ProSportsAcupuncture 8 March 2015 new format

presented by:

Matt Skahill, M.Ac., L.Ac.Founder of ProSports AcupunctureMatthew.Skahill@gmail.com215-2764-5575www.prosportsacupuncture.com

PROSPORTS ACUPUNCTURE

Sports Therapy Treatment

Professional Athlete’s TOOLBOX

Professional Athletic Trainer

Traditional Medical Intervention


Maximize Athlete’s time on

the Court!

PROSPORTS ACUPUNCTURE Goal for Professional Athletes

PROSPORTS ACUPUNCTURE Goal for Professional Athletes

Professional Athletic

Trainer

• Massage

• TEN’s

• Saunas

• Stretching

• Etc.

Traditional Medical

Science

• Prescription Medication

• Surgery


• Modern Application of

Ancient Chinese

acupuncture

• Diagnostics use

traditional & modern

techniques

• Specific treatment

based on differential

diagnosis

• Safe, drug free

Maximized Player Availability

Referred PainPrescription Med Side

Effects

Headaches & Concussion Symptoms

Nerve Pain (post surgery)

Functional Complaints

�Relief & Improvement via

PROSPORTSACUPUNCTURE

PROSPORTS ACUPUNCTURE Help for Professional Athletes

Back Pain Neck Pain

Trigger Points Atrophy & Weakness

Musculoskeletal Pain �Relief &

Improvement via PROSPORTS

ACUPUNCTURE



High Reward

- specific treatments focused on routine problems and injuries encountered within each sport.

- Prevent future injury and supplement physical therapy

- A safe, drug free therapy in the age of PED testing and biological passports.

Low Risks

- Short term worsening of symptoms (typically resolves in a few hours)

- Increased lethargy/sleepiness or conversely, increased energy (typically resolves in < 24 hrs)

- Slight bruising and or hematoma at site of needle insertion

PROSPORTS ACUPUNCTURE Process

•Traditional

•Differential

•Categories

• Intertwined with modern diagnosis

Diagnosis

•Point Selection

•Frequency of treatment

•Combination with other techniques

Treatment•Continued treatment for maximum relief

•Prevention of injury in risk areas

•Game Recovery

Maintenance

Q� Where / When / Who?• Exam or treatment rooms (beds/tables)

• 1 or 2 treatments / week

• ProSports ACUPUNCTURE appointments, generally at 20 minute intervals and 20 to 40 minute in duration

Q� What are the benefits for a team medical facility to

offer acupuncture?

• ProSports ACUPUNCTURE specific treatments focused on routine

problems and injuries encountered within each sport.

• Prevent future injury and supplement physical therapy

• A safe, drug free therapy in the age of PED testing and biological

passports.

PROSPORTS ACUPUNCTURE Information for Professional Athletic Trainer

ProSports ACUPUNCTURE is an adjunct therapeutical

approach based on an ancient practice, that is low risk, non-PED,

supplemental approach for maximizing player court time.

presented by:

Matt Skahill, M.Ac., L.Ac.Founder of ProSports AcupunctureMatthew.Skahill@gmail.com215-2764-5575www.prosportsacupuncture.com


• Founder of ProSports ACUPUNCTURE

• Diplomate of Acupuncture distinction from National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 2013

• Master’s in Acupuncture Studies, Won Institute 2008

• B.S. Science Philadelphia University 1987

BACKUP SLIDES

Acupuncture: Practical Information for the Professional Athletic Trainer

Historical Overview• First recorded history was Han period (206 B.C. to A.D. 220).

Documented pharmacopoeia and remedies. Texts were inscribed

bamboo and wood strips.

• Earlier, oral tradition dating to 1,500 B.C.

• Refinements over the centuries and millennia with Dynastic rule

changes (Tang, Song, and Ming).

• Cultural exchange with Europe began in 16th century with printed

publication and translation of Dr. Li Shizen's compendium of materia

medica. Knowledge further spread through observations of

missionary workers, various military incursions, expanded trading

routes.


Historical Overview cont'd.• Scientific review/study undertaken in 20th century.

• Consolidation of practices and traditions throughout 20th century.

Current acupuncture theory refined under Chairman Mao in the

1950's.

• Collective recorded knowledge and theory is vast. Princeton U. has

over 75,000 original volumes on Chinese Medicine in its Gest library.


Theory• Yin and Yang - Taoist philosophy applied to medicine. Balance viewed

as key to all natural phenomena and biological processes.

