I am a young woman who has suffered with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia for over three years. Over that time I've been on methotrexate, steroids, Enbrel, and a variety of other medications to try to help control my condition, none of which have been particularly successful.
I never bought into the idea that rheumatoid arthritis was a lifetime sentence. And I've been trying to heal myself for the entire three years. I had some success with changing my diet, exercise, and lifestyle. I stopped having flare ups when I stopped eating wheat for instance. I had also been able to get off the enbrel shots when I started drinking green drinks and cut out several other foods I found affected my joints.
However, I wasn't seeing any more results with diet alone, and decided to try acupuncture at Steve's office.
I went into his office with daily, constant pain. I could barely use my elbows and my knees and back would occasionally act up as well. I was taking 7 methotrexate (a high dose according to my rheumatologist) and getting occasional shots in various joints to try and lessen the swelling.
The first time I went in, I was a bit nervous - even though I'd had an acupuncture treatment once before. But Steve was relaxed, knowledgeable, and had such an easy way about him, that the feeling quickly passed. The treatment itself was much simpler and less involved than I'd expected - just a few needles I could barely feel. But I left feeling relaxed, calm, and less stressed than I'd felt in several months.
I would like to say that healing of my joints was instant, that all the pain went away immediately, but that's not exactly how it worked for me. I can say that that even with the first treatment, I did feel like something had shifted in my body, but the change in my joints took a few sessions.
The healing of my joints was gradual, a process I didn't even realize was happening until it had come. By about the third week, I started to notice I felt lighter, my back didn't act up as much, my elbows straightened out a bit more. Not only did my joints begin to improve, but I felt more clear headed, and more at ease.
The second month only got better. My joints started straightening out completely, I stopped having chronic inflammation in my elbows, and my pain was becoming less in weekly stages. I even called up my rheumatologist and asked if I could lower the dose of methotrexate somewhat. Slowly and surely my energy, my hopefulness, and my vibrance was coming back. I felt as if I'd been given a new lease on life.
I'm at the end of my third month of treatment now, and feeling better than ever. I'm now down to taking only three methotrexate, and wouldn't be surprised if I am able to stop taking it entirely over the next few months. I haven't had a day in the last month that I couldn't use my elbows and I have had no inflamed joints since starting the treatment. My days of getting shots to correct inflammation are over.
I have been so impressed with Steve's wisdom and his healing ability that I've even decided to become an acupuncturist myself.I have been given a gift that's value can not be summed up with words. But for those of you who understand what living with rheumatoid arthritis means, perhaps this will do: The pain is gone.
Steve has given me back my life, both physically and spiritually, I can't truly repay that gift, but perhaps one day I can pay it forward and help others in the same way.
Thanks,
Amanda
I started seeing Steve when my chiropractor recommended that Steve might be able to add to the treatments she was doing for my knee pain as he had recently helped her with her shingles. I had an old injury (10 yrs ago) and the pain and swelling had been severe for months. I had to do something. After only a few months of seeing Steve, I no longer have knee pain. I am up to 6 miles of hiking on the week-ends and a very happy camper.I continue to see Steve, but now we are addressing other chronic problems I have had and am looking forward to having these resolved as well. Most effective acupuncture treatment I have every had!!
DaNette Dickerson
Although I am only in my early 50's, my arthritis problems started about 10 years ago and significantly worsened over the past year. Most significantly affected were my knees, ankles and wrists/hands. After being told by a physician that I "just have to learn to live with arthritis", I decided to try acupuncture.
I have been receiving treatments from Steve for several months. I didn't notice that much difference after the first two treatments, but I was amazed at my improvement after the third treatment. The pain and stiffness in my knees completely disappeared. Over the next treatments, my ankles and wrists significantly improved, as well. At this point, I am not taking any pain medications for my arthritis and I can say I am mostly pain-free. I don't know how it works, but it does.
