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Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined.

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chronic pain relief in Santa Cruz

As healthcare providers of River Street Integrative Medicine, we know that chronic pain can negatively impact your quality of life and get in the way of your ability to perform daily activities. We have helped many patients say Goodbye to chronic pain.

Pain is considered chronic if it lasts for more than 3 months, and it may be difficult to determine the original cause. Many people suffer with chronic pain without clear evidence of how it began. Regardless of how it began, our focus is to remove it completely, often with dramatic improvement in less than one month. up to one third of patients report persistent back pain of at least moderate intensity 1 year after an acute episode, and 1 in 5 report substantial limitations in activity

Here are just a few of the many options that we use to customize a unique approach:

  • Trigger Point Injection (TPI)-A trigger point is a painful nodule within a taut band of skeletal muscle. A TPI targets the precise location of the trigger point, decreases pain and spasm, while allowing increased blood flow to facilitate the healing response.
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)-A TENS unit is a small, convenient battery-powered device that delivers continuous electrical impulses through patches placed on the skin over painful areas. The TENS effectively reduces pain and the need for prescription medication, which can often cause unwanted side effects.
  • Durable Medical Equipment including-A Cervical Traction Unit (CTU) which helps to restore the natural curve to the cervical spine, thereby promoting optimum nerve flow. A Lumbo-Sacral Orthotic (LSO) which helps support a natural curve in the lower spine to prevent degeneration in lumbar discs.
  • Therapeutic Massage-Our approach reduces muscle pain and tension, naturally increasing blood flow for a faster healing response to injury or chronic pain.
  • Rehabilitation Exercises-Using state-of-the-art equipment, your individual needs are addressed to add stability and strength in spinal muscles, plus dramatically increase range of motion.

Our unique approach quickly restores strength and normal levels of performance, prevents recurring injuries and allows you to resume your favorite activities as soon as possible. Let us help you with a custom plan that will provide the best results possible, with long-lasting results.

integrative chronic pain

MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS & optimized Body Composition in Santa Cruz

At River Street Integrative Medicine, Inc. we understand that your life-experience can be significantly enhanced through an optimum bodyweight and metabolism. Increased energy levels, restful sleep, and enhanced performance are just a few of the great results that our clients enjoy on an ongoing basis. Let us individualize a custom plan for you, to assist in achieving and maintaining a healthier weight. Studies show that, if excessive weight is reduced even by just 5-10%, the risk of many health problems, including Diabetes Type 2 and Cardiovascular Disease, can be decreased dramatically.   

Our unique program includes;

  • Establishing a healthy-weight goal which is customized to fit your needs.
  • Providing healthy nutrition information, which is customized to meet your needs (We also consider your food likes and dislikes!).
  • Guidance toward improved eating habits, plus how to guard against unhealthy treats.
  • Special assistance to establish and maintain a regular physical activity
  • Creating healthy, lasting habits to replace unhealthy ones (even during times of stress!).

Experience expanded possibilities through a healthy metabolism and bodyweight, enjoy healthy, tasty diet recommendations and maintain ongoing levels of performance (you deserve it!). Join our quick-start program, as many have done before you, and let us help you experience life the way you deserve it.

integrative medical weight loss

heart disease & stroke risk reduction in Santa Cruz

Receive an in-depth assessment of your risk profile for heart disease and stroke, including an evaluation of;

  • Blood pressure
  • Weight
  • BMI
  • Body composition
  • Diet
  • Supplement intake
  • Exercise routine

Laboratory analyses will reveal your levels of;

  • Glucose and insulin to screen for diabetes
  • Lipo-protein particle numbers (the most accurate cholesterol measures)
  • Vitamins
  • Inflammatory markers
  • Homocysteine
  • Telomere-length testing is also available

Together, we will provide a risk reduction plan with both short and long-term goals. This custom-designed plan includes all the support you’ll need, visit-by-visit, to achieve your desired goals.

integrative vitamin d supplementation

personal injury in Santa Cruz

If a personal injury (i.e. automobile accident or slip and fall) has affected your ability to function or move without pain, we will work closely to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

Several approaches may be used to bring you back to pre-injury status, including:

  • Therapeutic Massage-Our approach reduces muscle pain and tension, naturally increasing blood flow for a faster healing response to injury or chronic pain.
  • Rehabilitation Exercises-Using state-of-the-art equipment, your individual needs are addressed to add stability and strength in spinal muscles, plus dramatically increase range of motion.
  • Trigger Point Injections (TPI)-A trigger point is a painful nodule within a taut band of skeletal muscle. A TPI targets the precise location of the trigger point to decrease pain and spasm, while also allowing increased blood flow to facilitate a fast healing response.
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)-A TENS unit is a small, convenient battery-powered device that delivers continuous electrical impulses through patches placed on the skin over painful areas. The TENS effectively reduces pain and the need for prescription medication, which can often cause unwanted side effects.
  • Durable Medical Equipment including-A Cervical Traction Unit (CTU) which helps to restore the natural curve to the cervical spine, thereby promoting optimum nerve flow. A Lumbo-Sacral Orthotic (LSO) which helps support a natural curve in the lower spine to prevent degeneration in lumbar discs.

