Move Well MD

Joint Pain Relief Specialist

The adult human body has 360 joints, any of which can cause pain at some point. The professional staff at Move Well MD in lower Manhattan, New York and New York's financial district will diagnose problems with the joints and then work with patients to develop strategies that relieve pain while improving their mobility and quality of life. The combination of physical rehab and innovative treatment options means patients can start doing all those things they've been avoiding due to chronic joint pain.

Joint Pain Relief Q & A

What causes joint pain?

Joints are complex structures, so there are a number of things that can lead to inflammation and pain. Joints consist of more than just intersecting bone, too. There is cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles that support the bone and they are often the source of the pain. The most common problem, though, is arthritis. It is a condition that can affect most joints in the body, so just generic pain often leads to this diagnosis. Joint pain may even be a symptom of a serious condition such as cancer or leukemia. It may also indicate a previously undiagnosed injury. Some other possible causes include:

Bursitis

Gout

Rheumatoid arthritis

Lupus

Lyme disease

Sprain

Strain

Tendonitis

Does all joint pain require medical treatment?

Pain is a sign of an underlying problem. While you might overlook minor twinges to see if they heal on their own, there is no reason to live with chronic or extreme pain. Joints that freeze up or feel unstable need treatment as well. Other symptoms, like a fever or general malaise, along with joint pain may indicate a more serious underlying condition and shouldn't be ignored. If in doubt, it is always best to seek medical care to avoid a serious injury or prolonged recovery period. Make sure to get an evaluation if you see:

Swelling

Redness

Deformity

What are some treatment options for joint pain relief?

The treatment plan will depend on a number of factors including which joint is causing the pain and why.

Any appointment for joint pain at Move Well MD will start with an evaluation to determine the potential cause. Dr. Gruen will also go over things like family history and daily habits looking for potential problems.

Most treatments could involve chiropractic care

Innovative healing options such as stem cell therapy and physical therapy. They might require making some lifestyle changes to accommodate the injury and prevent further damage to the joint.

Are there risk factors for joint pain?

Joint pain is a broad topic, so there are many different possible risk factors. That's why seeing someone to get a proper diagnosis and care plan is so important, especially for patients with chronic pain. This is a problem that could affect anyone, but there are common risk factors including:

Excessive weight

Family history

Job

Fitness level

Activities

Previous injuries

Age

Sports Medicine Specialist

Injuries common to athletes require special treatment options, which is why the staff at Move Well MD in lower Manhattan, New York, and New York's financial district offer a sports medicine service. It's a specialty that focuses on common problems that athletes face whether they play pee-wee ball or in the big leagues. The combination of chiropractic care, physical rehab and innovative treatments such as stem cell therapy help get both the novice and the serious athletes back in play.

Sports Medicine Q & A

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine deals with challenges people face when they push their bodies to the limit by participating in a sport. Dr. Ben Gruen and the staff at Move Well MD don't just treat injuries related to sports-play; they help athletes develop strategies to prevent them, as well. They provide a non-surgical treatment option for a variety of musculoskeletal problems while helping patients maximize their physical skills.

Is sports medicine limited to athletes?

Not really, although, they do make up a significant proportion of the clientele. Sports medicine specialists work with patients at any level of fitness. It's about taking control of your fitness level and doing it safely and efficiently to avoid hurting yourself.

Is sports medicine the same thing as rehab or physical therapy?

Physical therapy may be a part of sports medicine, but they are different. Physical therapy is a service that helps patients regain their flexibility as they heal from an injury or medical condition. Sports medicine is more of an umbrella term that covers anything that affects someone doing a physical activity or playing a sport. Dr. Gruen might see a patient as part of his sports medicine service and include physical therapy in the comprehensive care plan.

What is involved in sports medicine?

