techniques, such as acupressure, needling, and electro-stimulation, Fast Relief Acupuncture will quickly rid of your painful symptoms and manage your injury in an all-natural, effective and safe way.

Acupuncture needling, acupressure, and electro-stimulation enable the acupuncturist to gently manipulate movements that stimulate the body’s natural healing tendencies and promote physical well-being. While creating a relaxed state, mentally and physically, these acupuncture treatments can send naturally produced pain-relieving hormones to the brain which allow patients to find relief from Traumatic Brain Injury symptoms, such as headaches.

Mental stresses from an injury such as this can cause major depression or anxiety symptoms that can be detrimental to patients who do not receive the proper treatment. Acupuncture also stimulates the production of “feel good” hormones that serve in boosting mood and relieving stress-related symptoms such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate and mood swings.

Why choose Fast Relief Acupuncture?  

Fast Relief Acupuncture is enjoyed by patients who suffer from an array of ailments, to include those who have received a Traumatic Brain Injury diagnosis. Being a certified migraine specialist sets John Kim apart from other offices in Northern New Jersey. Fast Relief Acupuncture has the skills, knowledge and experience to help you live a better, symptom-free life from your Traumatic Brain Injury. Don’t let your Traumatic Brain Injury control you. Let’s control your Traumatic Brain Injury with the help of natural treatment such as Acupuncture. Call Fast Relief Acupuncture, today!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Request an Appointment

Sitting Too Long & Low Back Pain

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With many people working and studying at home due to the pandemic, I have been seeing increased amounts of patients coming in with lower back pain. When asked what causes their back pain, the common answer that I receive is that the pain is aggravated when a person is either sitting or getting up from a seated position or when they are lifting their leg/ thigh. While it is inevitable that the person is experiencing discomfort at the lower back, the cause of the problem comes from a different area of the body.

The hip flexor muscles are the main cause of lower back pain when a person sits too long at their desk working or even if they had been driving for a long time. These muscles, consisting of the psoas and the iliacus muscles, are attached from the spine on both sides and connect to the upper thigh. Their primary function is to bring the trunk of the body and the legs together in flexion, commonly seen when a person is bowing or when the thigh is raised towards the abdomen (when a person runs or even when a person sits down on a chair).

Without having the added time of commuting to work, people are working longer hours in their homes where many are constantly sitting down in front of their computers. Because they are sitting longer, their hip flexors are more engaged and flexed for longer periods of time. When this occurs, the hip flexors become more contracted and stiff causing weakness of the muscles, the hips being misaligned, and leading to poor sitting position (slouching) to relieve any discomfort. The often misaligned, poor position results in lower back pain.

Fast Relief Acupuncture is a great treatment choice for relieving lower back pain due to tight hip flexor muscles. We can ‘pinpoint’ the exact location and cause of the pain and devise an effective treatment plan to alleviate your condition. Along with acupuncture, Fast Relief Acupuncture encourages patients to perform simple exercises/ stretches to maintain flexibility of the hip flexors. Our goal is to offer the most safe, effective, and efficient treatment option without the use of chemicals or opioids! Call today to get the relief you deserve!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Request an Appointment

Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy…. On Your Neck!

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I often tell my patients who come into the office with their back and neck hunched forward, to straighten up or they will end up looking like a giant cocktail shrimp. While this does elicit a chuckle between us, I then remind them of why being hunched forward can lead to many other health disorders besides having a pain in the neck or in the back. I use the shrimp as an example because it is something that everyone can visualize how it looks once it is cooked: curled forward like a ball. When this position occurs in the human body, it can affect many different systems of the body negatively. This posture can be seen commonly on the neck. In this article I will discuss how the neck/ head juts forward, why this position can cause several problems to the different systems of the body, and what types of acute or chronic issues it can cause to the body.

Forward head posture, also called ‘tech neck’, ‘scholar’s neck’ or ‘reader’s neck’, is a very common postural problem, affecting between 66% and 90% of the population. For simple purposes, we will refer to this phenomenon as ‘Shrimp’s Neck’. Not only does this posture look unattractive, it can cause problems within the musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory problems. When the skull leans more than an inch forward over the 1st vertebrae over the neck (atlas), this signifies that you have a forward head posture.

