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Update from Dr. Leonard
Pins and Needles
Multidisciplinary Approach
Evidence Based Wellness Care
Many patients frequently ask the value of various different treatment options. Most of these inquiries are derived from advertising that they see or hear. Ultimately the patient wonders "could this benefit me?" Sometimes I know about the product or service, many times I do not. So today I would like to discuss Evidence based clinical practice.
What is evidence based medicine? Evidence based clinical practice (EBCP) is an approach to health care practice in which the clinician is aware of the evidence that bears on her clinical practice, and the strength of that evidence". Source: (http://hiru.mcmaster.ca/ebm/default.htm#What_is_Evidence_Based_Medicine (McMaster University). Meaning that the practitioner decides to prescribe treatment that has a greater value than a placebo effect in a controlled setting. The placebo effect is the measurable, observable, or felt improvement in health or behavior not attributable to a medication or treatment that has been administered.
Steps to ensure confidence in various treatment options.
- Trust your instinct. If it looks like and smells like a scam, it very well may be.
- Ask for evidence. Don't be afraid to question any practitioner why they choose a particular treatment remedy. Have them show you evidence (preferably from respectable journals and not marketing material from them or the manufacturer). If they are offended by your questioning, they may not fully understand the treatment or they don't have time to explain to you why you should use your resources (time, money and/or effort) for this particular treatment. Either way, that is not a provider that you probably want to invest your faith in.
- Do your homework. You are your own best doctor. The more you understand, the better off you are about understanding your health status. (Be careful of self diagnosing based on readings from the Internet). Don't be afraid of consulting your provider.
Prescribing medication in not necessarily evidence based practice either. Every health care profession has its share of quacks. I have been asked in the past why I became a chiropractic physician versus a "real doctor", or patients have communicated that they receive resistance from their colleagues when informing them of their chiropractic or acupuncture visit. I chose to practice chiropractic, acupuncture and nutrition because I believe in the body's recuperative ability of healing itself. Sometimes it just needs some manipulation. Sometimes it needs intervention (drugs and surgery). There are limitations to everything, chiropractic and acupuncture are no exceptions. I have had one patient tell me once that he would only allow an MD to manipulate his spine. That thought scares me since 99 percent of MD's do not practice manipulation. I have also had a patient tell me that their previous chiropractor gave them detoxifying foot baths. Again there are limitations to everything. Comprehensive health care, communication between providers and thorough evaluation, referrals for advanced imaging and labs are traits that are not typically found in quacks. Look for providers not afraid to say "I don't know" as well as providers that are genuinely concerned about your health and well being.
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Yours in Health and Wellness,
Eddie Leonard D.C., F.I.A.M.A.
Most of you have been patients and I hope that you we were able to resolve your complaints/issues as well as educate you on how to take care of yourself to prevent further complications and disease through your visits with me. If you know me, you know that I am passionate about helping people and your referrals have reflected that. A referral is the greatest compliment that any health care provider can be paid, and all have been greatly appreciated.
We are getting ready to celebrate our 2-year anniversary here in downtown, and I wanted to let you know that I have not stopped working for you. It has been confirmed that I have been accepted to Harvard Medical School for a special 1-year residency in acupuncture that is designed for practicing physicians. This opportunity will not take away too much time from practice; the lectures are streamed through the internet and once a month I will be required to do one 40-hour rotation in Boston over a weekend. This experience will expose me to a variety of musculoskeletal and internal medicine conditions at one of the greatest medical facilities in the world and will greatly enhance my existing knowledge of acupuncture. I also commit that I will do my best to become a better provider so you have confidence that you are getting the best evidence-based treatment options available.
To all of you, thank you for putting your faith in me as a doctor.
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Yours in Health and Wellness,
Eddie Leonard D.C., F.I.A.M.A.