It is a well-rounded medical discipline, meaning there are many different service options. It depends on what each patient needs, really. It starts with an evaluation of the patient to decide what the challenges are and develop solutions for them. A patient that comes into Move Well MD looking to get back into shape has different concerns than a high school football player, for example. Any patient can come to Move Well MD and find answers to problems no matter what is going on with their bodies. Some possible options include:

Chiropractic care

Physical therapy

Nutrition counseling

Lifestyle coaching

Fitness planning

What are some common injuries related to a physical activity?

Specialists in sports medicine work to heal current injuries, as well as prevent future ones. That depends on many factors. Professional athletes see different problems than casual ones, but a few common concerns include:

Sprain

Muscle strains

ACL tear

Patellofemoral syndrome

Groin pull

Tennis elbow

Knee Pain Relief Specialist

From making a diagnosis to stem cell therapy, Move Well MD creates an innovative and targeted care plan that provides patients with relief when knee pain flares up. The professional staff at Move Well MD in lower Manhattan, New York and New York's financial district specialize in helping patients find solutions to chronic pain in major joints like the knee, so they can improve their lives and avoid invasive surgical options.

Knee Pain Relief Q & A

What causes knee pain?

The knee is a complex joint, so a lot of things can go wrong. In fact, knee pain in one of the most common patient complaints in the U.S. Pain is a symptom of something bigger going on inside the joint that might include basic wear and tear, undiagnosed injury or even a disease like gout. The good news in most forms of knee pain responds to some basic medical and self-care approaches. A specialist like you'll see at Move Well MD is able to put together a plan that can improve joint flexibility and reduce inflammation.

When should someone seek help for knee pain?

Any pain is worth checking out. Make an appointment at Move Well MD if you notice marked knee swelling, you can't bear weight on the leg or if the joint feels unstable.

What treatments provide knee pain relief?

It will depend on a number of factors including the exact cause of the pain. Most knee problems respond well to physical therapy and innovative treatments to promote healing like stem cell therapy, especially when combined with lifestyle changes and home care.

What are some symptoms of a knee joint problem?

Pain is a pretty obvious symptom that there is a problem with this joint, but not the only one. By the time your knee hurts, most of the damage is done. Ideally, patients would seek treatment before that happens. Any one of these problems, or a combination of them, can indicate potential knee issues that need medical treatment. Some other symptoms to watch for include:

Swelling on and around the knee

Joint stiffness

Redness or warmth

Instability

Popping or crunching

Difficulty straightening

What are some common conditions that cause knee pain?

During your appointment, Dr. Gruen will evaluate your knee health to determine the cause. It's a long list, but some of the more common issues include:

ACL tear

Torn meniscus

Bursitis

Tendonitis

Osteoarthritis

Iliotibial band syndrome

Gout

Septic arthritis

Are there risk factors for knee pain?

It's a problem that can affect anyone, but there are some risk factors such as:

Excess weight

Poor muscle strength

Sports play or physical activity

Previous injury

Physical Therapy Specialist

Physical therapy offers patients one of the most effective ways to improve range of motion and flexibility whether coming back from an injury, healing after surgery or managing a condition like arthritis. It provides therapeutic exercises targeted to the needs of each patient. At Move Well MD in lower Manhattan, New York and New York's financial district, patients can find that path back to good health with comprehensive treatment plans that include physical therapy.

Physical Therapy Q & A

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is one of the most common therapeutic processes because it works in a wide variety of situations. Someone recovering from a heart attack, for example, may use physical therapy to help become strong enough for regular exercise. It is also a go-to intervention after a fracture or joint replacement surgery. The therapists at Move Well MD work with patients to improve their flexibility so they can manage everyday tasks. Better mobility will improve fitness levels and help reduce pain at the same time. People tend to associate physical therapy with exercise but it's more than that. It's the whole package when it comes to healing promotion. They also use first aid techniques like ice and heat to reduce inflammation before and after exercise. Therapists do:

Manual manipulation

Patient education

Ultrasound

Electrical stimulation

What kinds of patients need physical therapy?