According to the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, forward head posture can affect the body by:

  • Causing the muscles in the front of the neck to become weaker and the muscles in the upper back and shoulders becoming over- stretched and getting stiff and tight.
  • The head shifts forward increasing the weight and the load of the neck – an inch of forward head movement equals to extra 10 lbs. of weight on the neck! This can lead problems to the musculoskeletal, neural, and vascular system.
  • Constant forward head posture can lead to chronic, abnormal pressure in the muscles and nerves on both the neck and shoulders. This results in rounding of shoulders (both shoulders going forward). Discs on the neck and the upper back eventually become herniated in an effort to compensate, resulting in higher loads being placed on the back and shoulder muscles (trapezius).

Shrimp’s Neck also impacts the body’s alignment to center of gravity. This imbalance affects the torso and every joint in your body as well. It tries to adapt to different positional changes being altered by balancing several control mechanisms within the body. It leads to decreasing your natural ability to balance when it is engaging in different activities along with overusing different muscles of the body that is not typically engaged, often increasing the risk of injury to the body.

Shrimp’s Neck can be caused by many harmless activities.

  • “Poor posture”
  • Weakness of your neck muscles
  • Previous injuries to the neck and shoulders
  • Use of incorrect sizes of pillows when sleeping
  • Frequent sleeping on a sofa with your head propped on the arm rest
  • Extended usage of the computer, electronic devices such as phones, tablets, portable gaming devices, etc.…
  • Prolonged driving
  • Carrying heavy backpacks (weight of the backpack should be 10% of the person’s body weight)
  • Engaging in sports involving the dominant use of one side of the body (i.e. golf, tennis, hockey, baseball, etc.)
  • Certain professions are more at risk due to repetitive movements of the body (i.e. hair stylists, massage therapists, writers, computer programmers, painters, etc.)

How do you know if you have a Shrimp’s Neck? Try this simple test to see...

  • Stand with your back along with the heels positioned shoulder width apart against a wall.
  • Press your buttocks against the wall while the shoulder blades are touching the wall. If you are able, you can squeeze the shoulder blades together to help it get aligned to the wall and into a more neutral position.
  • If the back of your head naturally touches the wall, then you are fine. However, if you are having difficulty doing so, you have a Shrimp’s Neck and you need to get it corrected.

Not treating a Shrimp’s Neck can lead to many health issues within the body such as:

Musculo- Skeletal:

  • Chronic neck pain
  • Herniated or bulging neck discs
  • Chronic shoulder pain
  • TMJ/ Jaw pain
  • Tension headaches
  • Chronic back pain

Neurological:

  • Poor vision
  • Pain around/ in the eye
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Facial pain
  • Twitching of the eye
  • Migraine headaches

Respiratory/ Cardiovascular:

  • Chronic sinus problems
  • Allergies
  • Labored, difficult breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Low stamina

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Request an Appointment

Improve Your Neck & Shoulder with This Touchdown Move!

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After receiving an acupuncture treatment for their neck and shoulders, many patients ask what they can do at home to help alleviate their conditions. My response to that question is ‘Ever watch a football game and noticed the referee lifting both arms when a touchdown is scored? Did you know that simple maneuver can help improve your posture and increase the flexibility of your neck and shoulders?’ Before we discuss on how to do a touchdown for your health, let us examine why this motion is very important.

Experiencing Stiffness and Soreness in the Neck and Shoulders?

One of the common areas where people often complain about having ‘stiffness’, ‘soreness’, or ‘discomfort’ is the neck/shoulder regions. Many people attribute improper posture/ positioning while working at a desk, previous injuries, or the use of an incorrect pillow when sleeping as examples as the cause of this problem. The major muscle involved in this condition is the trapezius.

Most people think the trapezius muscle only applies to the muscles on top of the shoulders. But did you know that there are actually three trapezius muscles? They are appropriately named upper, middle, and lower. They begin at base of the skull travelling down to the upper/ middle portion of the spine and laterally to the back of the shoulder joint. The trapezius muscle, in an essence, controls the posture and positioning of the head, upper back, and shoulders.

The trapezius muscle commonly gets stiff and tight when the head is in a flexed position. With the human head weighing approximately 8 to 10 lbs., when it is constantly tilted forward, the trapezius muscle becomes over- stretched and starts to ‘stiffen up’ when it is ‘hunched’ forward. The ‘hunched’ position creates limited joint spaces within the neck and shoulder which restricts ranges of motion.  Once the muscle loses its natural flexibility, it can lead to chronic muscular and neurological problems of the head, neck, and the shoulder such as chronic pain, disc problems in the neck and mid- back, migraines/ headaches, visual problems, jaw pain, etc...

