A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from a blow to the head or force transmitted to the body that causes rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain. Post-concussion syndrome is diagnosed when symptoms persist beyond the anticipated recovery period and may involve dysfunction of the autonomic, visual, vestibular, central nervous, and cervical systems.

The most common post-concussion symptoms are headaches, sleep problems, dizziness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, memory problems, sensitivity to light and noise, depression and/or anxiety.

Acupuncture/Dry Needling play an important role in reducing and often eliminating symptoms, shortening recovery time, and helping the brain to heal.

1. Following a concussion, there is a reduction in cerebral blood flow, which can last for prolonged periods of time. MRI studies have indicated that acupuncture alters brain activity and induces cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in frontal regions. Local needle stimulation produces analgesic effect in area of injury by increasing blood supply through release of vasodilatory neuropeptides. This increases local oxygen and cytokines and reduces inflammation.
2. Acupuncture helps to balance the autonomic nervous system, and increases parasympathetic activity, which promotes better sleep, quicker recovery and allows our brain and body to heal.
3. Trigger point therapy are useful for managing cervicogenic symptoms and pain.

Conditions treated:

• Mila treats both men and women and is skilled to treat the pelvic floor directly.
• Pelvic floor disorders are a wide range of potentially disabling and often painful conditions that can negatively affect a person's quality of life. The pelvic floor is a complex network of muscles, fascia and other connective tissues and nerves, which cradle and serve as a support structure to the pelvic organs. It has three important functions: supportive, sphincteric and sexual. Pathology within musculoskeletal and neurologic structures of the pelvis can lead to pain and disruption in the urinary, reproductive, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as orthopedic pain.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can develop from direct injury; surgery, such as hernia repair; chronic constipation; vaginal childbirth; strenuous exercise and sexual abuse. There are also many cases where etiology is unknown.

Both men and women can develop pelvic floor disorders and pain.

Some of the common symptoms are pelvic pain, vaginal burning and pain, urinary urgency and frequency, constipation, pain and tightness in the perineum and testicular pain. Also, back pain, hip tightness, adductor tightness, SI joint pain and pelvic tension can be present with other symptoms.
Acupuncture/Dry Needling is beneficial for the following diagnoses:

Men: Pudendal Neuralgia, Sports Hernia, SI Joint Pain, Testicular Pain, Levator Ani Syndrome, Pain with Sitting, Urinary Urgency and Frequency, Prostate Pain, Chronic Bladder Pain.

Women: Vaginismus, Pudendal Neuralgia, Chronic Bladder Pain, Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension Disorders, Vulvar Pain Disorders, Interstitial Cystitis, Pain During Intercourse, Endometriosis.

Acupuncture and dry needling are incredibly effective methods of treatment for pelvic symptoms. Trigger point therapy and direct needling into muscles of the pelvic floor such as ischiocavernosus, bulbospongiosus, transverse perineal, pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus, coccygeus, and obturator internus are the unique skills utilized by Dr. Mila Mintsis.

It is not uncommon for patients to suffer from depression and/or anxiety when they are dealing with a pelvic floor condition. My belief is that a calm mind leads to a calm body and therefore both must be addressed for a successful outcome.