Zen Health Center

About Us

Zen Health Center expanded in 2012 to provide Honolulu with expert therapeutic massage, chiropractic treatment, weight management and nutritional advice.

We are committed to improving and maintaining our patients' quality of life. Our services benefit everyone from people with injuries to athletes wanting to get the winning edge. We specialize in the reduction or elimination of pain and in helping patients recover from injuries related to auto accidents.

Dr. Zen treats a person as a whole.

He looks at the physical, emotional and habitual aspects and he offers a personal care tailored to your condition. Whether you are a semi-professional athlete or a person spending too much time at your desk, Zen Health Center can assist you in achieving optimal health and well-being.

About Dr. Zen

Born in Taiwan, Dr. Zen came to the United States in the 6th grade and moved to the Big Island of Hawaii in 1983.

When he was 16 years old, his parents insisted he travel through East Asia by himself. After that experience, he decided to study East Asian Sociology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu.

After graduating from UH, Dr. Zen traveled through Southeast Asia where he says he came to realize how difficult it can be to make positive changes, especially on a large scale.

He decided he could make the biggest impact by helping people in pain and made the decision to become a chiropractor. Dr. Zen then traveled to Huston, Texas where he finished preliminary requirements for chiropractic school and also learned the Two-Step (but don't ask him to do it). He was accepted to the world's oldest and most famous school of chiropractics, Palmer Chiropractic College. Dr. Zen graduated with honors and moved to Taiwan where he opened a successful practice.

While in Taiwan, Dr. Zen was asked to write an article titled "Get to Know Your Foot" which was published and used to teach students at the local medical school.

He was also frequently featured in radio broadcasts and answered questions about chiropractic medicine. In 1995, Dr. Zen decided to move back to Hawaii to be closer to family and to give his children the opportunity to experience the Aloha spirit.

Since moving back to Honolulu

Dr. Zen has become the designated chiropractor for the marathon training group TeamJet Hawaii and also consults with the World Championship Deca-Triathlon. He also regularly consults with many local athletes and competes in running events.

Education

Palmer Chiropractic College West in 1995

University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1988

Parker School in 1984

Experience

Practiced in Taiwan from 1995 – Jan. 2004

Practiced in Honolulu starting Feb. 2004

Designated TeamJet Hawaii Chiropractor

Designated 2004 World Championship Deca-Triathlon Chiropractor

National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Certified and State Board of Chiropractic Certified

About Van (Massage Therapist)

Thanh Van Dang (Van) was born in Vietnam, but moved to Hawaii 12 years ago.

After graduating from Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu in 2004, Van began her career as a massage therapist doing massage at Serenity Spa, but now specializes in collaborative chiropractic massage therapy.

Fluent in English and Vietnamese, Van enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, body boarding, watching movies.

She finds massage therapy to be a rewarding profession, remarking "people feel better and happier after getting a massage. That makes me feel happy."

Therapeutic Massage

What is therapeutic massage?

Stressed out? Recently injured? Been in a car accident? Have your shoulder muscles turned to rocks or do you feel so jumpy you could crawl out of your own skin? Are your joints and muscles sore? Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone could smooth away your tension with the touch of their hands? Research shows that simple kneading and stroking of a good massage can make a huge difference in your physical and mental health. Just one session can reduce stress and help you get a good night's sleep. Regular sessions can ease chronic pain, speed recovery from many sports injuries, and improve concentration. Massage affects the muscles and other soft tissues throughout the body and loosens contracted, shortened, hardened muscles. The oxygen capacity of the body's blood can increase 10-15% after a massage. All of these benefits combine to improve physical health and quality of life.

How does it work?

For starters, all that kneading and stroking allows your muscles to relax, which sends a message to your brain to produce fewer stress hormones. Massage also improves blood flow to the brain. Massage can ease chronic pain as well by triggering the release of enkephalins, the body's natural painkillers.

What is lymphatic massage?

Lymphatic massage, also called lymphatic drainage or manual lymph drainage, is a technique developed in Germany for treatment of lymphedema, an accumulation of fluid that can occur after lymph nodes are removed during surgery, most often a mastectomy for breast cancer. Frequently, diabetic and pre-diabetic patients have lymphedema in their arms and legs. Lymphedema can also be present at birth or develop at puberty or during adulthood. This type, known as primary lymphedema, can affect as many as four limbs and/or other parts of the body.

What conditions is lymphatic massage used for?