If the trapezius muscles are loose and flexible, this allows the neck and shoulder to move more freely. It also provides enough movement and strength for a person to maintain an upright posture. With the feeling of ‘stiff and tight’ being relieved at this region, it can put a person’s mood and mindset at a more relaxed states without having the stress of having ‘the weight of the world on their shoulders’.

The Touchdown Move!

So how do we maintain a loose and flexible trapezius muscle? By following this simple exercise called the ‘Touchdown Motion’ daily can certainly help maintain your neck and shoulders to feel less burdened. First, maintain a straight posture of the body with the head stationed at its natural, neutral position. If the head is flexed or tilted forward, it is very difficult to attain a full range of motion of the shoulders. If you are having difficulty keeping your head at neutral position, for the time being try and maintain it as close to it as possible. With your arms full extended in front of you, raise both arms in unison forward and upward above your head. Do not brings your arms up in any ‘sideway’ position. Once your hands have reached over your head (like a touchdown motion), bring your arms down slowly in the same arc as you brought your arms up. Again, bring the arms down straight in front of you and not to the side.

The key to doing these exercises is never about speed. The initial focus should be on doing the exercise properly, using the correct forms. It is also important to breath. Inhale slowly when raising your arms and once you reached your peak, slowly breathe out as you are lowering your arms. The use of weights, such as dumbbells, is not necessary nor advised. Simply do not use any weights because it can compromise proper body forms. Think of this exercise as more of a stretch.

It is advised that doing a 100 of these motions daily will help loosen your trapezius muscle. Completing 100 of this exercise daily, which takes less than 2 minutes, will engage all three of the trapezius muscles in full flexion and extension motion to help maintain its flexibility. If the doing exercise at any point becomes too difficult to do, please stop immediately and do not exert yourself for further injuries. While ideally doing a 100 of these on daily basis will yield the best results, the number is only a suggestion. Again, the emphasis is not about speed but doing it with the proper form.

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Request an Appointment

What is Spinal Stenosis?

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Having a chronic neck and/ or back issues? Have you been diagnosed by your doctor to have arthritis of the neck or lower back? The bad news is that you are most likely to suffer from spinal stenosis. The good news? The treatment techniques incorporated from Fast Relief Acupuncture can help relieve many of the symptoms in a safe, natural, and effective method. But first, let’s take a look at what spinal stenosis is.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces of the spine, where it can put pressure on the nerves that comes out of the spine commonly seen in the lower back and the neck. Some people with may not have symptoms while others may experience pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness and can worsen over time. Typically, people who display ‘forward flexed’ or ‘hunched forward’ postures of the neck and the torso are the ones who most likely suffer from stenosis. A surefire way to diagnosis someone with this condition is to ask if they feel pain relief when the person leans or bends forward on the lower back or the neck. You can see this at a supermarket when people, usually the elderly, lean forward on their shopping carts while they are moving.

The most common cause of stenosis is wear-and-tear changes in the spine column related to osteoarthritis. If the spinal stenosis is severe, surgery is recommended to create additional space for the spinal cord or the accompanying nerves.

The two main types of spinal stenosis are:

  • Cervical stenosis: The narrowing occurs in the part of the spine in your neck.
  • Lumbar stenosis: The narrowing occurs in the part of the spine in your lower back where it is the most common.

Fast Relief Acupuncture has a developed a unique treatment system where spinal stenosis can be treated with long lasting effects! With a specialized combination of precise diagnostic techniques, decompression of the mind, modern treatment modalities such as electro- acupuncture, and manual therapy targeting specific causes of the problem, Fast Relief Acupuncture can make your chronic pain be a problem of your past! Call today to get the relief you deserve!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Request an Appointment

Acupuncture Migraine Specialist: 5 Steps to Prepare for a First-time Visit

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You may have just started experiencing re-occurring Migraines, or maybe they have become a chronic nuisance. Whichever the case, finding an effective treatment for lasting relief is important but can be challenging.

