I have been under a doctor's care since 1994 because of industrial injuries that developed during my employment as a computer programmer. I had a 3-level cervical fusion in 1996, rotator cuff impingement surgery in 1999 and 2001, and then surgery for radial nerve entrapment in my right arm in 2003. Since 2004 doctors have been trying to find the cause of continuing aching low back pain and deep pain in my right thigh. I have taken several different medications for inflammation and pain over the past 9 years. Three months ago I began once-a-week physical therapy for core strengthening. I have had physical therapy 4 or 5 times in the past 16 years which has gradually reduced muscles to some extent and improved my ability for about a year.
I started acupuncture with Steve Phillips June 15th. After the first visit I could immediately stand up straight. My friends commented on it. With every visit my pain was reduced a little more, the muscle spasms were less, and my flexibility was greater. After 16 visits my overall pain has dropped from 7/10 to 3/10. The pain in my right buttocks is gone. The pain in my right leg has gone from 8/10 to 3/10. My pain in my neck and shoulders is usually 2/10, my lower back pain above my waist is 0, and below my waist is 3-4/10. Standing, I can touch the floor with my finger tips–before I could only get close–11 inches. The quality of my life, my mental attitude, and my ability to function is immeasurably better!!!
Steve, here is my story.
I suffer from a nine year old back injury and have been going through traditional treatment with various doctors. Physical therapy was a way of life for me during the first four of those years. It got me back on my feet and living a fairly normal life again. Needless to say, drugs were prescribed quite heavily. I've taken an enormous amount of them.
In the last year or so my level of pain was really getting out of control again and I was losing the muscle mass in my right leg. I fell numerous times because my leg would not support me anymore - I just couldn't trust it! The back and leg pain was such that it was difficult to even sit on the toilet. I was miserable!
I decided to ask for acupuncture treatments. I was skeptical but I had tried most everything else. That's when I met Steve Phillips. In the first five treatments the strength was returning to my leg and the pain level was decreasing. I can even sit and enjoy my morning constitutional again. I no longer worry about falling down, I've cut back on the drugs, and life is getting more enjoyable. Thanks Steve! Thanks for the professional treatment and your easy and caring manner.
Bob D
I have been a patient of Steve's for about 20 years. Over the years he has treated me successfully for sciatica; he has accelerated me through flu and cold symptoms so that I could return to work instead of having to take days off to endure the illness. Steve also uses acupuncture to calm nerves which is amazing to me. I do not seek acupuncture treatments on a regular basis, but when the need arises we usually succeed. Many thanks to Steve!
B. Carroll
Over the past 3 months I've come to believe that Steve Phillips works magic with his tiny acupuncture needles! I didn't think that I would ever find the relief that I'm experiencing now.
My story is a common one in which my low back pain and sciatica continued to worsen year after year despite my best efforts. Each attempt met with more pain and frustration. I sought medical intervention and was seen by several very kind Physical Therapists, given medication and eventually referred to Kaiser's Pain Clinic. I was offered a procedure that would destroy the nerves near my problem joints, but may only be temporary and the nerves might reconnect in different pathways. I wanted to explore a less invasive procedure but wasn't optimistic since I had tried 4 years of Pilates and many, many years of Yoga. I remained active and modified my exercise from running to walking yet my mobility decreased and my pain increased. Walking was painful, sitting in a car for more than 20 minutes caused severe pain. My life became constricted and less joyful. The fear that I would continue this downhill spiral frightened me.
I asked the Pain Clinic about acupuncture and was referred to Steve. He is a caring professional who inspires confidence and trust. After 5 sessions I had 2 days pain free and was amazed… I'd forgotten what that felt like. After working with Steve for several months my former life is returning to me. I feel hopeful that I will regain my full mobility and again enjoy my Yoga classes and long walks. Today it is the occasional flare-ups that surprise me, not the absence of pain. I feel very fortunate to have been referred to Steve Phillips. His self-confidence is reassuring and his skills are incredible.