I would highly recommend Steve's acupuncture skills and acupuncture in general. My results are far beyond what I expected and I am very grateful.
Michelle Turner
I had a near death auto accident 4/20/08. My rib cage was all broken up, L. clavicle and L. Knee fractured. Went through jaw of life, life flight, ER, ICU, hospital stays, nursing home, PT rehab and home care. After 6 months, I went back to work on limited time schedule. For all that, I am grateful to the conventional medicine.
But I was still on the pain medicine by the end of the year. Progress is slow. Pain was real. It was always winter and never Christmas, until my dear HMO gave me permission of 6 appointments with Dr. Steve Phillips.
Before the first appointment, I was scared about needle of any kind. And I was not sure if a Caucasian American knows enough to help me with a Chinese TCM technique. I procrastinated about calling for the first appointment. By the end of January, my pain got worse and then I saw the web site on the testimonials. Many of the testimonials are from health care professionals.
After that it is history. The first session got me off the pain medicine the same day. I thank God for His mysterious way. I am a Professional Engineer. I was trained to be analytical, question and doubt. But like faith, my journey is only proven by my own first hand experience. I am here to testify Dr Steve Phillips helps me through a high mountain of my life. And I thank God for his service.
David Choi, July 30, 2009
Steve Phillips has applied acupuncture on me many times for my knee arthritis, hay fever, and other health issues. He has helped me more than the other acupuncturists that I have been to.
He is kind and also uses TLC to work on his patients.
I enjoy my visits and we joke sometimes. I highly recommend him.
Kaye
To: Dr. Steve Phillips
This is an appreciation letter.
I have had a pain in both knees and both of the bottom of my feet. My two feet was numbing I can barely walk, I see the orthopedic so many times, he helped me with my pain, but I still had a stiffness with my knees and the bottom of my feet. After that I talk to a woman, she asked me if I see acupuncturist, I told her no, and she encourage me to go. And I found your name in the yellow page. After I visited you three days I already feel good. What a blessing to have you as my Dr! Right now I feel great and alive again and I have a new zest for life. You saved my life. Now I can walk as much as I want. God bless you and keep you well.
Askalu
My first few visits to see Steve were initially to work on lowering my blood pressure. As he began to question me about any further complaints, I revealed my most recent bouts with recurring pain and stiffness in my knees due to what my doctor has diagnosed as arthritis. After just a few treatments, targeting not only my blood pressure but also my knees—what a difference!
Before, I was not able to get up and down from a chair or in and out of my car without discomfort. I can now do so easily and am now beginning to take short walks without a backlash of pain. I so appreciate his level of skill and knowledge. Thank you, Steve.
Mary Olsen
In 2004 I began acupuncture treatments with Steve Phillips for muscle pains related to arthritis in my leg and hip. Very often I have limped into his office, and then walked out as if there had never had a problem. During those visits he would often treat a stiff neck as well as a sore thumb which was interfering with piano performances.
Sometimes he has combined treatments for carpal tunnel with a basic energy treatment which has never failed to improve my spirits. Presently, he is treating me for IBS symptoms and there has been much improvement in just three sessions. In addition, after a recent total hip replacement, he is treating my lower back (sacroiliac joint) and helping my knees to recover from misalignment pains which resulted from compensating for that worn out hip.
I am very grateful to Steve for taking away so much pain and diminishing the need for medication, and for doing so with good humor, a very caring heart, and much professionalism.
Many thanks, Steve…
Linda D., age 66
Testimonial for Steve Phillips
I had been having left shoulder pain for a very long time and right knee pain for at least 2 months, and had decided I would have to live with it. I thought that it was just part of getting older, along with the loss of energy and "hot flashes". When I started having excruciating right wrist pain, I decided that it was time to do something. That's when I came to Steve Phillips for acupuncture. That was the most wonderful choice I could have made. Within weeks after having energy balancing treatments as well as treatments for all my problem areas, most pain was gone, except for that of my very painful wrist, and even that is greatly improved. My energy level has greatly improved, and the "hot flashes" are gone. I am truly grateful to Steve for everything he has done for me.