Fast Relief Acupuncture is Bergen County’s leading migraine specialist, providing lasting holistic treatments to eliminate migraines safely and completely. Here are five things you should know to best prepare for your appointment.

Get to know your health from the inside-out, especially your migraine / headache- You will want to know the ins and outs of your headache issue. To better evaluate your symptoms, look at the “Five W’s and an H” strategy below. Answer the questions as they relate to your unique headache condition.

WHO

Do you or anyone in your family experience frequent headaches and/or suffer from severe migraines? It is always helpful and important to know your family history regarding any conditions that they or you may have. Our acupuncture specialist will greatly benefit from receiving information that will help provide a detailed and effective treatment plan based off of your family history.

WHAT

What type of symptoms do you feel when having a migraine attack? Write down highly descriptive words such as, stabbing, tingling, pounding, pulsing, or burning. To know your symptoms is to know your headache. Your acupuncturist will be able to identify other body parts affected by your headache and if there are other issues that need to be addressed.

WHEN

When do your headaches occur? Do they appear at specific times, such as at night or after a stressful day? Be as specific as possible, as this can help your specialist identify important triggers that may be causing your discomfort.

WHY

Why do your headaches occur? What are those triggers that cause the migraine? Is it stress, exercise, sleep? All of these could be a trigger. Write down what you were doing when the migraine began.

HOW

How long does your migraine last? Minutes, hours, days? When does your migraine feel the worst? Does it become the worst right away or does it gradually climb in severity?

Here are some tips prior to your initial visit that can greatly aid in your recovery!

Jot down everything- In order to keep your “Five Ws and an H” strategy organized; it is helpful to write everything down in a notebook. Your migraine specialist will devise a plan for your treatment based on your history and current symptoms along with your treatment goals. Keeping a journal in a notebook can greatly aid in deciphering exactly what you need to find headache/ migraine relief.

Know your own medical history- Believe it or not, many patients come to us without a recollection of their own medical histories. During the consultation, our staff gets to know you on a personal basis, including any conditions, medical issues, or medications taken in the past. The information portrayed within these areas will help determine what may be the root cause of your migraine issue, plus harness any important treatment measures for future appointments. To best prepare for your consultation appointment, take the time to gather your medical records from previous doctors, especially ones that you may have visited for the same issue.

Write down questions to ask your therapist- In the same notebook that you write your symptoms, jot down questions or concerns that you wish to address during your consultation appointment or during the appointments after. We realize that this may be your first time trying a natural treatment such as acupuncture. With all first-time experiences come a bound of nerves and a multitude of questions. Our office staff is here to answer any question you may have and calm your concerns.  When you write down questions as you think of them, you will be able to focus more on your consultation rather than stressing over remembering what you may think you have missed.

Come with an open mind- Acupuncture is a natural, proven, and cost-effective treatment that is quite different than a regular doctor appointment. With that being said, come with an open mind. The experience may be daunting for the first time; however, we will make sure you are comfortable, relaxed and that you leave excited to experience your next appointment with us! 

Equipping yourself with the tools above will enhance your first-time acupuncture experience at Fast Relief Acupuncture. Being prepared and willing is the first step in finding lasting migraine relief! Call us today to set up a free consultation appointment.

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Request an Appointment

How Clumped Blood Cells Can Harm You

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It’s inevitable that everyone on this planet has gotten sick at least once in their lifetime. Once someone gets sick, the foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, or chemical substances tries to take over the body. They attach to red blood cells which carries important substance called oxygen that gives and sustains life to all living organisms. If oxygen is deprived, parts of the human body begins to deteriorate and becomes weakened beginning at the lungs (since oxygen gases are exchanged within the lungs primarily) then eventually spreading throughout the whole body.

The human body’s reaction when a foreign invader such as a bacterium or a virus enters the body is that it sends antibodies to combat them. Antibodies are the immune systems soldiers that attach and attack antigens (i.e. viruses, bacteria, chemical substances, etc..) and tries to eliminate them out from the body. This reaction occurs in the blood stream where the antibodies flow freely.

With the red blood cells carrying the antibodies to fight antigens, these blood cells tend to aggregate with each other and begin to ‘clump’. If there is an over- abundance of ‘clumping’ of t red blood cells, it can affect the body negatively. While it is more common to see this on someone who is sick, it can also occur on healthy individuals with underlying disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc…

A simple comparison of how ‘clumping’ of the blood cells affects the body is to visualize a typical traffic jam on a highway. When there are many vehicles traveling on one road, not only does it slow down the rate and speed of travel, but it also takes longer for many to arrive to their intended destination. If this applies to the human body, it can cause many dire health problems.

