Healing Breakthroughs with KOSA Acupuncture | Tulsa OK Clinic

41. Severe right rotator cuff and vertebroscapular pain, Diabetes Mellitus, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction

• Patient: 64-year-old male (Chart No. 260115)
• Chief Complaint: Severe right rotator cuff and vertebroscapular pain; pain is acutely exacerbated by walking or vehicular vibration.
• Associated Symptoms:
  1. Diabetes Mellitus
  2. urinary incontinence
  3. erectile dysfunction
• Past Medical History:
  1. Myocardial infarction (2005)
  2. Coronary artery stent placement at Mid-LAD (2006, 2018)
  3. Multiple rotator cuff repairs (R: 2005/2025, L: 2008)
  4. Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) implantation and battery replacements
  5. multiple knee arthroscopies,
  6. Total Knee Replacement
  7. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (diagnosed 1992)
  8. diabetic neuropathy
  9. ketoacidosis
  10. Duodenal rupture repair (2008)
  11. Recently underwent sciatica ablation (2026).
• Current Medications:
  1. Polypharmacy including Baqsimi
  2. Coreg
  3. Crestor
  4. Empagliflozin
  5. Lisinopril
  6. Metformin
  7. Mounjaro
  8. Plavix
  9. Pregabalin
  10. Tadalafil
  11. Trazodone
  12. Tylenol
• Initial Visit (Jan 15, 2026):
  1. Achieved complete resolution of all pain post-treatment.
  2. Counseled on the potential for medication-induced hyperalgesia and proposed a holistic roadmap involving gradual dose reduction, organic nutrition, and continued acupuncture.
• 2nd visit (Jan 17, 2026):
  1. Presented with mild residual vertebroscapular pain.
  2. Post-treatment
     1. All pain resolved.
     2. Patient demonstrated the ability to perform pain-free stair ambulation, which was previously impossible.

42. Scapulohumeral pain

• Patient: 11-year-old female (ID: 251101)
• Chief Complaint: Persistent scapulohumeral pain for 3 months.
• Initial Visit (Nov 1, 2025):
  1. An aspiring professional softball and basketball player.
  2. Due to chronic pain, the patient was seriously considering early retirement from her athletic career.
  3. Achieved complete resolution of all pain.
  4. Additionally, a significant improvement in visual acuity was observed.
  5. During a post-treatment catch-ball session with her father, the patient demonstrated athletic performance that exceeded her pre-injury baseline.
• 2nd visit on Jan 19, 2026:
  1. The patient has developed a proactive approach to health management, choosing to seek immediate treatment rather than enduring discomfort.
  2. Confirmed complete resolution of all presenting symptoms post-treatment.

43. Chronic low back pain and brain fog

• Patient: 25-year-old male, 251230
• Chief complaint:
  1. Chronic low back pain (onset late July 2025) resulting in the inability to work.
  2. At presentation, pain intensity was rated 8.5/10, with significant difficulty in sitting/standing from a chair and ascending/descending stairs.
• Associated symptoms: Brain fog (cognitive clouding).
• Current medications:
  1. Gabapentin
  2. Cyclobenzaprine
  3. Acetaminophen
  4. Ibuprofen
  5. Nyquil
  6. Naproxen
• Past medical history: Pneumonia (2023 and early July 2025).
• Chief complaint at initial appointment scheduling: “I have lower back pain (L5-L7). Pain radiates to the leg and testicles. I have been unable to work for a few months.”
• Impression: The patient, a welder, likely sustained pulmonary and hepatic damage due to inhalation of welding fumes/gases, leading to pneumonia. Subsequent antibiotic therapy for pneumonia is suspected to have caused further hepatic injury.
• Initial visit (December 30, 2025):
  1. Complete resolution of all pain, no limitations in activities of daily living.
  2. Clearance of cognitive fog.
  3. The patient was informed that all currently prescribed/taken medications carry potential adverse effects that may exacerbate pain and associated symptoms (possible iatrogenic worsening). Discontinuation of these medications was recommended whenever feasible. The patient verbalized agreement to discontinue the medications.
• 2nd visit (January 19, 2026):
  1. Following the initial visit, the patient has voluntarily discontinued all medications and maintained complete alcohol abstinence.
  2. Despite the cessation of pharmacotherapy, a significant reduction in low back pain was observed. However, functional impairment persists, and the patient is currently unable to return to Work.
  3. Pre-treatment, the patient experienced pain provocation even while in a seated (sedentary) position.
  4. Post-Treatment Outcome: Achieved complete resolution of all pain symptoms immediately following the session.