Up to 25 percent of breast cancer patients whose surgery includes removal of lymph nodes in the area of the armpit eventually develop lymphedema. The condition can also occur in the legs or other parts of the body if lymph nodes are removed in the course of other types of surgery – for melanoma, colon, prostate or bladder cancer, for example - or are damaged by radiation treatment, infection or trauma. Symptoms include swelling and pain near the site of the removed or damaged lymph nodes.

What should one expect on a visit to a practitioner of lymphatic massage?

A lymphatic massage session for women who develop lymphedema after surgery for breast cancer starts with light massage on the surface of the skin of the neck. The therapist gently rubs, strokes, taps or pushes the skin in directions that follow the structure of the lymphatic system so that accumulated lymph fluid can drain through proper channels. Lymphatic drainage is very gentle, is not painful and doesn't have a stimulating effect. Each session lasts from 45 to 60 minutes, and therapy usually is performed once a day four or five times a week for two to four weeks. One study showed that the greatest reduction in swelling from lymphedema occurs in the first week of treatment and stabilizes during the second week.

Insurance Coverage

If you have been in an auto accident or filed a claim under worker's compensation in the State of Hawaii, you have 100% chiropractic and massage coverage unless you have managed care through an HMO (please call and we will check copay for you). You do not need a referral for chiropractic treatment, but you will for massage. We recommend one of the many The Medical Corner locations in Honolulu, especially if you have been in a car accident. Massage therapy is cover by Auto Accident insurance (no copay needed), Workers Compensation insurance and American Specialty Health ($8-$25 copay) insurance. For American Specialty Health, please call to confirm coverage.

Massage Techniques

We offer several types of European and Asian massage techniques including: Deep Tissue, Lomi lomi, Swedish, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy, and Sports Massage.

Swedish

An all-around with massage and manipulation of soft tissue that relieves stress and tension while enhancing blood and lymph circulation. Swedish massage is an ideal introduction to peacefulness and benefits of massage therapy.

Deep Tissue

As the name suggests this type of massage addresses the deeper layer of the muscle tissue. Through strong finger, knuckle, forearm, elbow pressure, deep tissue massage can aid in relief of the chronic tension. It is strongly recommended for old injury, trigger point and improve your posture.

Medical

Designed to focus on specific medical conditions or for areas of discomfort. Medical Massage is key in helping to speed and healing process for those with muscle tear, sprains, nerve impingement and chronic low back pain or shoulder pain this treatment is extremely effective. This type of massage is especially important for patient who has been in an auto accident and work injury. Did you know medical massage is covered under auto accident and work injury insurances? If you have any question don't hesitate to call our office.

Shiatsu

This traditional Japanese massage involve finger pressure with varying straight at the body Meridian (energy) point. Shiatsu may also include stretching and rotation of the joint to balance one's physical energy.

Sports

This massage is great before or after an event for warm up, loosening your muscle or to achieve greater flexibility. The sports massage is wonderful for those who wish to flush out lactic acid, speeding up recovery time or improve performance.

Chiropractic treatment is safe, natural, and generally painless.

Many new chiropractic patients worry that chiropractic treatments will injure them. In the hands of a skilled chiropractor, you are safe. By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Though chiropractors study for many years, few have Dr. Zen's experience, education, and dedication to providing safe treatments. Chiropractic treatment gives the body a chance to "right itself," and our patients often say they enjoy a sense of release following their treatment. If they didn't feel good, our patients wouldn't come back for their next appointment!

Could chiropractic treatment help you?

Pain is the most obvious way to know whether or not chiropractic treatments could help you. Misalignment of the joints and poor posture are often the causes of pain. If you've been injured, chiropractic treatment can speed your recovery. There is also evidence that chiropractic and weight loss are mutually linked. Most importantly, if you are in pain, chiropractic treatments can help.

Chiropractic - Does it Work?

Your nerves, brain, and spinal cord all control how your body works. As a licensed and experienced chiropractor, Dr. Zen likes to think of himself as a mechanic and electrician of the human body. By treating mechanical problems resulting from poor posture, injury, or scar tissue he is able to reduce or eliminate pain while also increasing his patients' mobility. Electrically, Dr. Zen applies chiropractics to his patients' nervous system, removing blocks and increasing the electrical or chemical signals to and from the brain, helping their bodies to function without pain or interference. Chiropractic treatment decreases recovery time and pain from injuries or surgical procedures. Everyone can benefit from adjustments. Dr. Zen treats newborns, infants, children, seniors and all kinds of aches and pains. If you are still not sure chiropractic treatments will help with your pain, even trying a chiro treatment once may be the difference between finding a solution or continuing to suffer.