There are few limitations because most people can benefit from it regardless of their current medical problems. Physical therapists, along with practitioners such as Dr. Gruen, develop customized plans based on the mobility levels and needs of each individual patient. Physical therapy is one piece of a care plan designed to improve mobility and restore health. Some common problems that might send someone to a physical therapist include:

Back pain

Neck pain

Joint pain

Orthopedic injury

Orthopedic surgery

Cardiac rehabilitation

Cancer

Wound care

What should patients expect from physical therapy at Move Well MD?

It starts with the Move Well MD therapist doing an examination to get a feel for the patient's mobility challenges and to discuss symptoms. From there, they establish goals based on the information provided to them, the exam and the patient's expectations. The first step is almost always to manage the pain and any inflammation that is affecting movement. Physical therapy does involve exercise too. It starts at the practice with the therapist helping joints move or providing support as the patient does basic stretches. Over time, as they become stronger, the routine will expand to provide more challenges. Patient education is a big part of physical therapy, so the patient learns how to move without aggravating an injury. A few things to expect include:

Stretches

Core exercise

Weightlifting

Walking

Trigger Point Injections Specialist

The trigger point injection is an innovative pain management tool able to relax muscles that knot up and irritate nerves. The medical professionals at Move Well MD in lower Manhattan, New York and New York's financial district offer this option to patients needlessly suffering from referred pain or a form of myofascial pain. Just one knot is enough to cause chronic local or referred pain. Trigger point injection may be all it takes to relieve it.

Trigger Point Injections Q & A

What is referred pain?

Referred pain means pain that you feel in one part of your body, but the source of it is coming from somewhere else. A good example of this in action is arm pain that sometimes occurs when a person is having a heart attack. The problem is with the heart but the arm pain, although seemly unrelated, is a symptom.

How do trigger point injections work?

Dr. Gruen or another medical professional at Move Well MD inserts a small needle into the trigger point containing an anesthetic, saline or possibly a corticosteroid. The goal is to make that trigger point inactive, reducing both the direct and referred pain. A number of injections to that same spot will usually provide pain relief that lasts.

What is myofascial pain?

Often referred pain is the result of pressure on sensitive points triggered by muscle knots. This is a chronic pain disorder that occurs when the muscle contracts repeatedly and then fails to relax. The knot in the tissue puts pressure on a nerve causing pain there or that radiates to another location on the body. The sensitive area in the muscle that causes this pain is called a trigger point. Injections into that site, trigger point injections, can relieve the tension and ease the pain. Symptoms of myofascial pain include:

Deep aching pain in the muscle

Persistent pain that may get worse over time

A knot or tender area in the muscle

Pain that radiates to another part of the body

Are there risk factors for this kind of chronic pain?

Trigger point pain requires a stimulus of some kind. For many people, stress and anxiety are enough to trigger an episode in the neck or shoulders. Repetitive use is another potential culprit. Continual stress on a muscle group, the lower back for instance, can trigger spasms that lead to chronic pain. Triggers are distinct, so what causes pain in one patient may not bother another. During the evaluation, Dr. Gruen talks with each patient to get a sense of what might be causing the knots. Along with trigger point injections, the care plan may include lifestyle changes and physical therapy. Other risk factors include:

Poor posture

Muscle injury

Poor technique

Poor overall fitness

Rehab Specialist

Rehab allows patients to regain their ability to do even small things like walking across the room or tossing a ball. The staff at Move Well MD in lower manhattan, New York and New York's financial district work with patients to improve their flexibility and get healthy. Even if they're coming back from an accident or healing after surgery. Physical rehabilitation is a critical part of a comprehensive care plan designed to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Rehab Q & A

What is rehab?

Rehab or physical rehab is another name for physical therapy. The goal is to improve mobility and reduce pain for patients in a variety of situations. The therapists at Move Well MD are specialists in movement who use a combination of therapeutic exercises and hands-on care. Rehab stimulates the body's natural healing process while working to reduce pain and prevent further injury.

What can patients expect from rehab at Move Well MD?