• Vital Organs (12) - Functional relationship of vital organs are key to

differential diagnosis in Chinese medicine. Relationship, more than

structure, is emphasized.

• Meridians - outgrowth of the relationships between and among

organs. Kidney, Heart, Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, etc. These are

lines, channels, emanating from and interconnecting with all organs.


Theory cont'd.• Acupuncture points - specific locations along meridians. Each point is

named and numbered.

• There are in excess of 350 defined acupuncture points. Of these, 60

or so are most commonly used. Points are located anatomically at

structural junctures and proportionately to the relative size of

individuals.

• Acupuncture points have unique and specific actions such as "clear

heat", "build blood", "tonify", etc. Terminology is rooted in Taoist

philosophy of interconnection. Root causes of disease are defined by

imbalances of the holistic connections between organs, skeletal

structure, and humoral fluids.


Applied Theory• Diagnostic methods. Acupuncture theory requires the patient be

diagnosed via standard procedures and practices. Patient Interview,

observation, palpation, and listening are employed diagnostically.

• Why is he looking at my tongue? Tongue and Pulse reading are two

long-standing traditions in acupuncture diagnosis. Radial pulse

positions are palpated for pulse rate, depth, quality. Tongue coat

color, tongue body shape and color are viewed to diagnose internal

imbalances.

• Differential Diagnosis. There are 8 categories: Yin/Yang,

Internal/External, Cold/Hot, Empty/Full.


Applied Theory cont'd.• All disease (pain, illness, injury, etc.) fall into one or two of the eight

categories. The 8 categories overlap. Symptoms must match up to

differential diagnosis in order to pick the appropriate acupuncture

points and initiate healing.


Modern Application of Theory• Differential Diagnosis can be translated into today's medical

terminology. Whether reading lab values or imaging, the

acupuncturist can relate modern clinical findings to traditional

theory.

• Acupuncture point selection and successful treatment outcomes can

be achieved in combining the two modalities. Acupuncture can be

designed to support and enhance standard medical care.

• An acupuncturist with a strong foundation and understanding of

injury in both modern and historic contexts can shape treatments to

suit certain specialities.


Clinical Practice• Athletes can gain an advantage in injury prevention and treatment

with Sports specific acupuncture

Urgent Therapies/Treatment

When your pain stands front and center with an urgency for relief,

ProSports ACUPUNCTURE has developed focused treatments to

address common problems, including:

• Headache Relief

• Back-ease

• Pain Reduction

• Zen Calm


*Clinical Practice cont’d.

*How does acupuncture work?

*The truth is no one knows. While many theories are offered, reproducible evidence-based studies are

few. Explanations thus far include the possible release of endorphins and the therapeutic stimulation of

nerves.

*How many treatments will I need?

*The answer depends on your individual case. Generally four to six treatments are required for

symptom relief. More or fewer treatments may be required, depending on the severity of the pain

*or problem.

*How often do I come for treatments?

*ProSports ACUPUNCTURE treatment frequency may be daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly,

depending on your individual case and the particular treatment needed.


*Clinical Practice cont'd.

*Are there restrictions after treatment?

*No restrictions apply after a treatment, and athletes may go directly to other training regimens.

*How soon can I expect relief?

*Physical responses typically take one of three scenarios:

1. Symptoms are relieved within 48 hours of treatment, with improved stamina and reduced inflammation.

2. No immediate change in symptoms is seen. Four to six treatments may be required before relief kicks in.

3. Symptoms may intensify as part of the body’s natural healing response. In some cases, timing must be

managed to avoid this scenario on or immediately before game day or competition.

*Are there side effects?

*Generally, there are no side-effects. Some people feel energized after a treatment, others feel groggy

or sleepy. Slight bruising (hematoma) at the site of the needle is possible.


*Clinical Practice cont'd.

*Does it hurt?

*Barely. You feel a slight pinch, pull, or ouch when the needle is gently placed into an acu-point just

under the skin. The sensation subsides in a few seconds. Most patients are deeply relaxed and many

fall asleep during treatment.

*Where do the needles go?

*Needles are inserted at specific acu-points on the body, depending on the condition you are

experiencing. Most are placed on the lower legs and feet and fore arms and hands, in one of the more

*than 360 acu-points on the body.

*Are the needles sterile?

*Yes, only one-time use, sterile, stainless steel needles are used. Each needle is discarded into a

medical sharps container after use.

Documents

ProSportsAcupuncture 8 March 2015 new format