Harmony Point Acupuncture acupuncture & yoga therapy for back pain; joint, shoulder, elbow pain

Photo Credit: Aryil Bechtel

Acupuncture offers a successful treatment for Neck and Back Pain

Acupuncture can successfully treat many different causes of back and neck pain, serving as an effective treatment on its own, or in conjunction with physical therapy. At Harmony Point Acupuncture in Gainesville, Florida, we work with patients to provide relief from

One of the most commonly recognized benefits of acupuncture is in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. Recent studies confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic low back pain. (References 1, 2 below). The benefits of acupuncture offer patients the opportunity for temporary and permanent relief without undergoing the risks of surgery and other invasive treatments.

Call for an appointment:
Bethany Bechtel, AP, PhD 352-222-3816

It is important to note that the origin of pain and its chronic persistence is due to many different potential factors. These can include joint disorders, muscle injury, abnormal changes in the body tissue, and pain resulting from imbalances in other physiological systems.

Upon your first visit we will ask you to describe your pain and undertake a thorough diagnosis based on the principles of Oriental Medicine. Our treatment protocols will be based on the diagnosis and on your response to individualized treatments over time.

Our goal is to provide you with a long-term solution for your back pain. Many patients report that their back pain decreases in intensity once the acupuncture needles are put in place during treatment sessions. Sometimes it takes a few days or a few different acupuncture treatments in order to notice a substantial difference in pain levels. After determining your rate of response, we are able to further adjust your treatments for your specific needs.

“A few months ago I had a sudden onset of excruciating low back pain that went to the left hip and all the way down my left leg to my foot. My family doctor told me it was the sciatic nerve. The anti-inflammatory and pain killer medicine did not work. I did not want to have surgery, so I research alternative treatments and practitioners. This led me to acupuncture and Dr. Bechtel.

After a couple of treatments, I began to notice a small reduction in pain. After each treatment the reduction in pain became greater and it lasted longer. After a few weeks my back/sciatic pain was all gone. I also regained all my strength in my lower back and left leg. I also felt more energy and calmness.

I cannot express in words the amount of gratitude and appreciation I have to Dr. Bechtel for taking away the low back/sciatic pain and for healing the sciatic nerve.”

Yoga Therapy, Complimenatary Therapies and Self-Care

We are also able to teach you self-care techniques for your back pain. Bethany Bechtel offers individualized yoga therapy sessions during which she can develop a custom set of exercises and breathing technques for you to practice at home.

Dr. Bethany Bechtel offers weekly yoga classes to help you maintain your home practice. Acupuncture is a therapy and we look forward to working with you to gradually decrease your chronic back pain and provide you with a longterm solution to pain.

Dr. Bechtel can also refer you for complimentary therapies if she feels that they will assist in ameliorating your neck or back pain.

Research Results

Acupuncture for Back Pain More Effective Than Drugs: Study published in the online edition of the Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain — Read the Review in Acupuncture Today

Acupuncture Found Effective for Back Pain: Study finds it superior to usual care — Read the Review in Acupuncture Today
The study reviewed appeared in the Archives of Internal Medicine, May 2009
A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain showed that acupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain was more effective than standard treatments. It is recommended that acupuncture be used for treatment, alone or in conjunction with physical therapy. (Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, et al. A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture , and usual care for chronic low back pain. Arch Intern Med. 2009 May 11; 169(9):858-66)