PAIN CENTER DIRECTOR CLARIFIES ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE COMMENTS

Dr. Donald Hinnant, director of the Pain Management Center at St. Francis Medical Center, corrected some comments that appeared in a Monday Southeast Missourian story about alternative medicine.

Hinnant explained that through biofeedback, visualization can be used to enhance blood flow activity to certain parts of the body.

He explained that "electromyography has proven to be effective in muscle re-education, such as following a stroke." This method can also be used to decrease excessive muscle activity.

He also clarified comments about acupuncture. He said proponents argue acupuncture does not work by placebo effects due to studies they cite in which acupuncture is used effectively with animals.

But Hinnant said, "It is unlikely animals have a change based on a placebo."

Hinnant holds a doctorate in behavioral medicine psychology.