44. Venous reflux, tinnitus, TMJ dysfunction, spinal osteoporosis, and allergic rhinitis

• Patient: 56-year-old female (Chart No. 260119)
• Chief Complaint:
  1. Venous reflux (Severe radiating pain extending from the knee down to the plantar surface (sole) of the foot. Due to the ambulation-induced pain, the patient experiences acute discomfort during walking, resulting in significant gait impairment.)
  2. tinnitus
  3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction
• Associated Symptoms:
  1. Spinal osteoporosis
  2. allergic rhinitis.
• Past Medical History: History of septoplasty (deviated septum surgery), turbinate reduction, and ear ablation in 2021.
• Current Medications: Flonase nasal spray.
• Initial Visit (Jan 19, 2026):
  1. Achieved complete resolution of all pain immediately post-treatment.
  2. Tinnitus in the right ear was fully resolved, while tinnitus in the left ear improved by 95% (5% residual).
  3. Observed significant enhancement in visual acuity.
  4. Patient Education & Counseling:
     1. Advised the patient regarding the high probability of the resumption of menses (menstruation) following treatment to ensure the patient is prepared for this physiological change.
     2. The patient attributes her lower extremity varicose veins to a genetic predisposition, citing her mother’s similar clinical history. Addressed and corrected the patient’s misconception regarding the strictly hereditary nature of the condition. Explained that while family history exists, the condition is heavily influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors rather than being an unalterable genetic destiny.
     3. Outlined a comprehensive recovery plan integrating nutritional therapy, targeted supplements, and acupuncture. Emphasized that this multi-modal approach facilitates effective management and fundamental healing of the venous system.
     4. Provided a comprehensive explanation that all current comorbidities and presenting symptoms are being addressed through an integrated therapeutic approach. Reassured the patient regarding the favorable prognosis of these conditions, emphasizing that a full recovery and effective management are highly attainable through consistent treatment. Strengthened the patient’s commitment to the treatment plan by outlining a clear path to systemic health restoration.
• Second visit (April 13, 2026):
  1. Reported that the effect of the first treatment lasted for 6 weeks.
  2. Presented with temporomandibular joint disorder and tinnitus.
  3. Complete resolution of all pain and tinnitus after the procedure.

45. Chronic endometriosis, trigeminal neuralgia, brain fog, chronic anxiety disorder, PMS, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, cervical lymphadenopathy, and decreased visual acuity

• Patient: 26-year-old female (Chart No. 260127)
• Chief Complaint:
  1. Chronic endometriosis
  2. trigeminal neuralgia
  3. Onset: 11 years ago
• Associated Symptoms:
  1. Persistent brain fog (11 yrs)
  2. chronic anxiety disorder (duration of 11-20 yrs)
  3. PMS
  4. dysmenorrhea
  5. intermittent dyspareunia (pain during/after intercourse)
  6. cervical lymphadenopathy
  7. decreased visual acuity.
• Past Medical History: Surgical excision of endometriosis in February 2025.
• Initial Visit (Jan 27, 2026):
  1. Achieved complete resolution of all systemic pain, including trigeminal neuralgia, immediately post-treatment. Only trace discomfort remained in the right lower quadrant.
  2. Improvement in visual acuity was observed.
  3. The patient experienced profound intra-treatment somnolence. This is interpreted as a positive therapeutic response, indicating the transition from sympathetic dominance to a stabilized parasympathetic relaxation state.