What is an adjustment?

When spinal joints aren't moving right, they can irritate or inhibit surrounding nerves. A chiropractic adjustment reduces nervous system disruption by adding motion to these stuck joints. Everyone can benefit from adjustments. Dr. Zen treats newborns, infants, children, seniors with all kinds of injuries or complaints. From sprained ankles to allergies, the correct chiropractic treatment can be a safe and effective way to improve your health.

Why people come to us for chiropractic treatment

Most people think chiropractic care only deals with back and neck problems or headaches.

Chiro treatment does focus on the spine, but only because it houses the nervous system. Chiropractic treatment can help treat or minimize many problems from asthma and stomach problems to colic and bedwetting, though most of our patients seek chiro treatment for back pain or for auto accident chiropractic treatments.

Many people come to us for help because they don't want to take risky drugs or go through irreversible surgery.

We unique in that we also provide chiropractic for children and therapy for weigh tloss.

Dr. Zen treats a great number of patients wanting a fast recovery from an auto accident or to restore their mobility after being injured.

Many also come to maintain the health of their nervous system and prevent future problems.

For whatever reason you decide to consult with Dr. Zen, know that his primary concern is with your health.

Is Chiropractic Covered by Insurance?

Many medical insurance plans include chiropractic treatment.

If you were in an automobile accident in the State of Hawaii, you are covered by your car insurance. Hawaii requires that all automobiles have "no fault" coverage. If you are a state or county employee, you always have seeing a chiropractor covered by insurance.

Though there are many Honolulu chiropractors

Dr. Zen's reputation and record allow him to accept many chiropractic insurance providers others do not, including American Specialty Health chiropractic plans and United Health Care chiropractic coverage. For more information of chiropratic insurance coverage, see the information below.

Insurance Coverage

We accept the following insurance plans:

Auto Accident Insurance

No Co Payment (except HMO)

Workers Compensation

No Co Payment

HMSA (ChiroPlan)

Work for City or State ( - $15.00) $12.00

HMSA 65C+ $22.00

UHA

$10.00

American Specialty Health

( - $20.00) $8.00

HMAA

Initial Visit ( ) $12.50

Regular Visit (deductible may apply) $6.25

United Health Care

Verify with insurance

Medicare

( ($162 deductible)) $7.34

Other Insurance

Please call to verify

Common Questions and Answers

Do I Need a Referral to Get Treatment?

You do not need a referral for chiropractic treatment, unless you are under managed care. You do need a referral for therapeutic massage from you general practitioner (M.D.) or, if you do not have a general practitioner, we recommend you visit The Medical Corner at one of their several locations in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Should I See An Attorney Before I See My Chiropractor?

It is important to get checked out by the doctor first. That way the findings from your exam will allow you the information you need in order to decide if an attorney is necessary. If necessary, we can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.

What If My Car Sustained Only Minor Damage?

Documented studies done by Charles Carroll, M.D., Paul McAtee, M.D. and Lee Riley, M.D. revealed that: "The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants." In other words, the damage to the passengers is not necessarily directly related to the damage to the vehicle.

If I Need Treatment For This Injury, Do I Have To Pay For It Myself?

If you were in an accident in the State of Hawaii, your "no fault" auto insurance immediately covers the cost of chiropractic treatment. It also covers the cost of therapeutic massage when referred by your primary care physician.

I've Been To The Hospital And/Or My Medical Doctor, Do I Really Need To See a Chiropractor?

You need a doctor who focuses in the treatment and diagnosis of auto accident injuries. Usually hospitals will check vital signs, make sure there are no life-threatening conditions and release the patient with pain relief medication. They normally do not treat the underlying improper musculoskeletal biomechanics that can and often do lead to future pain. If your M.D. has given you painkillers, you must understand that pills do not correct or heal soft tissue damage. There are special therapies designed for that which we provide in our office.

Does Your Care Hurt?

Absolutely not. My primary goal is to reduce your pain and speed your healing process, not to make things worse.

Is The Care Safe?

Yes, especially when compared to the potential side effects from pain medication and long-term injuries which result from automobile accidents.

Chiropractic Care for Specific Conditions

Chiropractic adjustments can provide immediate relief for people with chronic muscle pain, according to new research.

Chronic muscle pain, also known as myofascial pain syndrome, affects an estimated 25% of the general population, and 85% of middle-aged people.

