Treatments

Dr. Thomas Choong takes a comprehensive & individualised approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal pain with a key focus on

Patient Education and Intradermal Needling Therapy.

 

What to Expect at your appointment

Your initial consultation and treatment at Equilibrium Medicine may take between 1 and 2 hours. Dr. Thomas Choong will take a thorough medical history, conduct an examination, provide relevant education, develop a treatment plan, and commence treatment.


patient education

  • The primary purpose of patient education is to encourage your involvement in decision making and to empower you in the management of your pain.

  • Understanding why you are experiencing pain can help to reduce your pain, alleviate stress and improve functionality.

  • Knowledge of current scientific concepts on pain and pain neuroscience is essential to your healing and rehabilitation.

  • We may provide additional external resources to increase your knowledge and understanding of pain.


intradermal needling therapy

  • The therapy involves the insertion of very small needles intra-dermally, 1-2mm under the skin surface.

  • The needle insertion points are located by palpation or "touch". After each insertion the patient is re-tested for further points of pain.

  • Needling introduces a neural signal to modulate the nociceptive or “pain” pathway and winds down neural sensitization.

  • Pain reduction is usually achieved by the end of the initial treatment session.


MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE

  • Medical Acupuncture is a useful adjunctive treatment for pain, stress and anxiety.

  • The positive neurophysiological effects of acupuncture have been extensively researched and published.

  • Acupuncture can be administered via needle or, where appropriate, via Low Level Laser.

  • Dry needling is the use of acupuncture needles to treat myofascial trigger points.


laser therapy

  • Commonly known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), laser and LED lights have been used to treat musculoskeletal pain since late 1960’s.

  • The scientific term for the effects of LLLT on tissues is “photobiomodulation”. There is now strong scientific evidence that photobiomodulation has positive effects on the treatment of a number of musculoskeletal pains.

  • LLLT can be used separately or in conjunction with other treatments.

  • LLLT is a safe and pain free procedure.


MOBILISATION & EXERCISE THERAPY

  • The benefit of exercise on health is well established. Exercise and mobilisation techniques may also reduce musculoskeletal pain and facilitate recovery.

  • Simple exercises, mobilisations and stretches can be easily incorporated into your treatment plan to enhance your natural movement and biomechanics.

  • Your rehabilitation may involve collaboration with exercise physiologists, physiotherapists and/or personal trainers.


PHARMACOTHERAPY

  • It is preferable to use non-drug treatments for musculoskeletal pain, however, particularly with acute pain, medications may be an integral part of your pain management.

  • Taking into consideration their potential benefits and harms, pain medications must be taken in a timely and methodical manner.

  • The prescribing of any pain medication will be guided by current scientific knowledge.