Robin Mcknight, PhD
After a fall two years ago, doctors found signs of multiple sclerosis. Ever since then, Steve has been treating me for that as well as back and leg pain and weakness. Today I feel strong and stable, and I look forward to my future with confidence and enthusiasm. The acupuncture has also helped me a lot with stress and anxiety.
J.G., Female, age 45-50
I would like to take this opportunity to write a brief testimonial for Steve Phillips, L.Ac.
I have worked in the medical field now for 15 years and hold licenses in two healthcare modalities. I've had the opportunity to work with many medical doctors and other healthcare professionals and this experience has enriched my knowledge about the human body and many medical treatments and procedures.
Having direct patient contact, my job is quite physical and we are at high risk for musculo-skeletal injuries. I have suffered multiple work related injuries from my job, which had resulted in sciatica from a disc herniation, chronic back pain and chronic shoulder pain.
Surgery was the last resort, so I used both chiropractic and massage therapy. While these were beneficial and offered temporary relief, my condition worsened. Then I heard about acupuncture from a co-worker who had success with it. I was quite skeptical about acupuncture, but I figured that… with my declining condition, what did I have to lose? I would have most likely been unable to continue working the way things were going.
I found Steve in the yellow pages (lucky me) and began treatments in 2003. I honestly laughed after my first treatment because I noticed release in the back muscles which had been in chronic spasm for several years. I continued a steady treatment regimen of chiropractic, massage therapy, and acupuncture. All three are complimentary, but acupuncture was the keystone to my recovery. Steve also taught me special exercises which I will use for the rest of my life which helped bring me out of that trough of pain and suffering.
I've seen two sides of treating ailments: western medicine and chinese medicine. With what I know now, I'd opt for acupuncture first and foremost for any aches, pains, and/or injuries before surgery and pills. I still use and highly recommend Steve for his services… try it, you can't go wrong!
Thank you,
James B. age 47
There are two people in my life that are extremely important to me. I often tell my nine doctors that I will give them all up before I give up my Acupuncturist, Steve Phillips, and my Bowen Therapist, Christine Jones. I have been seeing Steve for about three years and Christine for over ten years. I had open heart surgery last July 12th, 2006 and was able to endure the post-operative chest pain because of Steve's expert care. I have had over 19 surgeries in my life span of 66. Being a high maintenance client, I usually look like a pin cushion while Steve is working on all my dysfunctional body parts. Acupuncture has significantly improved my sciatic pain and neck pain. I come out of treatment feeling like a new person and have a big smile on my face. I have recommended Steve to anyone who tells me about their aches and pains. I am so relaxed that I even fall asleep during treatment. Trust me, if your fear of needles has kept you from seeking treatment, don't hesitate another day and call Steve. Be kind to yourself. Steve will help you with all your insurance questions and get you on the road to feeling better.
I have been on dialysis for three years waiting for a kidney transplant. I have dialysis three times per week. After two months of acupuncture the length of my dialysis sessions were reduced from three hours to two. Also, my KT/V has gone way up, which means my kidneys are doing a better job of cleaning my blood of toxins. My memory has also improved. My faith has kept me strong and Steve Phillips has enabled me to look at each day as a blessing. My husband, Jim, recently became a patient of Steve's for his serious neck problems and has obtained significant relief from pain. In the July-August issue of ARTHRITIS TODAY the article says that acupuncture "helps regulate the nervous system which can stimulate the release of the body's natural pain-fighting endorphins." Being treated by Steve on a regular basis has enabled me to stay positive and endure whatever life throws my way.
Sandi K.