Myofascial pain can be caused by an injury to muscle fibers, repetitive motions, or a lack of activity. Frequently patients have specific trigger points, or hyperirritable spots of pain.

In a new study, 36 patients with myofascial pain were treated with either chiropractic spinal adjustments or a sham treatment.

The researchers measured patients' pressure pain threshold, or their ability to withstand pain at trigger points. Having a lower pressure pain threshold indicates more pain sensitivity and tenderness.

Immediately after receiving spinal adjustments

chiropractic patients had significantly improved pressure pain thresholds and reduced sensitivity compared to the control group.

This adds to earlier research showing that chiropractic is a safe, effective way to reduce chronic pain.

If you suffer from ongoing muscle pain, chiropractic can help.

TMJ Treatment

If you suffer from temporomanibular joint disorder (or TMJ) and want to try an alternative to surgery, chiropractic treatment might be a good option for you. Most people know they have TMJ because their jaw clicks when they chew, yawn or talk. More commonly, people know they have TMJ because their jaw or facial muscles are sore or inflamed. TMJ pain can be the result of injury, an auto accident, strain or simply incorrect repetitive motion. Because the disorder exists in the grey area between dentistry and neurology, many people have a hard time finding a treatment for their condition or an expert trained in those treatments. Luckily, Dr. Zen has the training and experience to treat TMJ and help end the pain! On average the symptoms of TMJ will involve more than one of the numerous joint components: bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, connective tissue and teeth. Ear pain or headaches are often associated with the swelling of tissue caused by TMJ disorders.

What is TMJ?

TMJ is often caused by a misalignment of the joint connecting your jaw to your skull. Misalignment occurs when one or more of the 68 pairs of muscles immediately in front of your ear on each side of your head have become atrophied or overexerted. Contrary to popular belief, the clicking and popping noises you often hear as a result of TMJ are not caused by bones rubbing against bones. Rather, the noise comes from ligaments and muscles moving the joint incorrectly. Given that your jaw is one of the most used joints in your body and (along with your shoulders and hips) has a large range of motion, TMJ can be particularly debilitating and studies show about 35% of Americans suffer from TMJ. Surgical options for treating TMJ often involve shaving the bone rather than treating the muscles, ligaments and neurologic programming to correct the biometric motion of the joint. As a result, the underlying causes of TMJ often return even after the jaw bones have been surgically shaved.

How Do I Know If I Have TMJ?

A common symptom could be having a limited range of motion within the joint. If you have TMJ, every time you open and close your mouth you put wear on the tissues of the joint. This can cause severe problems if not treated properly. You can test the range of mobility in your jaw by holding your palm vertically with your thumb facing the ceiling. Flex your index finger so it is out of the way. Open your mouth as wide as you can without strain or pain and place the three remaining fingers (middle, ring, and pinky) between your upper and lower teeth. If you cannot fit all three fingers and you experience pain, it is possible you have TMJ. Don't be worried if only 2, or maybe 4 fingers fit. If there is no pain and it doesn't affect how or what you eat then, the diagnosis is probably negative.

Can TMJ Be Treated?

The good news is that TMJ is treatable, often without surgery by a trained chiropractor. Nearly half of Dr. Zen's patients who are treated for TMJ experience immediate relief after their first treatment and begin to notice long-term improvement after 2-3 treatments. Treatment involves a chiropractic adjustment of the joint and the soft tissue surrounding the jaw. Often, the muscles surrounding the jaw joint are tense and refuse to relax, causing pain and inflammation. During a TMJ treatment, Dr. Zen applies targeted pressure to the nerves and forces the neurological programming controlling the tense muscles to reset and relax. After the adjustment and neuropressure therapy, Dr. Zen will create and demonstrate an exercise regiment for the joint designed to strengthen and stabilize the muscles responsible for causing TMJ. If you think you have TMJ and would like to a proven alternative to surgery, contact our office at (808) 599-2700 and make an appointment to see Dr. Zen. You don't have to live with TMJ pain and surgery is not the only option available to you.

