Musculoskeletal pain

Back and neck pain

Headaches and migraines

Fibromyalgia

Neurological conditions

Allergies and sinus

Emotional distress

Infertility

One night in the middle of July

One night in the middle of July I woke up at 2:30am in excruciating pain in my right shoulder. I couldn’t get comfortable and soon began to realize that the pain was so severe that I felt nauseous and even about to pass out. I woke my husband and told him that I needed to go to the emergency room to rule out a possible cardiac issue. The ER took x-rays and did an EKG only to comment that I had minor calcification in my right shoulder, but nothing that would cause this much pain. I was told that my symptoms were consistent with rotator cuff and if the pain didn’t subside in 5 days it was recommended that I order an MRI. I was prescribed a high dose Motrin and Oxycodone.

Two days later, I was fortunate enough to get an appointment with an orthopedic group. The physician took a look at my x-ray and said that I had a rather large calcium deposit (as opposed to the minor calcification the ER discovered). He assured me it was not a rotator cuff issue. He urged me to stay on my medications especially Motrin because I needed to reduce the inflammation and he also gave me a script for physical therapy (two to three times per week for the next four weeks).

In the meantime, I already had a scheduled appointment with you, Helen, for the next morning. I remember emailing you the night before and saying that I didn’t want to waste an appointment and for you to give it someone else because I was in too, much pain to drive to your office. Thankfully, you made me come see you because you already knew (even without seeing me yet) what was wrong. You told me that I was out of alignment. Now, I have always been in agreement with many things you have told me, but this time, I was a little skeptical. Two different physicians had already told me they found calcium deposits, how could a misaligned shoulder be the problem? My trust in you told me to keep my appointment and so my husband drove me to your office the very next morning. It hadn’t even been 24 hours since I saw the orthopedic group.

When I arrived, you so very calmly and confidently knew what to do. I was only able to move my arm one inch away from the side of my body. Not only did you do acupuncture, but you used a variety of other treatments. By the time I left, I was able to raise my arm with very little to no discomfort. It would have taken weeks of painful therapy to get this stage. My husband said that I made a believer out of him.

I kept my four week follow-up appointment with the orthopedic group so that I could let them know how well I had progressed. I confessed to him that I stopped all medications the day after I saw him and that I never went to physical therapy. I explained that it was not due to me trying to be a bad patient, but only because I didn’t have painful symptoms any longer. The physician was happy that I had such great success and it didn’t matter to him how I did it as long as it worked. But, before I left, I asked him if we could do an x-ray to see what became of the calcification. He assured me that it would still be there. He warned against radiating me if he didn’t have to, but I asked for just one view and he agreed. When he showed me the x-ray he was speechless, he couldn’t believe that the calcium deposit on my initial x-ray had melted away.

Thank you Helen, you are a true healer!

-Carmela P.

UPDATE: Carmela provided the office with the famous X-rays that stumped her orthopedic physician!

I was diagnosed with CMT

I was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease when I was 20 years old. CMT is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders, affecting both motor and sensory peripheral nerves, resulting muscles to contract. The disease usually first attack the lower legs and feet resulting foot deformities such as high arches and hammertoes. Later in the disease, weakness and muscle atrophy may occur in the hands. By the time I was 20 years old, I could not walk, when I stand up, my arches could not touch the ground, I have constant pain, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, twitches in my calves, forearms. My toes could not move, my fingers lack of fine motor movement. I came to see Dr. Law for acupuncture in 2005. I did not have much hope that my condition could improve much. To my surprise, after the first visit, my fingers felt normal, I could stretch the muscles in my toes and feet for a short time. I continue to receive acupuncture and acupressure from Dr. Law. It took about one year’s of time, my neck, shoulder, back, legs, hands and feet felt almost normal. The bottom of my feet can touch the floor now, I can wiggle my toes and turn my ankle. My neurologist is very impressed with all the improvement. I am so grateful I found Dr. Law, she gave my life back and helped me battle this genetic neurological disorder. Now I see Dr. Law once a month to help maintain the soft tissue to be flexible. Thank you for your incredible skill in Chinese Medicine.

-Barbara K.

Bulging disks and leg pain

During the early summer of 2010 I experienced severe and disabling sciatic nerve pain in my left leg caused by bulging disks in the L4/L5 area and scar tissue from a previous surgery. I could not stand, walk or even sit in a chair – I was bedridden. I saw 2 top orthopedic groups; one wanted to operate while the second refused to operate due to the low probability of success. Three epidurals and physical therapy over 2+ months provided neither pain relief nor any resolution of the problem. I was taking heavy doses of pain medication to just barely exist in my own home with no quality of life at all, let alone the ability to work. My doctor told me I needed to have a device surgically implanted for pain management. I wanted more than that – I wanted to get better and be able to live my life. When I tried to find an acupuncturist, truthfully as a last ditch effort, Helen was highly recommended. Helen’s skills and clear understanding of my medical condition were apparent from my first visit. She counseled me to be patient and give her acupuncture the time needed to help me heal. Some weeks later I am returning to work with both significant pain relief and real functionality. I do not have enough words to express my faith and appreciate of her healing skills. I intend to continue seeing her to finish my healing and maintain my health.