Some of these examples include:

  • Limits oxygen and other helpful nutrients to travel throughout the body efficiently via the blood stream
  • Increases the risk of several cardiac diseases because oxygen travel is limited
  • Immune system cells such as leukocytes are limited in being dispersed throughout the body
  • Increases bacterial, viral, and fungal growth allowing these pathogens to replicate
  • Decreases the absorption of certain medications and supplements

Is there a way to ‘de- clump’ these blood cells? The answer to this question is YES! Fast Relief Acupuncture offers a unique, minimally invasive, and effective treatments that can help reduce the ‘clumping’ of the blood cells. This innovative treatment (each treatment for 30 minutes) can help:

  • Can increase electron zeta potential of the red blood cells to repel off each other and not clump
  • Allows immune cells to travel freely to the vascular system
  • Decreases bacterial, viral, and fungal growth and prevent them from duplicating within the blood streams
  • Can increase and improve the absorption with certain drugs and supplements
  • Can help assist eliminate pathogens (foreign invaders of the body) out of the blood leading the immune system to be less overwhelmed

Fast Relief Acupuncture is dedicated to providing specialized and ground-breaking treatment to help keep you healthy during these uncertain times. We pride ourselves in introducing a safe, cost-effective, and natural way to not only provide relief, but to heal your ailments. We look forward to getting you on the road to complete recovery!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Request an Appointment

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How Your Legs Can Help Your Immune System

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In today’s current state of the pandemic, many people are worried if their body’s immune system is strong enough resist any viral infections. While there are many things that can be done to increase one’s immune system (click here for more information), there is one specific point that can not only help with your immune system but does many other wonderful things to help maintain the body to be healthy. Let’s further examine on how this point can help the body.

The point is located approximately 3 inches below the knee cap, towards the meaty portion of the shin. Traditionally, this point in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine was used to increase person’s energy, promote good appetite and digestion, and to calm a person’s mind. This acupuncture point is commonly used in many acupuncture treatment protocols for what it can positively do the body.

Recent research has confirmed that stimulating this point actually releases anti- stress hormones into the body to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The study confirmed that there is pathway within the brain that is involved in the production of the stress hormone cortisol and targeted by some anti-anxiety and anti- depressants drugs (click here for more information).

Another recent research on this acupuncture point has shown promise by how it positively it affects the immune system. One research shows that it can help control the inflammation caused by sepsis (a life threatening complication of infection). According to the study, the reason for antisepsis “might include reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, improving microcirculatory disturbance, and maintaining the immune balance mediated by dopamine.” (click here for more information).

Fast Relief Acupuncture is currently using a very innovative technique on modulating and strengthening the immune system. By using proper frequencies of electric stimulation on this point, it can help combat viral and bacterial attacks on the human tissue while preserving healthy tissues and strengthening the immune system within the body. It can also reduce cytokine storm (immune system gone haywire and attacking pathogens and healthy tissues) which is commonly found in viral respiratory infections. The procedure is safe, beneficial to your health, and painless. Contact Fast Relief Acupuncture today to set up your appointment to help your immune system!

Hi,

My Name is John Kim

I have been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. When I first started my acupuncture career, my primary goal as a practitioner was to help people anguishing from living with pain everyday of their lives. I have seen on numerous occasions what chronic pain can do to a person physically but also seen how it can debilitate a person’s psyche as well.


Throughout the years, I have studied, developed and incorporated a very unique treatment protocol that has successfully treated and effectively reduced pain levels on chronic pain patients. I have combined traditional methods of acupuncture along with modern, research proven techniques to help reduce chronic pain symptoms in a safe, non- chemically addictive, and effective process.


If you have any of the following:

  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Arthritis/ Stenosis
  • Nerve pain
  • Neck/Back pain
  • Fibromyalgia pain
  • Allergies
  • TMJ
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Share0
Tweet0
Share0
Pin0

Do not hesitate and contact me!

I am here to help you to feel your very best!

Request an Appointment

Subscribe

Submit your e-mail address for future specials, offers, and news for my loyal patient base and to share with your friends!

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