Case Study 1
It happened in a second. Heather stood up from a chair and her lower back suddenly locked, making it painful to bend forward. At its worst, she rated the pain an 8 out of 10.
The acute pain eventually eased, but the memory of it stayed with her. Afterward, even ordinary movements such as standing from a chair could trigger a moment of bracing and uncertainty: “Is it going to happen again?”
What began as a physical injury had also created a pattern of guarding, where familiar movements started to feel unpredictable and risky.
Acute lower-back pain
At her first appointment, Heather was still experiencing acute lower-back pain rated 8/10. Her body appeared tight and guarded, and bending forward increased the pain.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, Winnie identified the pattern as local Qi and Blood stagnation, a common way TCM describes pain, tightness, and restricted movement following an acute injury.
Winnie provided a personalized Reiki-infused acupuncture treatment using points along the lower back and leg. The treatment was designed both to address the area of pain directly and, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, to encourage circulation, reduce tension, and restore more ease of movement through the lower back.
The treatment plan was individualized to Heather’s presentation rather than based on a standard back-pain protocol, with point selection and technique adjusted according to her symptoms and response that day.
Heather reported that her pain decreased from 8/10 to 0/10 following treatment.
The next challenge came with sitting and standing again. Her body still appeared to anticipate the original injury, and the familiar movement triggered renewed bracing and tension. The pain returned at a lower intensity, around 4/10.
Winnie addressed the renewed lower-back pain along with tension through Heather’s neck, trunk, tailbone, and lower back. Again, Heather reported improvement from 4/10 to 0/10 by the end of the session.
By the third visit, there was very little acute pain remaining. Treatment shifted toward reducing residual stiffness and guarding, improving tissue mobility, and helping Heather feel more comfortable moving again. She reported that her back felt “really good,” with only minimal stiffness remaining.
Heather’s case highlights an important distinction: physical pain can improve before the body fully lets go of the fear associated with the original injury. Even after acute symptoms settle, familiar movements may still trigger bracing, hesitation, or increased tension for a period of time.
Going forward, the plan was simple:
Heather’s improvement happened quickly, but her experience reflects one individual response to care rather than a guaranteed outcome. Acupuncture was used as complementary support alongside appropriate medical care.
If pain has left you hesitant to bend, stand, walk, or fully trust your body again, Winnie offers individualized acupuncture in a calm, supportive setting designed to help you feel more comfortable and confident in movement.
BOOK YOUR SESSION NOWQuestions? Text Winnie directly: 626-642-8993
2801 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
If you are experiencing severe or rapidly worsening pain, new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or pain following significant trauma, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Disclaimer: Acupuncture and spiritual wellness services are offered as complementary care and do not replace medical diagnosis, psychotherapy, prescribed medication, oncology care, or emergency treatment. Individual outcomes vary. Complimentary group breathwork session: breathing.heartcenter.LA