Many patients seem curious about acupuncture. Florida Wellness is going to spend the month of July to educate our patients and lower the barrier for you, your friends and family to seek acupuncture treatment. We also wish to reward and encourage those who have or are currently benefiting from adding acupuncture to their treatment regimen. There are several different types of acupuncture; I practice medical acupuncture which emphasizes evidence-based utilization of acupuncture. I completed my Fellowship at the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture, and have been tentatively accepted to Harvard Medical School for a 300-hour acupuncture residence program. Don't worry, for this will not interfere too much with the practice. It is designed for practicing doctors and consists of mostly weekends. Below answers several FAQ's about acupuncture. Please feel free to contact me directly with any further questions.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for over 2000 years. Acupuncture is proven to remedy acute or chronic ailments, relieve pain, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is a safe medical procedure and is well known for its efficacy and lack of side-effects when administered by a qualified practitioner. Most practitioners use pre-sterilized, disposable needles when administering an acupuncture treatment.
Does acupuncture go beyond pain?
Acupuncture and chiropractic medicine are used not only for pain management, but also as a comprehensive system of health care and maintenance. Athletes use acupuncture to achieve optimal performance levels. Cancer patients are treated for the side effects of chemotherapy, enhancing their quality of life. Detoxification treatments have been proven to help those with chemical and/or substance dependency problems.
How much does it cost? Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Many insurance companies currently cover acupuncture treatments. Check with your insurance carrier to determine your coverage, or give us a call to check your benefits for you. For those paying out of pocket, our rate for acupuncture treatment is currently $68. In researching the rates other local practitioners charge, I have found my rates to be significantly lower than most. This is and has been the introductory rate which will be raised to a standard rate in the near future.
What should I expect with treatment?
Hair-thin, flexible, single-use, sterilized and disposable needles are placed at specific acupuncture points on the body. When the needles are inserted, you may experience a sensation of tingling or warmth. People are surprised to find that the treatments are actually quite relaxing. The length and frequency of a treatment may vary for each individual and will be determined by your doctor. Acupuncture treatments are scheduled according to the nature of your condition. As you improve, fewer visits are required.
What conditions are treated with acupuncture?
The following is just a short list of commonly treated conditions:
| Allergies/Asthma | Dizziness | High Blood Pressure | Rhinitis |
| Anxiety/Depression | Drug Addiction/Smoking | Immune System Deficiency | Sciatica |
| Arthritis/Joint Problems | Fatigue | Infertility | Sexual Dysfunction |
| Back/Neck Pain/Stiffness | Frozen Shoulder | Knee / Shoulder Pain | Sinusitis |
| Bladder/Kidney Problems | Gastrointestinal Disorders | Macular Degeneration | Skin Problems |
|
Childhood Illnesses |
Gynecological Disorders
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Menopausal Discomfort | Stress/Tension |
| Colds/Flu | Headache/Migraine | Paralysis/Numbness | Tendonitis |
| Cough/Bronchitis | Heart Problems
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Pre-Menstrual Syndrome | Vision Problems |
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Yours in Health and Wellness,
Eddie Leonard D.C., F.I.A.M.A.
What is wellness? The term wellness has become ubiquitous recently. Many have exploited the word and it has become "gimmicky" over the past few years. The term comes up for hair and nail salons, nutrition supplements and chiropractic offices. To us, wellness is proactive, people seek activity, products, and services to feel healthier, reduce the effects of aging, look better, and prevent illness. Wellness is characterized by problem avoidance and prevention. In my opinion, unless all of the above criteria are addressed, then one should not call themself a wellness practitioner.
Multidiscipline approach... Science has proven that Preventative Examinations, Laboratory Examinations, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Massage and Nutrition all work, but each has their own limitations. We combine these health practices together with the goal of each and everyone of our patients to achieve wellness, far beyond just relieving pain. Our goal when someone walks through our door is to not only help manage their pain, or just correct their posture, which we are effective at doing. Our vision would be for people to modify their lifestyle for a lifetime of health and wellness. We look a the body, as a whole and not a sum of its parts. This paradigm allows us to achieve great success with our patients. Equally important is cross communication between all of your providers to create a global perspective of your health, which we do.
For these reasons and more, we feel justified about calling our clinic a wellness center, knowing that we are not part of a fad or phase, but offering comprehensive wellness practices far into the future.
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Yours in Health and Wellness,
Eddie Leonard D.C., F.I.A.M.A.
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