Symptoms associated with TMJ disorders may be

Headaches

Grinding teeth at night

Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort

Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth

Dull, aching pain in the face

Earache (particularly in the morning)

Headache (particularly in the morning)

Hearing loss

Migraine (particularly in the morning)

Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw

Reduced ability to open or close the mouth

Tinnitus

Neck and shoulder pain

Dizziness

For Medical Professionals

We appreciate your interest and time, and hope to present concise and accurate information to address any (though likely not all) questions you may have about chiropractic, and about what Dr. Zen does as a practitioner. There is actually a good deal of information on the science of chiropractic, our methodologies, philosophy and treatment presented in layman's terms on some of the other pages of this website. However, here we provide information about the impact of chiropractic history on interdisciplinary relations, and research on chiropractics. We present this information not only in response to interest express by medical professionals, but also to help professionals consider appropriate conditions for referral to my office.

What You Think May Be Wrong

Most people have an opinion on chiropractic, whether it is due to personal experience or that of a friend or relative, or whether it is one formed by the media and a lack of information.

Simply put, if chiropractic is nothing but placebo and parlor tricks, why do Medicare and third-party payors cover chiropractic treatments? If chiropractic is so dangerous, why is the average chiropractic malpractice insurance $4,000 a year, versus the medical average of $90,000 a year? Why is chiropractic offered to our men and women in uniform on military bases around the globe? Why are so many members of the community so dedicated to chiropractic? Why are doctors of chiropractic gaining hospital privledges across the country, and why are DCs such mainstream components of integrated health care departments? Why are we primary care practitioners in most states? Why are DCs even doctors at all?

The answer is, despite a host of challenges to the profession

(including difficult relations with other health care providers, an antagonistic media, dishonest and unscrupulous members of the chiropractic profession, and a different scope of practice in almost every state in the U.S.), chiropractic works. Why, when, how, or for what it works is arguably still unclear, despite a host of studies and journals and a century of anecdotal success with almost every condition imaginable. If it didn't work, then physical therapists would not be lobbying for the right to apply spinal manipulation to their patients, and medical doctors wouldn't be taking weekend seminars in mobilization and adjusting treatments.

Why Do You Think That Way?

We are all guided by biases based on our personal experiences.

Beyond open mindedness, in any given situation a person only has the information available to them to make evaluations and decisions; if you're like most other people, you find there is not time to do your own investigation in search of the most accurate and neutral sources of information, especially concerning things that don't bear directly on your life. However, your training as a scientist demands a skeptical position, one which is vital for the continuation of improving health in patients. For many years, the American Medical Association was engaged in an carefully designed campaign to discredit chiropractors, to deny chiropractic licensing, and to orchestrate a public opinion campaign against us, which the AMA named "The Committee on Quackery." A part of the outcome of this is that generations of fine allopaths in this country were misled, as a part of their education, that chiropractic was voodoo, and that we were dishonest charlatans concerned only with financial gain. Most medical doctors of this opinion probably think this way because they were mis-educated to think it as an extension of the agenda of a few MDs at the AMA. Unless you are a chiropractic patient yourself (we treat many allopaths) you probably have no experience with chiropractic and so have nothing to go on except what you were taught in your education or residency. It is sad to say that today medical students, in most instances, are taught nothing at all about what chiropractors do, what we their credentials are, or when to refer to us.

In 1987 a federal judge found the AMA guilty of antitrust practices against chiropractic, which resulted in some positive outcomes.

First, the direct challenge stopped, although years of strategic media critiques had lasting effects, and remain today. Second, for the first time the AMA was forced to acknowledge its behavior in print and to apologize for the action. Third, for the first time money was made available for research into the chiropractic lesion, its diagnosis, and its treatment. Fourth, it gave chiropractors hope for being able to serve more patients with the tools and researcdh they had been given. Finally, the desire for respect drove a renovation of the chiropractic education, which today consists of four years of coursework and internship, taught largely by MDs, using medical textbooks, four national board exams in fifteen subjects, and status as primary care practitioners.

Unfortunately, there are also lasting negative effects that continue to impede the growth and accessibility of chiropractic.

One of these is the deep internal division over professional goals, evidenced in part by our two national professional associations (American Chiropractic Association and International Chiropractic Association), which have significant differences in philosophy and practice. Much of this stems from the insecurities that such a long and intense attack from the AMA fostered in the profession. Today there are chiropractors who are intent upon gaining status and recognition, who lobby for titles and degrees like "Chiropractic Medical Physician," and who wear white lab coats and stethoscopes, though Dr. Zen sticks to the Aloha Shirt. Ironically, part of the chiropractic community today is striving to acquire all the status symbols and behaviors that have been driving many people away from the medical system; the level of clinical detachment and egotistical manner that so many doctors (most notably published MDs like Bernie Segiel, Rachel Remen, and Larry Dossey) are urging their profession to surrender.