I am writing this sincere and thankful endorsement of acupuncture treatment in general and Steve Phillips in particular. I began my treatment nearly a year ago for unremitting pain in my right forearm and elbow area that had originated about four months earlier as a result of a lifting injury. Visits with my primary care doctor and medications had not resulted in any significant improvement in my pain level or return of function. Steve was able to provide pain relief after just one visit and within about 3 to 4 treatments the pain was entirely gone. As my elbow treatment was occurring, I had a recurrence of some back pain that was related to a disc compression and sciatica nerve related pain. Steve was able to begin treating this back pain as he was completing the treatment for the elbow. Because these two treatments were so successful and helpful to me, I asked Steve to work on other pain issues in my shoulders with excellent results. The most recent treatments Steve has provided are focused on Carpal Tunnel issues that have developed over the last year. Acupuncture treatment has succeeded in addressing this condition as well. In addition to the acupuncture, Steve offered suggestions such as specific stretching exercises which were helpful in preventing a return of the pain issues in my shoulders, elbow, arms, and wrists.
Steve is an exceptionally knowledgeable practitioner of Acupuncture who has a very professional manner that inspires trust and confidence. His training, his confidence in the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment, and his genuine interest in the overall well being of his clients are all key aspects of his successful treatments. He is an excellent listener who gives his full attention to each person who consults him for assistance. He has the ability to answer questions in a comprehensive and understandable manner that lets his clients know that he has clearly understood their concerns and that encourages the type of additional discussion that enhances treatment decisions and effectiveness.
Finally, Steve offered numerous recommendations that have assisted me in altering my lifestyle in ways that have enabled me to begin losing weight and to eat in a manner that is much healthier. One extremely positive outcome of following Steve's advice and guidance in lifestyle changes has been significantly improved management of my diabetes reflected in blood glucose levels that are more frequently in the normal range. In addition, I think the acupuncture treatment has improved my immune system and resistance to illness such as colds and flu caused by viruses.
Steve has been a pleasure to work with in so many ways. He is personable, professional, flexible, friendly, knowledgeable, and wonderfully competent in performing acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of issues. It has been a pleasure to work with such a caring and competent acupuncture provider and I whole-heartedly endorse and recommend him as an exemplary person and acupuncture practitioner.
Stephen Grouell, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
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' Acupuncture Practice
Kaiser Permanente referred me to Steve for relief of long standing back pain radiating into both legs. Additionally, I have Fibromyalgia. My hope is to stay off pain medication as much as possible, instead relying upon acupuncture.
This was my first acupuncture experience. Surprisingly the period of time while the needles are in place is actually pleasurable due to an incredibly deep relaxation manifest during the session. However no lasting pain relief of any magnitude occurred after the first three sessions. Then, following my forth session a leap occurred; I could walk better due to reduced pain with straighter posture and increased leg strength. These positive results continued to expand with further treatment. Exacerbations of pain and stiffness occur if I miss my twice monthly sessions.
On some visits with Steve, I might also have sinus pain or headache. On those occasions besides the usual acupuncture points my added symptoms are targeted resulting in instant relief. Even abdominal bloating responds immediately to acupuncture. Steve adapts the treatment to changing symptoms.
I am sold on acupuncture for pain relief. Also I am sold on Steve's practice due to his calm, gracious, and professional manner. There exists an aura of peace in Steve's office; never a wait to be seen, only a smooth, quiet and efficient work flow. I highly recommend acupuncture to my friends and always suggest they see Steve.
Margaret Ann Dirks, RN, NP, MPH
I was suffering from what appeared to be acute sciatica but repeated traditional treatment was ineffective. I needed to take a trip with long plane rides with possible long periods of standing and walking through airports and was concerned I might not be physically able to do so with out extreme pain. Through careful examination and his years of experience, Steve was able to discover a completely different aliment with ALMOST the same symptoms and quite a different cause. When he applied acupuncture to this condition the treatment was completely successful and I traveled totally without pain.
Leslie P.
March through July of last year (2006) Steve Phillips, L.Ac. treated my sciatica with acupuncture. Very successful. I still enjoy the relief.