Theresa Miyashiro, R.N.
I first saw Steve Phillips for acupuncture treatments in 2004. I was experiencing headaches and nausea from subdural hematomas. The sessions helped to lessen these symptoms. Over the past few years I have undergone acupuncture treatments for a variety of conditions such as anxiety, pain in my knees, my shoulder and a sinus condition. All of these sessions have given positive results. I presently continue with the acupuncture sessions to maintain good health and a sense of well-being.
K.A., Female age 55-60
I have been treated with Acupuncture for the past 10 years. I originally started using Acupuncture to help manage the pain from sciatic nerves in my lower back from a disc problem. When my tendonitis in my elbow flared up Acupuncture helped that as well. I suffered a bad fall and broke my tibia and femur; Acupuncture has helped manage the pain that radiates in my knee and leg. Acupuncture even helps with the common cold.
Linda S.
Sacramento
Testimonial for Steve Phillips
I have been seeing Steve for several years for treatment of arthritis in my left ankle, right knee, both thumbs and lower back. In addition, he keeps my Sacramento allergies at bay by treating my sinuses.
I firmly believe that the acupuncture treatments have helped to keep my arthritic joints moving so that I can swim, do aerobic exercises and lift weights with little discomfort. I am sure that left untreated, my joints would freeze up and leave me very unhappy.
Steve and I have many great intellectual discussions and some that are less intellectual, and there are some that are, as he said last week, "a poke and a joke." My appointments with Steve go by very quickly, either because we are talking or because I feel safe and relaxed enough to take a quick nap.
I would not hesitate to recommend Steve to anyone for acupuncture treatment.
Virginia E. Maulfair, Ed.D.
For many years I suffered from severe allergies that would last for months. No medicine or over the counter drug could relieve my symptoms. In desperation, I decided to visit Steve Phillips and try acupuncture. After receiving one treatment from Steve, my symptoms went away within one week! I have also used acupuncture for relieving knee and hand arthritis, with great results! Regardless of what ailment I have, Steve always prescribes the right acupuncture treatment, which enables me to stay healthy and physically active at age 52. I have and will continue to refer people to Steve, so that they may experience the same benefits I have from his quality care. Thanks again Steve!
Dan B.
Sacramento, California
I have been an acupuncture client of Steve Phillips since 1995. I had been referred to him from a massage therapist for a knee problem. Two shots of cortisone had not solved my problem. Steve worked his magic and I was able to return to my career of teaching little children to dance. He has helped me recover from other problems such as a major painful stomach disorder, shingles, nasal congestion and various other problems.
I moved a few years ago and have tried other therapists in other areas of the country but find that they do not have the healing power of Steve. When I return to Sacramento, my first phone call is to Steve for my general tune up. It just makes sense to keep the energy points flowing free to continue having the highest quality of life. You who live in this area are blessed to have the highest quality of "acupuncture by Steve."
Deanna N.
My name is Dean Myers and I have been receiving acupuncture treatments from Steve for close to 14 years. When it comes to health, Steve is very knowledgeable. I can attest that his acupuncture treatments are very effective for a wide variety of ailments.
Before my first visit, I thought the needles would hurt or be painful. I am happy to say that this was a misconception. Steve inserts the needles painlessly, and afterwards, I lay quiet for about 30 minutes, enjoying soft music. During this time I just relax or practice meditation and prayer. A side benefit of each treatment is being energized and feeling improved self-esteem.
I have had treatments for pulled hamstring and calf muscles, a torn ACL knee injury, allergies and respiratory ailments in general. These treatments relaxed these injuries and promoted excelled healing. After each visit, I experienced reduced pain, and greater mobility. From my sessions for allergy, my symptoms have been reduced, and I remain less affected by them, even living in Sacramento!
Thank You Steve
