Spot light Doctor of the month

Charles W. Graubert, M.D.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, EMG/NCV, Acupuncture

Dr. Graubert has been in private practice at Orthopedic Center since August, 1994. As a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician), he specializes in the rehabilitation of patients with diseases affecting the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. This includes minor problems such as sprains and strains, and more severe injuries including strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

As a musculoskeletal pain specialist, Dr. Graubert treats arthritic and painful shoulders, hips, and knees. He also treats neck and back pain secondary to strains, arthritis, disc herniations, and radiculopathy (nerve root injuries). Dr. Graubert has been specially trained to perform Electrodiagnostic studies to aid in the diagnosis of injuries and problems to muscle and nerve.

Dr. Graubert has also received training in Acupuncture to assist with pain management. The doctor's approach first focuses on proper diagnosis, followed by treatment with a combination of either medications, injections, and physical or occupational therapy. Dr. Graubert can also order braces and assistive devices such as walkers and canes to decrease pain and ultimately improve function. He does NOT perform surgery.

ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS IT?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?

IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.