Bonnielynn R., July, 2007
I met Steve Phillips over 10 years ago during Martial Arts training. I began to visit Steve because I was looking for a healthier alternative to Western medicine. Steve uses a comprehensive approach toward helping people live better lives through better health. Steve's acupuncture treatments and his knowledge of herbal remedies, are a pleasant change from today's "take a pill and call tomorrow" outlook in the medical industry. I was suffering from PMS and headaches. After my first treatment with Steve, the relief was tremendous. I actually fell asleep on the table. The PMS also responded well over time. I was also recently treated for sciatica with good results—the pain was gone in three treatments!
I highly recommend that anyone who hasn't tried acupuncture or isn't happy with their current acupuncturist, try Steve Phillips. You'll be glad that you did.
R.S.
Sacramento
I am a 76 year old man, and have had back problems and sciatica most of my life. I was a baker for 40 years and have been cutting firewood for 34 years. Pain pill do help relieve the pain, but hinder other skills, like driving. Acupuncture with Steve Phillips has helped me to do things I normally could not do.
What I really like about Steve Phillips is that he really listens to my problem and then does the best he knows how to take care of it. All I can say is, "Try him and see for yourself!"
Manny B.
I had never had acupuncture before and never thought I would. However, March 17, 2007 I was cleaning the garage out and my back was hurting before I was done. A few hours later I could hardly move without pain. I had problems in the 2005 but physical therapy and one spinal epidural (steroid) injection put me back on my feet. This time I had 2 epidurals and physical therapy and lots of pain medication. Besides having pain in the back my left leg would give out and I had severe leg cramps. I used a walker until I saw Steve Phillips and had my first treatment with acupuncture. So after being in a walker for 4 months in order to get around I am one very happy lady. I would and have recommended acupuncture to anyone that is living on pain pills and not getting better. Thanks Steve for giving me back my life, I can once again enjoy shopping, concerts and vacation, let alone day to day living.
Linda S.
Dear Steve,
Thank you so very much for your kind healing help on using acupuncture on my poor little thumbs' area (tendonitis). The pain has at least gone. My left thumb area is now doing fine. But of course I'm right-handed so the thumb area on the right is not completely well. But we tried! And the stress release treatment that you had also done for me has been absolutely great! I'd always looked forward to it. I even fell asleep a few times–and that doesn't happen to me! And one more thank you–and that is relieving the pain in the sciatica area. At least I could apply pressure when standing and walking was not so painful! And that was with one treatment! I will surely come to you again when there is a need! Thank you for your kind help. I will of course recommend any one that needs help to you—you have been so helpful.
Sincerely, Ramona
At the age of 81, I developed a sciatic nerve problem which went on for one and a half years. During that time I also had a total knee replacement and later a second replacement of my hip. My doctors were kind and sympathetic and finally decided that back surgery could be the answer to my sciatic nerve problem. At this point I wasn't too excited about another surgery. The doctors were understanding. They suggested shots. They gave me cortisone shots which were effective for several months. Next was a nerve blocker, which had no effect on my pain.
At this point I decided I would just have to live out my years in pain. Then my neighbor told me about her young adult son who had developed sciatica problems and couldn't walk from one room to another. He decided to try acupuncture, and after six treatments went back to work as manager of a large grocery store. Again hope was in sight. Though I knew little about the treatment, what did I have to lose except pain. I conferred with my doctor and told him I would like to try it. He agreed and sent me to Dr. Phillips for six treatments. After six treatments, I informed my doctor of the improvement, but felt another session of six treatments would be even better. He agreed. After the second set of treatments, my wheelchair and two walkers are back in storage. I no longer take medication for the sciatica. Thank you, Dr. Phillips
Irene F.
I had extreme pain in my groin and right leg. Had even been hospitalized and tested for clots, etc. I have been diagnosed with stenosis. I asked my doctor if I should try an acupuncturist and he said, "Why not." After three treatments it left—unbelievable! I am so grateful!
Geraldine S.