Recovery has a physical side and a nervous‑system side, and both need attention. After surgery or injury the tissue around the site tightens, swells and guards; after trauma the nervous system can stay on alert for months or years, driving pain, poor sleep and anxiety long after the event.
Acupuncture and manual therapy help the tissue recover its movement and circulation, while regular treatment settles the stress response. For veterans this is the combination used for PTSD, TBI symptoms and chronic service‑related pain, and it is available through VA Community Care.
How we approach it
- Acupuncture to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and regulate the nervous system
- Medical massage with post‑operative and scar‑release techniques, once your surgeon clears you
- Cupping for swelling, fascia restriction and muscle guarding
- Homeopathic pain injections for inflamed joints and nerve pain, where indicated
- Trauma‑informed pacing throughout, and, for visible scars, a referral to Healing Skin for scar camouflage once healing is complete
What to expect
Post‑surgical work begins when your surgeon clears you for manual therapy and is paced to your healing. Trauma‑related symptoms are treated on a regular weekly schedule, with progress notes shared with your VA or care team when you ask us to. Acupuncture complements counseling and medication; it does not replace them.
Start with a screening call
Send an appointment request and a member of our clinical team calls within one business day to review your symptoms, confirm the right treatment and book your first visit with Dr. Rusnak. Veterans can ask about VA Community Care on the same call.