According to a recent study, nearly 70 percent of knee surgeries performed in the United States were found to be unnecessary, which is why many people have been turning to alternative medicine and healing techniques such as acupuncture.
“Instead of going straight to heavy medication and surgery, which in some cases is appropriate and necessary, this is a safe, effective alternative for those patients who don’t require such drastic measures” said Louis Kiwala, DOM, L.Ac., Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and director of the New York Center for Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine in Forest Hills.
The term acupuncture describes a variety of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body through a variety of techniques. The acupuncture techniques with which most people are familiar and which have been the most studied scientifically involve the gentle, painless stimulation of specific points on the body by hair-thin acupuncture needles, which are also usually complemented by hands-on manipulation, mild electrical stimulation, heat, and/or herbal medication.
With his experience in treating orthopedic and neurological injuries, sports medicine, GYN/infertility, gastrointestinal disorders, menopausal patients, and even migraines, dental pain, stress and depression, Dr. Kiwala offers a natural form of medical treatment that helps patients who, for one reason or another, have not responded to more traditional methods, and for those with physical injuries, significantly reduce time spent in rehabilitation.
“[The needles] stimulate a combination of focal points to elicit a specific response and produce a natural reaction from the body,” says Dr. Kiwala.
He also offers electroacupuncture, a process by which a mild form of stimulation is applied to the needles, thereby rendering a more direct and effective response from the specific muscles and points being stimulated.
But one of the most important things Dr. Kiwala does for his patients is develop a close professional relationship with them.
“This is a hands-on type of medical treatment and more face time is spent with your acupuncture doctor each visit than is usually spent with your primary care physician or specialist,” he said. “These treatments are intended to complement, not replace, your regular checkups and we will work closely with your primary care physician or other treating specialists when necessary”.
The New York Center for Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine is located at the Forest Hills Orthopedic Group at 69-67 108th Street at 70th Avenue in Forest Hills. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (718) 268-4932.
