SEIMC is the first medical center in Shanghai to offer the expatriate community the concept of Complementary Medicine. We are proud of our ability to allow our patients to mix their care at our facility between the highest standards of East and West medical practices. Coupled with general practitioners, in-patient services and surgical procedures are our excellent staff of Chinese traditional therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists support the community both on and off-site through various lectures, tours, health-screenings, and sports events.

The mix of these eastern and western methodologies allows our patients to achieve optimum results and satisfaction in their health care needs. Whether their concern is a possible cold or flu to a possible sprain/strain or fracture to a quality assessment of their health status, SEIMC offers this “ complement ” to normal clinic care to give our patients assurance all areas are available on-site and have been utilized to verify their health concerns.

We have listed and described below our abilities in our Complementary Medicine Group for your review:

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. Diagnosis and treatment is based on the concept that the nervous system coordinates all of the body's functions, and that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function. Chiropractic employs manipulation and adjustment of body structures, such as the spinal column, so that pressure on nerves coming from the spinal cord due to displacement (subluxation) of a vertebral body may be relieved. Spinal manipulative therapy uses various techniques to apply force to an area of the spine or to a joint. Massage or mobilization of soft tissue is used in techniques such as myofascial trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, muscle stripping. Mechanical traction or the use of external resistance on an area of the spine or on an extremity may be used in certain people.

Chiropractic is one of the most popular alternative therapies currently available. Some would say it now qualifies as mainstream treatment as opposed to complementary medicine. Chiropractic treatment is covered by many insurance plans. It has become well-accepted treatment for acute pain and problems of the spine, including lower back pain and whiplash, ear infections, dysmenorrhea, infant colic, migraine headaches, and other conditions. Spinal manipulation will also relieve neck pain as well as other musculoskeletal pain. People of all ages and from all walks of life can benefit from chiropractic treatment, from babies and children, through adulthood and into later years and including pregnant women.

Practitioners use a holistic approach to health, which is appreciated by most patients. The goal is not merely to relieve the present ailment, but to analyze the cause and recommend appropriate changes of lifestyle to prevent the problem from recurring again. Relief from some neuromuscular problems is immediate, although a series of treatments may be required to maintain the improvement. Visits may last 15 minutes to one hour depending on the technique used. In acute cases, chiropractors may see their clients up to three times during the first week, then less frequently over time.

Techniques used include:

• Diversified

• Extremity adjusting

• Activator

• Gonstead

• Thompson

Diagnostic procedures such as X-ray, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may be used, followed by treatment with ice packs, heat packs, electrical current or ultrasound therapy. Dietary counseling and nutritional support, plus exercise recommendations, may be offered.

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with optimizing movement functions and enhancing quality of life by delivering suitable, evidence-based treatment for an injury or condition. Physiotherapists help people gain or regain physical independence as much as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle.

Physiotherapists are university educated healthcare practitioners, with entry to the profession being at either Bachelors or Masters Degree level. They have extensive knowledge on how to assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems. They also deliver patient education to help prevent injuries and give advice on how to maintain a fit, healthy body.

Conditions commonly treated by physiotherapists include:

• sports injuries and work-related injuries;

• headaches, neck pain and back pain;

• rehabilitation after accidents or surgery;

• neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's Disease;

• movement disorders in children;

• incontinence and recovery following surgery and child birth, and chronic conditions such as asthma, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

How does it work?

SEIMC's Physiotherapist uses a wide range of drug-free techniques to relieve pain, restore function and movement, and prevent further problems. They include:

• Joint mobilization and manipulation

• Soft tissue manipulation

• Individualized exercise programs and stretches

• Electro-therapeutic agents (such as interferential stimulation & ultrasound)

TCM encompasses a wide range of healing arts that date back to ancient China; it looks at the person as a whole-body, mind, and spirit, and his / her relationship with his / her environment. TCM can be a preventative medicine as well as treatment methods to improving the body's immune system, harmonious neuropsychological mechanisms and has an effect on the circulatory, digestive, and glandular systems. By treating movement and balance of life energy, or qi (pronounced "chee"), blood (pronounced "xue"), yin and yang, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Tuina Chinese functional food and Herbs could help people stay or back to healthy individually and achieve high quality of life. TCM induces almost no harmful side effects, making it an appealing alternative to the excessive use of modern pharmaceuticals.