Move Well MD provides a tailored plan for each patient that usually includes exercise-based therapy combined with other techniques to stimulating healing, strengthen problem areas and improve range of motion. The therapist conducts a thorough evaluation during the first session in order to design a comprehensive care plan that helps reduce inflammation, build strength and increase flexibility. Home care is a big part of most rehab strategies, so the therapist provides patient education, as well. Exercises during the day can prevent further injury while improving healing at the same time. It's that combination of treatments modalities that makes rehab such an effective medical option.

Does rehab hurt?

The main goal is pain relief but patients may experience some sore muscles getting there. Part of the role the therapist and Dr. Gruen play in rehab is to use modalities that reduce inflammation and relieve the pain that comes with physical exercise. These all work together to strengthen the muscles and joints trying to become functional once again. Rehab will include treatments such as:

Ultrasound

Electrical stimulation

Heat therapy

Cold therapy

Manual massage

What patients benefit from physical rehab?

This is a course of treatment that helps patients come back from something. In other words, an athlete that gets injured during a game would go through rehab to get back on the field. There are no set rules when it comes to this therapeutic service. Practitioners like Dr. Gruen may evaluate a patient and decide that rehab is the best option to improve their flexibility and reduce their pain. Some other common problems that require rehab at Move Well MD include:

Cardiac recovery

Back surgery

Joint replacement surgery

Fracture

Repeated use injuries

Wound care

Orthopedic conditions

Orthopedic surgery

Shoulder Pain Relief Specialist

The shoulder joint is the most mobile in the human body, making it prone to disease and serious injury. The professional healthcare staff at Move Well MD in lower Manhattan, New York and New York's financial district help pinpoint the cause of shoulder pain to create a comprehensive and coordinated plan to relieve it. This tailored approach means better patient outcomes and improved movement in that all too important shoulder joint.

Shoulder Pain Q & A

How does the shoulder joint work?

Medical science calls the shoulder joint a synovial ball and socket mechanism. Simply put, a ball on the end of the arm bone, called the humerus, rests inside a cavity on the shoulder blade. The loose connection allows for fluid arm movement – that's what's behind that perfect tennis serve, for example. Around the ball is a capsule of tissue made of tendon that improves movement by reducing the friction between the two bony components of the joint. Combined with the connective tissue and bursa, the capsule gives the arm a 360-degree range of motion.

What causes shoulder pain?

Pain is the body's warning system that something isn't working right. The infrastructure of the shoulder joint is somewhat complex and anything that breaks down within it can cause pain. Dr. Gruen and the movement specialists at Move Well MD work together to translate that warning sign and figure out what it means based on the type pain and location of it. Sometimes, it's not the actual joint causing the pain, either. Referred pain in the shoulder comes from another structure in the chest such as the heart or gallbladder. Generally speaking, pain coming directly from injury to the joint tends to get worse with movement while referred pain persists whether you are moving or not. Any of these problems can cause inflammation and pain. Some common sources of true joint pain include:

Bursitis

Dislocated shoulder

Frozen shoulder

Osteoarthritis

Sprain

Strains

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rotator cuff tear

Tendonitis

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a consequence of not moving the joint for a long period of time, for example, due to a stroke. This is why many stroke patients undergo rehab to treat or prevent frozen shoulder. The freezing stage is the onset, so there is the pain in the joint and limited range of motion. During the frozen stage, the pain decreases but the shoulder is still and the arm barely moves. Thawing starts during rehab as the range of motion increases. Frozen shoulder is just one of a number of problems that respond well to physical therapy, stem cell therapy and other treatment options available at Move Well MD. Frozen shoulder occurs in three stages:

Freezing

Frozen

Thawing

Regenerative Medicine (including Stem Cells) Specialist

One of the most innovative and promising treatment options to pop up in the last few years is stem cell therapy. The professional healthcare staff at Move Well MD in lower Manhattan, New York and New York's financial district is proud to offer patients this revolutionary service that uses the body's own healing process to reduce pain and improve the quality of life. With the stem cells, patients heal faster and more efficiently.