46. Digital paresthesia, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthralgia, and sciatica

• Patient: 68-year-old male (Chart No. 260127a)
• Chief Complaint: Digital paresthesia (numbness). Although previously diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), the symptoms persist regardless of wrist exertion or movement.
• Associated Symptoms:
  1. Knee pain (arthralgia)
  2. Sciatica
  3. Pain and discomfort during stair ambulation (Symptoms were particularly exacerbated during stair descent, a common indicator of functional mechanical stress on the lower extremity joints).
• Current Medications (Started Jan 4, 2026):
  1. Coreg (Carvedilol)
  2. Prasugrel
  3. Losartan
  4. Baby Aspirin
• Past Medical History:
  1. Myocardial Infarction (MI), 2.5 years ago, with 2 stents placed.
  2. Right-sided CTS surgery in August 2024; however, the clinical outcome was unsuccessful.
  3. Recurrent MI on January 4, 2026, followed by the placement of 1 additional stent.
• Initial Visit (Jan 27, 2026):
  1. Immediately post-treatment, digital paresthesia decreased by 50%.
  2. Achieved complete resolution of all presenting pain and functional discomfort immediately following the session.
  3. Patient Education & Counseling:
     1. Informed the patient that his current cardiovascular regimen may have side effects contributing to peripheral paresthesia.
     2. Discussed a potential roadmap for the tapering or cessation of certain medications in conjunction with his systemic recovery.
     3. The patient expressed openness to considering these adjustments.
• Second Visit (January 29, 2026):
  1. Presented with mild knee pain and digit paresthesia (numbness/tingling).
  2. Post-treatment: Complete resolution of all pain symptoms. However, no significant improvement in digit paresthesia.
• Third Visit (February 4, 2026):
  1. Presented with knee stiffness/soreness (dull discomfort) and digit paresthesia (numbness/tingling).
  2. Post-treatment: Complete resolution of all pain symptoms. However, no significant improvement in digit paresthesia.

47. Low back pain, cervicalgia, sciatica, and seasonal allergies

• Patient: 37-year-old female (Chart No. 250117)
• Chief Complaint: Low back pain, cervicalgia, and sciatica.
• Patient Subjective/Objective: Lower back feels stuck and twisted to the right. The patient reported a VAS 6/10 even at rest and while on analgesics. Symptoms included severe gait disturbance and a total inability to maintain an upright posture.
• Associated Symptoms: Seasonal allergies.
• Current Medications: Currently taking Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen with minimal relief.
• Initial Visit (Jan 17, 2025): Achieved complete resolution of all pain and functional impairments immediately post-treatment.
• 2nd visit (Jan 18, 2025): Presented with mild low back pain and hip arthralgia. Symptoms were fully alleviated.
• 3rd visit (Jun 2, 2025): Presented with mild low back pain and hip arthralgia. Symptoms were fully alleviated.
• 4th visit (Jun 4, 2025): Presented with mild low back pain and hip arthralgia. Symptoms were fully alleviated.
• 5th visit (Jun 12, 2025): Presented with mild low back pain. Symptoms were fully alleviated.
• 6th visit (Jan 28, 2025): Patient is currently at 20 weeks of gestation. Presented with 5 weeks of persistent gestational nausea and low back pain. Immediately post-treatment, the patient achieved complete resolution of both pain and nausea.

48. Chronic insomnia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), frontal headache, shoulder pain, mid-back pain, brain fog, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sleep apnea, and mild heavy metal toxicity

• Patient: 33-year-old male (ID: 260203)
• Chief Complaint: A 14-year history of chronic insomnia and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Associated Symptoms:
  1. Frontal headache
  2. shoulder pain
  3. mid-back pain
  4. brain fog
  5. irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  6. sleep apnea
  7. mild heavy metal toxicity
• Past Medical History (PMH): Surgical correction for a deviated septum in 2009.
• Initial Visit (Feb 3, 2025):
  1. Achieved complete resolution of all systemic pain and functional limitations immediately following the treatment.
  2. Reported a significant improvement in visual acuity.
  3. The rapid alleviation of physical symptoms suggests a successful modulation of the autonomic nervous system, which has been chronically stressed due to long-term PTSD.