Another major hurdle for chiropractic is the difference in scope of practice and the differences in practice from practitioner to practitioner.

You can imagine, this lack of uniformity not only presents a tremendous challenge to the creation of positive public opinion, how to explain to our allopathic peers what we do as chiropractors, and makes the efficient design of chiropractic research difficult. One chiropractor may implement cryotherapy, trigger point treatment, and general long-lever mobilization of the patient, whereas another will focus on diagnostic procedures, with or without X-Ray use (we do not employ X-Rays in our office, but occasionally refer out for X-Rays) and one or two highly specific, low-amplitude, high-velocity short-lever adjustments. Even more complex, both may get great results with the same patient.

An important question for you to ask, in service not only to the health of your patients, but to your own health, is how did you develop your opinion of chiropractic?

In the end, you and Dr. Zen share the same responsibility to send patients wherever the research shows there is help for them, whether it is surgery, prescription medication, chiropractic, or tango dancing! The best interest of the patient is our highest priority and it is one we know you share as a fellow medical professional.

Research to date

As of the 2004 publishing of the fourth edition of Robert A. Leach's The Chiropractic Theories

A Textbook of Scientific Research, a Medline search of chiropractic and randomized controlled trials or hypotheses yielded over 3,000 references. That, in comparison to the struggle to find any useful references in the first edition in 1980, represents a paradigm shift for the profession. For chiropractors, it is a given that the chiropractic lesion exists and that reducing them is a significant intervention; we have more than a hundred years of clinical anecdotal experiences with this. However if there is to be andy evidence-based justification for what is done in the over 60,000 chiropractic treatment rooms in the U.S., this trend in research needs to continue, though the challenges to design "useful studies" remains.

Even in 1980, there was a substantial body of medical knowledge

specifically in the realms of biomechanics, neurology and soft tissue pathologies that described and explained the clinical entity being effected with the chiropractic adjustment. However the chasm between professions and chiropractic's long history of "faith-based" terminology and perspectives aligned us in peoples' minds more with magnetic healers and crystal therapists than with rational, scientific practitioners or clinical diagnosticians. The fact that the "subluxation" (our name for the chiropractic lesion) describes different stages of the sprain, strain, disc degeneration, facet syndrome, and osteoarthritis is something that has been obscured by interdisciplinary communication problems and the lack of funding for chiropractic research. Ironically, subluxation is now an 800-series medical ICD-9 code which chiropractic interns are taught not to use due to its history as an ad-hoc, faith-based entity.

Recently, Dr. Zen's alma mater, Palmer University, the RAND Corporation have been awarded a $7.4 million

grant by the Congressionally Directed Medical Rese. This grant will fund a four-year research project to assess chiropractic treatment for military readiness in active duty personnel. This is the largest single award for a chiropractic research project in the history of the profession and will be used to conduct the largest clinical trial evaluating chiropractic to date. Because musculoskeletal injuries are among the most common for military personnel and may reduce levels of performance and readiness, the study will assess the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for active duty military personnel in a number of areas.

At this time, there are a number of active chiropractic theories being researched by those interested in evidence over antecdote about the adjustment.

In the realm of soft tissue and biochemical theories, there is the inflammation hypothesis, the instability hypothesis, and the immobilization hypothesis. Several neuropathological hypotheses, including the somatoautonomic reflex hypothesis, the segmental dysfunction/muscle pathology and facilitation hypothesis, the neuropathology hypothesis, the neuroimmune hypothesis, and the myelopathy hypothesis strike closer to the original "pressure on a nerve" concept. Despite the traditional philosophical difference between 'allopathic vascular supremacy' and 'chiropractic neurological supremacy', the vascular system plays an important role in many of these, as it does in the veterbrobasilar insufficiency hypothesis. All of these can be evaluated in detail with Leach's text, The Chiropractic Theories, as a guide.

It is impossible to summarize the research to date.

In the Medline results a seeker will find both conclusive and inconclusive, both validating and negating studies; everything from general long-lever manipulation to specific short-lever adjustment studies, from over-generalized studies on lumbar pain management protocols to specific studies on the effect of thoracic adjustments on levels of substance P. Until issues of scope of practice, inter-examiner consistency and research funding are addressed, we are unlikely to see more useful studies. In the meantime, we will have to make decisions based on more demographic analyses on safety, work hours lost, recovery time, and cost of treatment.