-Sheryl

Post-pregnancy sciatic syndrome

Dear Helen,
I wanted to take this time to write and thank you for your assistance to helping my body heal and recover from a pain syndrome. After the birth of my first child I experienced severe pain during the first attack of a sciatic syndrome. Months after the birth of my second child two years later, my hips and pelvis would not stabilize and I variously experienced pain from my neck to my knees that interfered with my ability to care for my baby. This is the point at which I made my first appointment to be treated by you. Since I already worked at your health center, I heard many words of praise from patients after their treatments. Before being treated by you, I had seen four chiropractors and two acupuncturists (!!!!!) for this problem and nothing helped like your treatments. After the first treatment, the pain was immediately relieved. It was such a relief to not have to think before I moved my body for fear of setting off the pain. I’m finally at the point where my body is stabilized. Helen, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. From one practitioner to another, you are an incredible acupuncturist. I am blessed to live in the same town as your practice, although I would travel to see you if I had to. It is a pleasure to work at your health center. 
With gratitude

-Pamela Strum, LAc

I have struggled

I have struggled with a calcified knot as well as neck and shoulder pain for many years. I remember it would throb I played high school sports 12 years ago. As I got older it seemed to get worse, especially with stress. I now work as an IT professional and am hunched over a computer day in and day out. I believed this to be my biggest contribution to poor posture. Stretching, strengthening my muscles – nothing seemed to work. I began seeing a chiropractor who did an x-ray showing that my shoulders weren’t balanced and I had some calcified cartilage in my neck from a long term of poor posture. I saw him for well over a year as he adjusted my spine. I felt good when I left, but within an hour or less, I was back to feeling the same and not seeing any long term results.

A friend of mine suggested I see Helen Law, who performs acupuncture therapy. Not really understanding or believing the concept but willing to give it a try, I began seeing her. On my very first visit, I explained my issues as she listened and truly seemed to be concerned. She asked me to turn around so she could examine my back. She could instantly determine I had scoliosis which was putting a lot of tension on my right side. I had been diagnosed with scoliosis when I was a child but believed I had grown out of it. She began to treat me by releasing the tension on that side, mostly in my shoulder blade and neck. After my first session I felt great and relaxed. After only a few sessions I began to notice a huge change in my posture. I could not believe that what she was doing could change how I sit and stand but it did. I had tried for years to pull my shoulders back and sit up straight but was never comfortable or successful. My shoulder, which was raised up from the tension has dropped and is now even with my other shoulder. I also noticed that I can turn my head as far in both directions as opposed to before treatment when I could only turn one side about 75% of the distance compared to the other side. I am still undergoing treatment to ensure this change remains effective.

-Katie Carey

My First Visit

My first visit to Dr. Law was this summer. I was referred to her by my doctor. Subsequent visits have helped me greatly. My back pain was much reduced. I am so fortunate to have had this referral.

-Marjorie Hankin

I am grateful for the help

Dear Helen, 
I am grateful for the help you have given me. Thirteen years ago, I herniated three lumbar discs in a car accident. Since my injury I have suffered from left and right leg radiating pain in addition to generalized lower back pain. I treated my symptoms for 13 years with more than 12 epidural injections and varied time periods of anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. My pain was exacerbated and I started taking 800mg of ibuprofen three times a day. I came to see you in hopes of finding an alternative to ineffective conventional methods as I did not want to undergo more epidurals. I realized I could not continue taking medications to mask my problem. During my first treatment I was pleased to see your true interest in understanding and isolating the nature of my problem. Additionally, once the needles were placed my pain began to subside. Over the next few weeks I began to notice that the relief would last a little longer following treatment. After three months of treatment I am proud to say that I no longer take daily medication and can walk on my treadmill without pain! I have been able to lose 20 pounds since working with you. Thank you again for your dedication and skill.