Therapies and Techniques used include:

• Constitutional Consultation

• Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine

• Traditional Chinese Diet Therapy

• Acupuncture (include Electro-Acu, Head-Acu, Ear-Acu and Hand-Acu)

• Cupping

• Moxibustion

• Tuina and Acupressure

Conditions commonly treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine include:

• Strengthen Body’s Constitutional

• Prevention Common Illness

• Gynecological Disease (Menopause, Infertility)

• Pain Management

• Respiratory System Conditions

• Digestive System Disorders

• Weight Management and Give up Smoking

• Skin Conditions

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a form of ‘physical' or ‘manual' medicine that treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system (the muscular and skeletal systems). Treatment is achieved using ‘hands on' methods such as spinal manipulation, mobilization, applied stretching, massage/trigger point therapy in combination with therapeutic exercise.

Osteopaths also use very gentle treatment techniques such as craniosacral therapy, which are a very safe and effective way of treating infants and children. Osteopathy is a scientifically validated form of therapy that is recognized by the World Health Organization as a ‘discrete form of manual medicine'.

Osteopathy (including Cranial Osteopathy) takes advantage of the body's natural tendency to strive toward a state of health and homeostasis. A much in demand specialty, the Osteopath is trained to palpate (feel) the body's "living anatomy" (i.e. flow of fluids, motion and texture of tissues, and structural makeup). They address health problems with a non-invasive system of medicine called, "Osteopathic Manual Medicine" in order to restore normal function in areas impaired by trauma, chronic illness, acute health problems.

What Does Osteopathy Treat?

Treatment is aimed at the structural problems present, not the disease entity. By removing the obstructions to health, Osteopathic Physicians are able to treat virtually any illness or trauma. Their philosophy is the body is a unit whose parts integrally affect each other. Therefore, dysfunction in one area affects other areas as well. Some common illnesses treated with Osteopathy include:

Sports Medicine

Sports related injuries require specialized care to promote optimum healing. Whether you are a weekend jogger or tennis player, a professional soccer player or marathon runner, a child or senior citizen, or even a musician or actress, trauma to the muscles and joints can limit or prevent your participation in these activities.

Our SEIMC Sports Physicians are committed to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries and the advancement of the science of exercise. We want to look for and find better methods to allow individuals to live longer and more productive lives. Healthy people make a healthier society. We also promote and integrate scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.

SEIMC Sports Physicians are helping weekend warriors cope with the effects of aging. We are team and on-site doctors ensuring health and safety at all levels of sport. We are also concerned with the effects of exercise and the monitoring of its impact on active individuals of all ages, abilities and levels of fitness.

SEIMC Sports Physicians offer diagnosis and treatment of all athletic injuries plus pre-sports participation exams. Inpatient treatment and surgical procedures are also done at SEIMC. We also consult with high school coaches and offer second opinions. Seminars focusing on prevention and the latest treatment methods are conducted for coaches, trainers, and teachers.

Shanghai Rugby Football Club Invitational Tournament

DHL Asian Gaelic Games

GUINNESS Shanghai International Rugby 7's

8th Annual Shanghai International Ultimate Frisbee Tournament

Shanghai International Football League-Shanghai's Premier Football League

International Sixes

SEIMC offers you and your family, through your school or team this same expert, caring medical assistance. Whether it be for health and exercise advice, a sprain or strain, or support needed for your next event, we welcome the ability to assist you. Please contact us at (86 21) 5879-9999.