Treatment Plans

The general chiropractic approach to a presenting complaint obviously varies from practitioner to practitioner and with the demographics of the patient base.

That said, there are standards of care and common practice that every DC must observe which are common to all disciplines. The first step in patient care involves an exhaustive personal and family history followed by a general physical exam and specific investigations relating to the chief complaint or complaints. Acute or traumatic pain invites differential diagnosis to rule out fractures, dislocations, gross instabilities, and hemorrhage. Nontraumatic pains require ruling out tumors, infections, arthritides, or visceral referral.

At Zen Health Center & Spa, Dr. Zen strives to avoid the pitfall experienced by doctors of all disciplines

seeing every complaint as a nail because he has a hammer. We understand and treat patients knowing that not every pathology is a chiropractic neurological problem. Treatment plans vary too widely to reasonably discuss here, with totally different approaches dictated by type, duration/age, location, and severity of injury and the involved structures, whether ligamentous, tendinous, capsular, muscular, osseous, or visceral. In an effort to address every issue or pathology as close as possible to its causal level rather than merely at the symptomatic expression, lifestyle factors must be considered and addressed as fundamental.

A 1998 survey of medical physicians indicated that 40% had referred to a chiropractor

and referrals have increased as research continues to lend importance to the role of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction as a precipitating factor in disease and debilitation. One of the things that is different about Zen Health Center & Spa is our focus on collaborative professional care and wholistic treatments for specific complaints. A vast majority of the DCs in Honolulu are what can be considered "straight" chiropractors; they primarily adjust the joints of the spine and sometimes the extremities. In our office, adjusting the spine is a primary focus, however we actively address disorders at all levels possible. For instance, frozen shoulder would be addressed by: Assessing the cervical spine for related radiculopathies and adjusting where appropriate; Mobilizing and adjusting the GHJ where appropriate to restore proper joint dynamics, ROM, and restoration of synovial fluid; Applying soft tissue techniques, electronic muscle stimulation to the GHJ and adhesions within the muscles of the rotator cuff where appropriate, and Assessment of postural/phasic muscle system imbalances with focus on pec minor, teres minor, upper and lower trapezius, and rhomboids with modification of ADLs and prescription of at-home therapeutic exercises to reduce the chances of recurrence; Referral outside our office for additional diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

At Zen Health Center & Spa, we will only treat patients

if they are appropriate candidates for chiropractic care, and only for the conditions reported by a referring professional for (unless other conditions are diagnosed during the physical exam). Other medical professionals will be respectfully regarded as a partner in the process, with regular reports of patient progress and consultations on treatment protocols. Most importantly, once the patient has attained the maximum therapeutic benefit, he or she is discharged.

Patients are encouraged to be self-advocating masters of their own health care.

In alignment with this, we provide regular updates to our patients on current research, nutrition and diet, exercise and encourage regular check-ups with their dentist, chiropractor and gynecologist, and support in living a balanced and positive life. There is significant evidence that the mind–body connection is a tremendous resource in health care, and we work with patients to master their experience of their own bodies.

If you have further questions about refering a patient to us for chiropractic treatment, or therapeutic massage

please feel free to send us an email at DrZen@theZenCenter.com or call our office at (808) 599-2700.

Chiropractic Treatment Provider Coverage

Insurance coverage, copays, and fee amounts vary based upon your particular plan and may not be reflected here. Please call to verify insurance coverage and copay amounts. Last updated 11/25/12.

Auto Accident Insurance

No Co Payment (except HMO)

Workers Compensation

No Co Payment

HMSA (ChiroPlan)

Work for City or State ( - $15.00) $12.00

HMSA 65C+ $22.00

UHA

$10.00

American Specialty Health

( - $25.00) $8.00

HMAA

Initial Visit ( ) $12.50

Regular Visit (deductible may apply) $6.25

Secure Horizon

( - $20.00) $10.00

United Health Care

Verify with insurance

Medicare

( ($162 deductible)) $7.34

Other Insurance

Please call to verify

No Insurance

Initial Visit (Exam & Adjustment) $100.00

Regular Visit $50.00

Massage Therapy Coverage per Visit

These prices are our cash prices, should your insurance cover massage we can let you know what your copay will be.

Massage Services Available:

Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Reflexology, Prenatal, Medical, Shiatsu, Lomi Lomi

90min $90.00

60min $70.00

30min $35.00

Physical Therapy

Zen Health Center & Spa provides orthopedic rehabilitation and post surgical physical therapy for most injuries.