We are motivated to help you return to normal function and usual activities as soon as possible. A customized plan, with guidance from our healthcare team, is included. We can also work directly with your insurance company (if needed) to speed up payment and avoid delays if a settlement is pending.

personal injury

Rehabilitation in Santa Cruz

After an injury, rehabilitative exercises are essential to regain function and normal lifestyle. The following exercises are customized to provide a fast-track and bring you back to normal activity levels.

  • Spinal traction in supine, seated and 6-way stretch
  • Foam roller to lessen tight muscles
  • Pre-Core stretch series
  • Wobble chair balance exercises

Short Term Goals include:

  • Improve functional capacity
  • Improve performance and flexibility
  • Increase stability and balance
  • Restore normal posture

Long Term Goals include:

  • Improve general fitness and mobility
  • Increasing strength and coordination
  • Injury prevention
  • Maintain peak performance

Our unique approach quickly restores normal function and strength, helping you maintain an active lifestyle and prevent injuries.

rehabilitation pain management

Acute pain relief in Santa Cruz

At River Street Integrative Medicine, we understand how pain can impact your quality of life and ability to perform basic daily activities. We look forward to reducing or eliminating that pain.

Several approaches may be used in reducing pain and restoring your quality of life, including;

  • Trigger Point Injections (TPIs)-A trigger point is a hyper-irritable nodule in a taut band of skeletal muscle. A TPI targets the precise location of the trigger point and decreases pain and spasm using a dilute solution of numbing medication. This allows increased circulation and facilitates your body’s healing response.
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)-A TENS unit is a convenient, compact, battery-powered device that delivers continuous electrical impulses through patches placed on the skin over painful areas. This approach reduces pain by changing pain perception.
  • Durable Medical Equipment including-A Cervical Traction Unit (CTU) which gently stretches tight tissues to decrease pain and restore a normal curve to the cervical spine. A Lumbo-Sacral Orthotic (LSO) supports the lower back, thereby decreasing pain and promoting a normal curve (lordosis).
  • Therapeutic/Deep Tissue Massage- Reduces myofascial tension and pain, increasing flexibility, mobility and relaxation.
  • Rehabilitation exercises- These customized movements strengthen spinal muscles, improve posture and increase range of motion, all of which reduce pain.

The goals of your custom plan include restoring strength and proper function to prevent recurring injuries. Usual activities should resume as soon as possible. Custom exercise is part of this plan and is effective in speeding-up recovery from low back pain by strengthening the back and abdominal muscles. We will work with you to customize a plan that will provide you with the best results possible.

integrative acute pain

River Street Integrative Medicine, Inc.

Acute and Chronic Pain Treatment in Santa Cruz CA

Welcome to River Street Integrative Medicine, Inc. located in Santa Cruz. If you suffer from acute or chronic pain, call our team today and find out how we can help.

About 56 Million Americans today suffer from the effects of acute or chronic pain. That's about 20% of all the adults in the United States, and the numbers continue to rise.

What's unfortunate for most people is that their pain could be relieved. They just don't know where to turn for help and many unfortunate people go untreated.

At River Street Integrative Medicine, Inc. our team is ready to meet with you to discuss your needs. We will help to design a program that is right for you. We look forward to meeting you.

We are committed to helping you thrive!
Our services include:

• Functional Medicine
• Customized Health Evaluations
• Trigger Point Therapy
• Myofascial Release
• Rehabilitative Exercise and Strength Training Programs
• Weight Loss and Nutritional Advice

Dr. Lonna Larsh, MD

Dr. Larsh passionately believes health is one our most valuable assets and that our very best health is not something that just comes to us; it is something that we have to work for. At the same time, working for our best health can be, and should be fun. Health is the sum total of a web of interconnected factors that include what we eat and how we digest our food, how we move, how we sleep, how we relax, and how we relate to each other.

Health is the place where our genetics and our environment come together. We each have the opportunity and the responsibility to make the best of this interaction. Dr. Larsh is honored to be in a position to help you make the most of your genes and your environment to reach your maximum potential.

Medical Doctor Santa Cruz CA Lonna Larsh MD
Chiropractor Santa Cruz CA Scott Sawyer

Dr. Scott Sawyer, DC

Our clinic director, Dr. Scott Sawyer, originally got his passion for helping people from his mother, a local hospital nurse of more than twenty-five years. In active practice since 1996, Dr. Sawyer has been acknowledged by his colleagues for having developed one of the most advanced systems of patient care in the profession. He is recognized nationwide as a leading authority amongst both medical and chiropractic doctors.

CONTACT US TODAY!

Working with our healthcare providers at
River Street Integrative Medicine, Inc. will make a difference to improve health.

Do You Suffer From ACUTE OR Chronic Pain?

The truth today is that the majority of acute or chronic pain patients can be helped. The difficulty is finding a provider that you can turn to for help. A clinic that has multiple options available to fit the many different problems that exist.

This problem affects people of all ages, but the greatest concentration is people between the ages of 30 and 50.

You don't have to suffer with acute or chronic pain. Contact our team at River Street Integrative Medicine, Inc. so that we can get a better understanding of your needs.

Why Our Approach is Different

At River Street Integrative Medicine, Inc. we offer an array of services not found in most healthcare settings. Our ability to offer the best in medical and alternative treatments in one location means that our patients have more options.

Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that makes sense for you.

Make today the day that you change your life and your health. We will work with you one on one to help you overcome the pain you are experiencing.