Acupuncture and Pain
I have had neck and shoulder issues for several years, and I have had several procedures done, including radiofrequency ablation on several vertebrae. My specialist asked in the beginning if I had ever tried acupuncture, and my response was "no, it's not covered by my insurance." As with so many insurance companies, it is not covered, and would be an out of pocket expense. So, I went the traditional route and had physical therapy, shots and other more invasive procedures. Though some of my pain has dissipated, it is still present.
I finally decided to do more research into acupuncture and see if it could help with my symptoms. I wanted to find someone who not only had experience, but would have a great bedside manner. As with anything else, no matter if it is a teacher for a foreign language, a doctor, etc., if you find someone you really enjoy working with, you are more likely to keep going back.
Well, after searching the web and trying to contact a couple individuals, I found a great fit. I had tried calling two acupuncturists and one I left a message and never heard back, the other I spoke to directly and was very short on the phone, as if he wasn't interested in answering my questions and just wanted me to get into the office for an expensive consultation.
I moved on to my next consideration and was very impressed. I had to leave a message, but within a half hour I had received a call back. She apologized and stated she was in with a client but wanted to get back to me asap. She asked about my availablity and because I work during the day, she was pretty booked for that week. But she reworked her schedule to fit me in which was another "star" in my book. The first meeting was completing paperwork and talking about my physical issues, but after that she actually completed some acupunture to help relieve my pain. We went to set up the next appointment and she was unable to get me in for another treatment for a week. We set it up for a time that worked for the both of us. To my surprise, she emailed me the next morning stating she was concerned about waiting a week for another treatment, especially since I was just starting out, and asked if I was available later in the evening, that she would be willing to stay later if I could be available! I was so impressed that she thought about this, emailed me, and was willing to extend her work hours to accomodate me.
Since then, I have been back several times and I have to say that my pain level has decreased a great amount. There are days that I don't notice my pain as much, and there are other days where it is completely gone. I work on the computer all day and after many consecutive days, the pain is noticeable, but if I keep up with the treatments it has definitely improved! I am hoping with continued visits I will be able to reduce the symptoms for an even longer period of time.
Her name is Carolyn Boatman and you can contact her at her website or at 262-424-7451.
She takes her time, asks questions, is a great conversationalist and sincerely cares about you, her patient.
Your feedback is always appreciated!
Posted by: 
Nancy Neylon
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