Combining therapeutic exercises, one-on-one manual therapy, and injury prevention education, Zen Health Centers's physical therapists furnish their clients with truly holistic and overtly personalized strategies for obtaining maximum recovery in a safe and timely manner. We offer physical therapy as a stand-alone treatment, but encourage patients wanting a speedy recovery to combine physical therapy with therapeutic massage and chiropractic treatment.

All physical therapists are currently required to receive a graduate degree

either a master's degree or a clinical doctorate — from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice.

We use physical therapy to treat

During your first session you receive a complete evaluation to determine the most effective treatment program for your needs. Treatments are one-on-one for one hour with an experienced licensed physical therapist.

Auto Accident Injuries

Orthopedic Injuries (musculoskeletal injuries)

Chronic Pain

Dystonia (musicians, artists)

Headaches

Sports Injuries

Osteoporosis

Back And Neck Pain

Postural Re-Education

Repetitive Strain

TMJ Pain / Dysfunction

Pre And Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Perinatal Care

Myofascial Pain

Balance Disorders (vestibular disorders)

Treatments may include

Most important, we will teach you how to keep from getting reinjured and how to live a more active, pain-free life.

Manual Therapy (joint mobilization, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, neural mobilization)

Sports Specific Training

Therapeutic Exercise (including Pilates, trunk stabilization, core training, postural exercise, balance, strengthening)

Yoga Therapy

Stress Management

Individualized Fitness Programs

Taping

Orthotics

Pre And Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Modalities

heat, cold, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, phonophoresis, iontophoresis, paraffin.

In the State of Hawaii, automobile owners are required to carry "no fault" coverage for their vehicles and passengers.

That means that if you are in an accident, you always have chiropractic coverage and massage. You don't need a referral for chiropractic treatment (though you do for massage) and Dr. Zen can even act as your Primary Care physician.

After an accident, you may experience obvious pains and symptoms

such as muscle stiffness or spasm, neck pain, headaches, numbness and tingling, back pain, difficulty sleeping, memory loss, fatigue, or other general pains. Even worse, you may be injured and feel nothing at all. You should get yourself checked out immediately by a doctor trained in recognizing soft tissue damage. Unfortunately, most doctors are not train Provider. Auto injuries can be a serious and painful experience, which is why you need to seek treatment as soon as possible. Many symptoms of injury can take weeks to appear. If you have been in a car accident, even a minor one at slow speeds, it is imperative that you see a doctor immediately. When in doubt, get yourself checked out! We recommend The Medical Corner in Honolulu if you don't already have a family doctor.

Dr. Zen is trained to diagnose and treat injuries related to automobile accidents.

At Zen Health Center, we offer chiropractic treatments andtherapeutic massage specifically designed to help you recover from a car accident. Nothing is more important than your health, especially when you face painful, and potentially permanent injury. That is why Dr. Zen has provided a few answers to common questions he often hears from patients after they have been in an accident and his answers below.

FAQ

Do I Need a Referral to Get Treatment?

You do not need a referral for chiropractic treatment, unless you are under managed care. You do need a referral for therapeutic massage from you general practitioner (M.D.) or, if you do not have a general practitioner, we recommend you visit The Medical Corner at one of their several locations in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Should I See An Attorney Before I See My Chiropractor?

It is important to get checked out by the doctor first. That way the findings from your exam will allow you the information you need in order to decide if an attorney is necessary. If necessary, we can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.

What If My Car Sustained Only Minor Damage?

Documented studies done by Charles Carroll, M.D., Paul McAtee, M.D. and Lee Riley, M.D. revealed that: "The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants." In other words, the damage to the passengers is not necessarily directly related to the damage to the vehicle.

If I Need Treatment For This Injury, Do I Have To Pay For It Myself?

If you were in an accident in the State of Hawaii, your "no fault" auto insurance immediately covers the cost of chiropractic treatment. It also covers the cost of therapeutic massage when referred by your primary care physician.

I've Been To The Hospital And/Or My Medical Doctor, Do I Really Need To See a Chiropractor?

You need a doctor who focuses in the treatment and diagnosis of auto accident injuries. Usually hospitals will check vital signs, make sure there are no life-threatening conditions and release the patient with pain relief medication. They normally do not treat the underlying improper musculoskeletal biomechanics that can and often do lead to future pain. If your M.D. has given you painkillers, you must understand that pills do not correct or heal soft tissue damage. There are special therapies designed for that which we provide in our office.