Regenerative Medicine (including Stem Cells) Q & A

Alternative to Invasive Surgery

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are cells that haven't decide what they want to be just yet. They work like a cell template that is able to evolve into anything based on the needs of the body. For example, stem cells enter an area healing such as a cut and come together to create new tissue to close the wound. One series of stem cells might become skin while another transform into muscle because that injury requires both to heal properly.

How effective is stem cell therapy?

The results are different for each patient and each injury. Stem cells promote repair, so it won't help referred pain in the shoulder, for example. That is pain that comes from somewhere else; it is just felt in the joint. It works well to heal degenerated tissue like you might see with arthritis. The risks are minimal and the outcome is usually positive, especially when part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other services like physical therapy.

What is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine is an exciting and revolutionary field in medicine. Regenerative medicine heals injuries by growing new healthy tissue with the potential to fully repair damaged tissues. There is a high success rate in healing bone, muscle, joint, soft tissue, and nerve injuries with regenerative medicine. Our therapies meet the needs of patients who still have pain after traditional treatments like physical therapy, rest, NSAIDs and pain management. At MWMD, we use an amniotic allograft (stem cells, hyaluronic acid, growth factor, and cytokines) which has the following advantages.

Non-pharmaceutical

Non-surgical

Higher concentration of components means improved results

Simple injection vs. multiple invasive procedures

Treats mild to pre-surgical osteoarthritis joint issues

Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fibrotic properties

Reduces risk of an adverse immune response

Safe- uses immune-privileged cells

Why Amniotic Allograft?

Surgery is a very invasive procedure and you will take a long time to heal. There are several risks associated with any invasive surgery:

Permanent loss of mobility

High risk of infection

Irreversible

Permanent loss of function

Alternative to Steroids

Steroids are widely used to provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. Steroids however, have the follow effects on your body:

Cortisone degrades bone density and cartilage over time

Eventually, worsens/speeds up the joint degeneration

Can't do more than three times

Regenerative medicine is steroid free and doesn't weaken joints or muscles that lead to progressive and harmful arthritic changes.

Regenerative medicine is safe for unlimited uses but only requires one injection and gains are permanent rather than temporary.

Health Benefits of Using Regenerative Medicine

Accelerates joint repair

Reduces pain

Increases bone density

Reduced risk of adverse reaction

General and local anesthetic not needed

Increases functionality, range of motion, flexibility

Reduces muscle compensations and risk of future injuries

What is stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a mainstay of regenerative medicine. By introducing stem cells to an injury, Dr. Gruen promotes a reparative response that helps eliminate symptoms and improve healing. For patients suffering from a musculoskeletal problem, stem cell therapy is a nonsurgical treatment option. Stem cell therapy triggers the body's own healing process to decrease pain and improve mobility. Some conditions that benefit from stem cell treatment include:

Arthritis

Joint pain

Sport injuries

Degenerative diseases

Sciatica Specialist

If you're one of the millions of Americans affected by sciatica, you know how painful this condition can be. The staff at Move Well MD treats sciatica patients in the financial district in New York. They work with you to develop a tailored treatment program to relieve your pain and address the underlying causes of your condition. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today.

Sciatica Q and A

What is sciatica?

The term "sciatica" refers to the symptoms that result from compression of your sciatic nerve.

This giant nerve, the longest in your body, runs from your lower back through your buttocks and thighs and all the way into your toes. If it gets pinched or damaged, the pain can materialize at any point along its length — a slipped disc in your lower back can lead to pain in your thigh, for instance.

What does sciatica pain feel like?

People usually describe their sciatica pain as sharp or searing, rather than throbbing or dull.

Typically, sciatica pain begins in the lower back or buttocks and radiates downwards into your calf and sometimes as far as your foot. You tend to feel it in one leg, not both.

The pain may worsen when you stand or sit still, and you may find relief by lying down or walking.

Sciatica isn't always a sharp pain. Other symptoms can include numbness, tingling, or a prickling sensation. You might also feel a weakness in your leg or foot, sometimes known as "foot drop."

What causes sciatica?