-Eric Richardson, MS

My name is Jacqueline Mummert. I am 44 years old, a housewife and a mother of three children. I have been treated by Dr. Helen Law for the past two years. My first visit to was with symptoms including hip pain. I had already been in treatment for a year for a sciatic nerve problem with a sport medicine orthopedic doctor and a physical therapist. I went to Dr. Law with neck, shoulder and sciatic nerve (left hip) pain. I could not play sports, move quickly or enjoy life at its fullest for over an entire year. Dr. Law treated my neck, shoulder and sciatic nerve problems with acupuncture. Eight weeks later I could resume pilates exercises without pain. I was also suffering from sleep disorder and hot flashes. My breasts were swollen and my skin – face, chest, and upper back were covered in acne (a recurring problem since I was fourteen years old). Hair loss and oily hair were further symptoms. I also suffered from emotional swings, constantly tired and seemed to catch a cold about every four weeks. I began to see Dr. Law twice a week to bring my hormone situation back into balance, to improve my immune system and to bring my strength back. The Advanced Allergy Therapeutic system she used to measure confirmed my hormonal imbalance and many food allergies. Dr. Law began treatments to remove allergic reactions. Today I feel like a young, healthy woman with hair that was never so thick and long, clear skin and a normal four week menstrual cycle. Most importantly, I regained my joy for life, my emotional swings were gone and I rarely got a cold. Due to my very good experiences with Dr. Law, I decided to take my children to get treated for problems they were having, including eczema, pollen and food allergies, sinusitis, lower groin pains and a broken nose. After all of Dr. Law’s treatments, my children had the same positive results that I did! In addition to providing professional medical treatment, she is a wonderful advisor on a range of health and nutrition topics. My family and I have learned a new approach to a healthy happy lifestyle, and therefore we are each in perfect balance of body, mind and soul.

-Jacqueline Mummert

Pain in the back when walking

Helen Law was recommended to me by a good friend, as the most competent and effective help around Princeton in case of pain in the back. I suffered enormously from such pain caused by a problem with a spinal disc, and I really needed relief, promptly. My experience with acupuncture, so far, was modest, but following the recommendation I wanted to give it a try. The result is astonishing. At the first treatment Helen put things right, and allowed me to walk to my car and get home without major hit of pain. A week later, after two more treatments I walk and move without pain at all, like if anything hadn’t happened. This is really amazing. Helen, you are wonderful, and I am sure that you can help thousands of other people. Thank you very much again.

-Ingolf Pernice

Arthritic Pain in the Hands

At the prompting of a neighbor who had been successfully treated by a Chinese acupuncturist for nerve discomfort in her feet, I decided to try acupuncture treatment for arthritic problems in my hands. I also am experiencing a balancing difficulty that was thought to be aggravated by an essential tremor that I have lived with, and medicated, for twenty years. 

On the first visit with Helen Law, she reviewed my condition from head to toe. She then explained how she decided on a course of treatment. Not understanding the principles of acupuncture, I thought it was basically a treatment for relieving pain. I did not understand that the course of treatment is to insert thin needles in the body at specific points to correct the imbalance in the body that causes various ailments. The needles do not hurt beyond a pinprick and rarely draws blood. The needles remain in place about 15-20 minutes.

After nine treatments, I am amazed at the healing or correction I have experienced. The swelling in my ankle is gone and the stiffness and pain in my leg muscle has lessened. There is greater movement and flexibility in my hands, my tremor is almost nonexistent and my balance has improved so that I can walk without a walker for short distances. Acupuncture has done with physical therapy did not accomplish.
– Caroline

Four decades of leg pain

My initial visit with Helen Law was six weeks ago. I was referred by my rheumatologist for arthritis management. My symptoms which were then acute have since abated. 

Since I was pregnant with my first daughter in 1962, I have had intermittent but frequent leg cramps. Sometimes these were so extreme that I would awaken at night crying out in pain. After several visits with Helen Law, who used various treatment modalities, I have had no leg cramps for more than two weeks.

The radiating pain in my legs also has been reduced to almost nothing. I am grateful.

– Beth D.

Excruciating foot pain

I have had foot pain from the heel to the middle of my foot for a year. I’ve been to podiatrists and numerous doctors and they were not able to help relieve my pain with orthotics, massage or physical therapy. The pain was so excruciating that I was unable to walk for a year and I thought that I would be crippled for the rest of my life. It was so bad that I couldn’t sleep at night. Helen found that my back and leg muscles were so tight, and that was the cause of my foot pain. She treated my back and as the muscles started to release, the pain in my foot decreased dramatically. I’m thrilled that I am able to walk now! I can take trips to New York now without pain and am excited to finally be able to take a trip overseas! Thank you, Helen, for all your help. I truly appreciate it.
-E. Berl

Foot pain

I initially went to Helen for pain in my left foot on the lateral border. In March, I travelled to Palm Springs and I could not walk around the block. After four months of treatment I was able to walk on a tour for two weeks.

While treating me for my foot, she noted my nasal congestion. After working on this for a month, my nasal congestion is less, no polyps and I have begun to smell. The sense of smell has been gone for over twenty years.