49. Sciatica, hip pain, knee pain, muscle spasm in knee, bone-on-bone osteoarthritis of knee, anxiety disorder, constipation, hypothyroidism, obstructive sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, urinary incontinence, and undifferentiated connective tissue disease

• Patient: 72-year-old female (ID: 260204)
• Chief Complaint:
  1. Sciatica
  2. Hip pain
  3. Knee pain
  4. Severe pain causing ambulatory difficulty, limping, and unbearable pain during stair climbing (stairs unimaginable).
• Associated Symptoms:
  1. Muscle spasm in knee
  2. Bone-on-bone osteoarthritis of knee
  3. Anxiety disorder
  4. Constipation
  5. Hypothyroidism
  6. Obstructive sleep apnea (using CPAP)
  7. Fibromyalgia
  8. Urinary incontinence
  9. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (diagnosed by a Western physician).
• Past Medical History:
  1. Hysterectomy, including oophorectomy due to endometriosis in 1988
  2. Left rotator cuff repair in 2008
  3. Cholecystectomy in 2013
  4. Left meniscus arthroscopic repair in June 2021
  5. Right knee arthroscopic repair in December 2023
  6. Right rotator cuff repair in February 2024
• Current Medications:
  1. Armour Thyroid (thyroid hormone replacement)
  2. Clorazepate dipotassium (anxiolytic)
  3. Lidocaine patch (topical analgesic)
  4. Duloxetine (SNRI for neuropathic pain/depression)
  5. Naproxen sodium (NSAID for inflammation/pain)
• Initial Visit (February 4, 2026):
  1. Knee replacement surgery scheduled for February 23, 2026; presented due to unbearable pain preventing further delay.
  2. Post-treatment:
     1. Complete resolution of all pain.
     2. Able to perform stair climbing.
     3. Marked reduction in limping during ambulation.
     4. Explained potential side effects of medications, necessity, and methods for discontinuation.
• Second Visit Note (February 6, 2026):
  1. Remained skeptical before and after the initial visit, but scheduled via phone on February 5 and presented.
  2. Post-treatment:
     1. Complete resolution of all pain.
     2. Marked reduction in limping during ambulation.
     3. Explained success rates, side effects, etc., of knee replacement surgery.
     4. Emphasized that surgery is not the only solution and a healthy life is possible without it; however, the patient insists surgery is the best option.
  3. Patient’s 5-star review on Google Maps:

     • Master Kim’s acupuncture treatment provided great relief from months-long sciatica pain. He listened intently, and his assessment was thorough. I expect further health benefits to follow. I highly recommend KOSA Acupuncture.

50. Chronic low back pain, hyperlipidemia, and overweight

• Patient: 40-year-old male (ID: 260208)
• Chronic low back pain (severe pain, particularly when rising from a seated position; pain intensity rated 11/10).
• Associated conditions:
  1. hyperlipidemia
  2. obesity
• Past history: Symptoms progressively worsened over approximately five months. The patient received two steroid injections, which provided no benefit. Based on the referring physician’s recommendation, the patient presented for acupuncture treatment.
• Current medications:
  1. Rosuvastatin
  2. systemic steroids
• Initial visit (February 8, 2026):
  1. All pain resolved within approximately five minutes of initiating treatment.
  2. The patient was informed that hyperlipidemia may represent a physiological response aimed at supporting rapid tissue repair rather than a disease state in this context, and that maintaining a higher cholesterol level may be beneficial given the patient’s current health status.
  3. Rosuvastatin was identified as a likely contributor to the low back pain, and the patient was advised that discontinuation is possible immediately and was recommended. Immediate discontinuation of steroid medication was also advised.
  4. The patient stated he would seriously consider stopping both medications and was discharged.
• Patient review (Google Maps):

  • I had been suffering from back pain for a long time. I tried several doctors, chiropractors, and massages, but nothing really helped, so I finally decided to try acupuncture. Amazingly, about five minutes after the treatment started, the pain disappeared!! The relief was unbelievably fast. Master Kim is incredibly knowledgeable and highly skilled in acupuncture. You should definitely visit— you won’t regret it!

87. Breast lump, joint hypermobility (hyperextension), pain in the neck, trapezius muscles, and armpits

• Patient: 27-year-old female (Registration No. 260723)
• Chief complaint: Breast lump and joint hypermobility (hyperextension)
• Associated symptoms: Pain in the neck, trapezius muscles, and armpits.
• Initial Visit (July 23, 2026):
  1. Immediately after the procedure, the breast lump decreased from approximately 1 inch in diameter to half that size,
  2. and all pain resolved completely.