Dr. Ben Gruen works with you to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms, which vary from case to case.

One of the most common causes of sciatica pain is irritation of the sciatic nerve by a herniated or slipped disc in the lumbar spine.

Sciatic pain can also result from other common conditions

including: Lumbar degenerative disc disease, Spinal stenosis, Arthritis in the spine, Spondylolisthesis.

Additionally, sudden weight gain (as in pregnancy) can put extra pressure on the lower back and cause sciatica.

Can sciatica be treated?

Some people find they can alleviate their sciatica pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, exercise (including stretches), and the use of heat or ice packs.

However, if your pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, or if you have significant numbness in your legs or feet, consult a medical professional. See a doctor immediately if your pain is accompanied by bowel or bladder incontinence.

Dr. Gruen treats sciatica pain with a range of nonsurgical techniques, depending on your individual needs.

He develops a personalized treatment program to help alleviate your pain, restore your mobility, and prevent any permanent damage. He also helps you identify lifestyle changes — such as improving posture or reducing time spent sitting — to prevent future flare-ups.

Back Pain Specialist

Millions of work days are sacrificed to back pain in the United States each year, costing workers and employers more than $100 billion in lost revenue. The medical professionals at Move Well MD, located in New York's financial district, are trained to identify the cause of your back pain and to help you overcome it. If you're in New York City and are concerned that back pain is costing you dearly, please make an appointment by phone or online.

Back Pain Q and A

What causes back pain?

The spine is a complicated structure, consisting of a large number of bones, nerves, muscles, and ligaments.

There's a lot that can go wrong! Around 80% of Americans experience back pain as they grow older, put on weight, or lose condition through lack of exercise.

One of the most common causes of back pain is muscle or ligament strain

resulting from an awkward movement or lifting something heavy. Herniated, slipped, or bulging discs are another common cause of back pain.

The vertebrae in your spine are separated and protected by discs consisting of a tire-like outer band (the annulus fibrosus) surrounding a soft core (the nucleus pulposus).

If one of these discs bulges or slips out of place, it can put pressure on nerves, causing pain.

Skeletal irregularities such as scoliosis can also result in back pain, as can other conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis.

Spinal stenosis — or the narrowing of the spinal canal — occurs with age and can pinch or restrict nerves, once again causing back pain.

What causes upper back pain?

The upper or thoracic spine is quite stable, as it is designed to anchor the rib cage and protect vital internal organs within the chest.

It's not designed for the same range of movement as the neck or lower back.

Pain in this area usually stems from muscular strain, especially of the large muscles in the shoulders.

People who spend their days slumped over a computer often experience upper back pain, along with pain in their neck and shoulders.

What causes lower back pain?

The lower back is quite mobile and supports much of your body weight.

This section of the spine is prone to herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and muscular strain. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine can lead to sciatica in your legs and feet.

Problems can also arise within facet joints (which stabilize vertebrae) and the sacroiliac joint (which connects the spine to the pelvis).

Infections, tumors, and underlying conditions such as lupus, fibromyalgia, and Crohn's disease can cause inflammation in the lower back.

When should you see a doctor about back pain?

Mild Backache Can Be Managed with Simple Treatments

like rest, exercise (including stretches), over-the-counter pain medications, and massage. However, if your back pain is severe, worsens over time, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or abdominal pain, you should talk with a medical professional. Call Move Well MD or book a consultation online.

Neck Pain/Migraine Specialist

Only a medical professional should treat your neck pain. At Move Well MD, located in New York City's Financial District, the team has extensive experience in accurately diagnosing the source of your neck pain and providing non-surgical relief. Call the practice or book your appointment online to get the relief you deserve today.

Neck Pain/Migraine Q & A

What causes neck pain?

Your neck is simultaneously delicate, strong and flexible. It supports your head, which on average weighs about 15 pounds. That's a substantial task a small, thin set of bones and soft tissues. As a result, the neck is especially susceptible to injury. Among the common causes of neck pain are:

Poor posture

Working at a computer for too long without changing position

Sleeping with your neck in an awkward position

Jerking the neck during exercise

Whiplash, usually sustained during a rear-end auto collision

How does Move Well MD diagnose the source of neck pain?

