Ms Koh Lee Khim

Marathon runner found relief from sports injury with acupuncture

News that her running days might be over came as a deathblow to Ms Koh Lee Khim in 2003, a veteran of five marathons.

With the help of acupuncture, the avid runner got back on her feet, and resumed her five times a week routine of cardio exercises such as cycling, swimming and fast-paced walking.

But her first taste of acupuncture - at the neighbourhood clinics - was a complete letdown. She remembered the experience as “painful” and “not very effective” until a polyclinic doctor referred her to the Hua Mei Acupuncture Clinic (HMAC).

She felt immediate relief from the sharp pain in the soles and balls of her feet after only the second acupuncture session at HMAC. She went on to complete one full course of acupuncture treatment which was equivalent to ten sessions.

Ms Koh, a former army sergeant, only had glowing comments on the level of skill and professionalism skill at HMAC.

“ Dr Gu (at HMAC) is fantastic. I’m impressed by his superior skills and ability to pinpoint the problem. I could feel the effect after just two to three sessions of acupuncture.”

Pain history When numbness and pain in the soles and balls of her feet refused to go away in 2003, Ms Koh, now an administrative officer in a transportation company, went for a MRI scan and an EMG (electromyogram) test. The results showed no torn ligaments or bone fissures, and she were prescribed painkillers and some Vitamin B tablets. Painkillers brought temporary relief but the sharp excruciating pain soon returned.

Impressed by clinic’s professionalism and skill Ms Koh first sought acupuncture treatment at the neighbourhood acupuncture clinics but was dissatisfied with their varying levels of professionalism and skill. Her mother who had also sought acupuncture treatment for rheumatism at HMAC, and found it effective, urged her to give acupuncture another try. She did. “The environment at Hua Mei Acupuncture Clinic is very calming, relaxing and peaceful, and the staff are very warm and friendly. I have recommended several of my friends to the clinic,” said Ms Koh, 38 who has been with the clinic for two years.

Ms Koh who is now getting acupuncture treatment for her severe migraine at HMAC, still yearns for her sixth marathon – which will be the ultimate litmus test of her mental and physical endurance.