Am I happy? Elated. The best medical advice to date.

– Gilbert A. Falcone, DDS

Severe knee pain

I came to Helen Law because of severe knee pain which was preventing me from enjoying my favorite activities. X-ray had revealed mild arthritis, but it didn’t feel mild to me. As a result of acupuncture treatments, my knees are completely pain free. My husband and I will be spending September hiking in the Swiss Alps!! Thank you, Helen!

– Rose H.

Knee and foot pain

I am so excited to tell about my “pain story”. My pain over 8 years had been very painful. It was from my knee down to the tip of my toes! The many doctors that I went to said to rest and keep your legs elevated. All tests were done but nothing could be pin pointed. I was told to wear tight stocking to prevent the pain. Even when I rested all day I was still in pain! Sometime the pain occured several times a week or everyday.

One day I decided to tell my doctor about acupuncture and its benefits without any side effects. She agreed it was a good idea. So my painless acupuncture began on April 25th. I have had 5 treatments and what a great difference in my life! First of all no “tights” on summer days and an overall good feeling! I thank Helen for her expertise and guidance. My acupuncture treatment will continue till necessary.

– Usha S.

Overuse joint pain from exercise

As we have discussed in my weekly visits to you, I am extremely pleased and excited with the recovery I have made since I started seeing you last November. I attribute this to you.

When I first came to see you, I was truly a mess.  Every large joint was extremely painful, but it was not really a joint problem, but a tendon problem.  I had always been an active and dedicated exerciser but have suffered for many years with “overuse” injuries.  I used to walk for miles, work out on an exercise bike for 1-1/2 hours a day and do weight work three times a week.  It was only after my knees finally could no longer sustain this type of activity that I tried yoga.  Unfortunately, after two years of “power” yoga, my elbows, knees, hips and shoulders were so weak and painful, I had to curtail this as well.  In desperation, I went to several specialists who simply could not understand why my joints were so painful and why my tendons were weak.  The only remedy they could offer was to prescribe drugs to kill the pain – which I didn’t want to take and which did not work. 

I went to my general doctor and he suggested I come to see you. On my first visit to you, you asked me what was wrong – and I really didn’t know where to start.  Everything hurt.  I couldn’t even lift my arms because of the pain in my elbows. I couldn’t stand because my knees hurt so much and were weak.  My hips hurt as well as my shoulders, but I chose to only tell you about my knees and elbows. However, you knew where my body hurt when you first examined me. You always told me that “I feel your pain.”  And, often you knew precisely where my body hurt even when I couldn’t narrow it down. 

As the weeks went by, some weeks were better than others – depending upon the exercise I would attempt to do. Unfortunately, I stubbornly pushed the limit and didn’t heed your admonitions to “treat my body with respect and care” and not exercise beyond what I was capable of doing.  However, your advice to work with a trainer has enabled me to both fulfill my need to exercise and also do the exercises correctly.  It seems as if I had been doing my weight work incorrectly. Bad form and years of aerobics just made everything worse.

So, today, I am a new person. I know what my limitations are. I know that I won’t be able to do everything that I used to do, but I now exercise differently.  I can lift heavy weights (under the strict eye of my trainer) and feel 100% better. I still come to see you, but I am hard pressed at times to tell you what hurts! I’ll mention that something is a little sore and you zero in on exactly where the pain is and treat it. I’m still not sure how you do what you do or why it works.  But, your professionalism, experience and expertise are priceless. I can’t thank you enough for giving me my body back.

– Barbara Strongin

Cluster Headaches

As a sufferer of cluster (a form of migraine) headaches for many years, I found only heavy duty and frequent medication relieved my pain (up to 60 consecutive days of severe head pain, occurring every three to four years), but with side effects that were also not pleasant. I had never tried acupuncture as a treatment for my ailment but I read that it could possibly help and friends referred me to you. Through your treatment, professional expertise and personal concern and care, my headaches disappeared after only two visits to your office. You knew how and where to apply your “magic” and it worked. For the first time in my life the cluster cycle was broken and did not reappear. While I know I will confront these headaches again in a couple of years, I also know you are there to assist me and therefore I am confident I will no longer have to endure the prolonged pain and suffering to which I have been accustomed. Most recently you assisted me again, this time with my having a pinched nerve and C6 vertebrae dilemma. Through your accurate acupuncture and neck and shoulder manipulation, I have relief from the pain that only medication could disguise. I am a believer in acupuncture and in you! I have referred you to many friends and associates and know they will have the same successful experiences with you and your services as I have had. I hope not to see you professionally too soon, but surely will contact you if and when the occasion arises to need your assistance.

-Dr. James Byer