The team at Move Well MD starts with a physical examination. As part of the exam, your range of motion is evaluated and your symptoms discussed. In some cases, X-rays may also be ordered.

What are my treatment options?

Treatment plans at Move Well MD are always individualized and may include one or more of the following modalities.

Physical rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation entails a specialized exercise program designed to strengthen muscles, improve your flexibility and range of motion, and prevent re-injury.

Trigger point therapy

A trigger point is a knot of muscle on your body that causes intense pain or a dull ache. You may have a trigger point on your back that causes pain to your neck. The pain can worsen and affect other body parts if left untreated. The therapy consists of injecting an anesthetic such as saline or corticosteroid into your trigger point to reduce the ache.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can effectively be used to treat isolated pain and is a very safe treatment option for chronic neck pain.

Massage

When muscle knots are resulting in neck pain, massage can be employed to break up or loosen the affected area and allow for correct alignment and reduced ache and pain.

SPG Block

Move Well MD can reduce your frequent headaches with a novel approach called an SPG (Sphenopalatine Ganglion) Block. The SPG block is done using a patented applicator to ensure proper placement. The SPG block is located just deep to the nasal mucosa posterior to the middle nasal turbinate. The SPG can be blocked by diffusion of local anesthetic through the overlying mucosa. Sensory, sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers pass through or synapse in the SPG, making it a key structure in various types of painful headaches. Temporarily blocking function of the SPG can provide prompt, and sustained relief of painful headaches and migraines. It is theorized that performing an SPG block provides sustained relief by disrupting dysfunctional neuronal activity, allowing restoration of normal function. No Sedation is required for this procedure.

Acupuncture Specialist

The philosophy at Move Well MD in lower Manhattan, New York, and New York's Financial District, is to provide the most comprehensive care by combining traditional and eastern medicine to help reduce pain and get you closer to your health goals. As an extensively researched form of alternative medicine, acupuncture perfectly serves this philosophy. If you're looking for an alternative treatment to help manage pain, call the office or use our online booking feature to schedule an appointment with the acupuncturist.

Acupuncture Q & A

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, that has been in practice for more than 3,000 years.

The philosophy behind TCM is to maintain balance between the opposing forces yin and yang to keep the energy in the body flowing, which is believed to be the key behind good health.

According to TCM, a block in the flow of energy, which disrupts the balance, leads to pain, illness, and poor functioning.

Acupuncture is used to help restore the flow and get you back to good health through stimulation of specific acupoints.

What happens during acupuncture treatment?

Before you begin treatment

The acupuncturist at Move Well MD takes your health history and completes an eastern-medicine inspired physical exam, paying close attention to the color, shape, and coating on your tongue

After the examination, you'll lie back on the exam table, and the acupuncturist will place tiny needles at various acupoints on your body.

After the needles are placed, you'll continue to lie on the table anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the need and the desired outcome of the treatment.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Pain may be the reason you want to see the acupuncturist, but you may feel leery about having your skin poked with tiny needles.

Acupuncture doesn't hurt. As skilled professionals, the acupuncturists at Move Well MD know exactly where and how to place the acupuncture needles so you don't feel any pain.

Most people report feeling more relaxed during and after treatment.

What does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is used as an alternative form of treatment for a number of conditions.

But, it's been scientifically proven to help alleviate tension and migraine headaches, back and neck pain, and pain caused by osteoarthritis.

While research has only just begun

scientists are finding acupuncture may also be beneficial for: Depression, Morning sickness and stomach pain, Sciatica and tennis elbow, Dental pain

How safe is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a very safe alternative form of medicine

especially when performed by the trained professionals at Move Well MD. Our needles are clean and properly sterilized.

If you've been looking for an alternative treatment to help you get your pain under control

and want more information about how acupuncture can help, call Move Well MD or a book an appointment online