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Since Align Healing Center first opened our doors in 1999 we have seen a progressive increase in chronic pain and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), now called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in our community. RSD/CRPS is a chronic, painful, and progressive neurological condition that affects the skin, muscles, joints, and bones. The syndrome usually develops in an injured limb, such as a broken leg, or following surgery. However, many cases of RSD involve only a minor injury, such as a sprain. And in rare cases, no precipitating event can be identified.

RSD/CRPS is characterized by various degrees of burning pain, swelling, and sensitivity to heat, cold or touch. Pain may begin in one area or limb and then spread to other limbs. In some cases, symptoms of RSD/CRPS diminish for a period of time and then reappear with a new injury.

Causes and Risk Factors for RSD/CRPS
An exact understanding of RSD/CRPS is not complete. It appears to involve a complex interaction among the sensory, motor and sympathetic nervous system as well as involvement of the immune system. Currently Western Medicine is not sure what causes RSD/CRPS. It is believed that in most cases the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in sustaining the pain. Another theory is that CRPS is caused by a triggering of the immune response, which leads to the characteristic inflammatory symptoms of redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected area.

Treatment Options for RSD Patients
Medical treatments for the management of RSD/CRPS include analgesics, anti-depressants, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nerve blocks, and multiple other drug therapies.

The Natural Approach for Chronic Pain and RSD/CRPS
Holistic, non-invasive treatments for RSD/CRPS offernew possibilities patients may consider for pain and symptom management. As with traditional treatments, holistic treatments may need to be combined for optimal results. Natural Medicine (vitamins, herbs, natural compounds, etc.) has proven to be effective and long-term in helping calm the sympathetic nervous system and reduce systemic inflammation.

At Align Healing Center we are currently seeing beneficial results in the treatment of chronic pain and RSD/CRPS. The combination of Laser Therapy combined with Natural Medicine is yielding hopeful results.

Laser therapy is the application of low levels of laser light to areas of the body that have been injured or damaged. Contrasted with high-powered lasers used in health care that cut tissue, such as surgical or hair-removal lasers, therapy lasers produce beneficial chemical and biological interactions that can help relieve pain and repair injured/damaged tissue. Just as photosynthesis creates energy for plants, the absorption of the laser light by your cells causes increased production of cellular energy. In areas of injury or damage, this means there is more energy available to improve the rate and quality of healing.

Studies on tissue cultures have revealed a wide range of beneficial physiological effects, including increased levels of endorphins, reduced levels of inflammatory compounds and an increased rate and quality of tissue healing. We often have patients notice improvement after the very first treatment session; whereas with chronic pain or RSD/CRPSit is realistic that it may take a few treatments. The effect of laser therapy is cumulative, meaning that each successive treatment builds on previous ones.

The results that we are experiencing with our patients are nothing short of remarkable. Class IV Laser Therapy has exceeded our expectations of the healing potential that it ignites in the body and it is our mission to share it with anyone who is seeking freedom from their pain.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.

While doctors all over the country are selling strong abrasive exfoliant products to skim off wrinkles, what women don’t realize is their skin is becoming extremely thin and deficient in nutrients, thus the skin cannot maintain its elasticity, so wrinkles form faster. Not only is the skin getting thinner it gets dehydrated by using those strong exfoliants because it can no longer retain moisture as long. Once the skin becomes dehydrated it can no longer carry out its protective barrier role. If this continues, we’ll have more sun damage and skin cancer than ever before.

Ever wonder why physicians are telling everyone to use sunscreens? It’s because the protective barrier in our skin is gone. I see many in this generation having transparent, thin, ruddy, saggy and damaged complexions. Their skin is so thin you can barely touch the surface without breaking capillaries. Rosacea is at an all time high because women are overusing exfoliant products, trying to smooth wrinkles. It’s a sign that their skin can’t take it anymore.

Obage, Retinols, Glycolic Acid Peels, skin smoothing laser treatments are all to blame, to name a few. The prescribing physicians do not have time to oversee the care of each person, so month after month the patient keeps purchasing the same product without any direction, thus continuing on the same exfoliating path, ruining the surface of their skin. This problem is a global epidemic. Strong exfoliant treatments are at a new all time destructive high and it’s damaging effects are creating havoc to women all over the country.

While some of these exfoliant products can be very beneficial, you should not over use them. Period. You need a “Nutrients in your skin care program,” to build lasting suppleness and youthfulness to the skin. To properly apply strong exfoliating treatments you should only use them, “for one month,” (preferably in the winter months), and follow with highly nutritive products for the next three months, to heal the damaging effects of the exfoliants.

I recommend using pure, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients at optimal concentrations with proven scientific results so they can aid in building up the surface of the skin to achieve a strong foundation; nutrients that have building properties like DMAE, Lipoic Acid, Ester-C, Co-Enzymes, Peptides and Vitamin E. Pharmaceutical products can be found at licensed Aestheticians salons only.

Women with sensitive skin should never use strong exfoliants. Sensitive skin is already thin and exhibits inflammatory responses to various triggers such as allergens, preservatives or fragrances. Furthermore products that contain aroma-therapy often cause severe acne and dermatitis. Sensitive skin types require pure pharmaceutical-grade nutrients that have no fragrance to keep the skin healthy, free from break-outs, less irritated and hydrated properly. Women with acne have very sensitive skin, so they need to use a skin care program that is high in nutrients and is labeled for sensitive skin and is fragrant free.

It’s no wonder women are complaining of pre-mature aging. Strong exfoliants don’t promise one youthful skin! The key to beautiful skin is “Nutritive Pharmaceutical Treatments,” to keep the skin smooth, firm and youthful.

For additional information on the correct skin care program for your skin type, The Rouge Offers skin care consultations Tuesday through Saturday. The Rouge Licensed Aestheticians and professionals will get you on the right path and assist you with the right skin care program for the health of your skin’s future. Note: Doctors sell deep exfoliating treatments not nutritive treatments and or programs. Not all Aestheticians use Pharmaceutical grade skin care, so ask for pharmaceutical grade when purchasing products. These superior pharmaceutical ingredients build the skin’s structure from the inside out, allowing the skin to repair and restore the infrastructure.