Meet the Doctor of the Future
Dr. Phillip Yoo helps chronic DC pain sufferers through futuristic, FDA- cleared safe technology that doesn’t involve drugs, painful injections or invasive surgery.
Chronic pain. Chances are either you or someone close to you is suffering. It’s a national epidemic impacting more the 100 million Americans, according to a 2011 report from the Institute of Medicine, a National Academy of Sciences division.
Chronic pain’s $ 635 billion annual price tag has exceeded that of cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined, according the health economists from John Hopkins University.
Desperate for relief, people are turning to narcotics, injections and invasive surgeries in an attempt to abolish the pain that gets in the way of everything from daily tasks to the activities they most enjoy. In some cases, these approaches mask, reduce or – if they’re lucky- eliminate the pain. Others report little or no relief.
A Southern California doctor is making waves with his futuristic approach to win the war on chronic pain. He doesn’t prescribe narcotics or injectable drugs. He’s not an advocate of surgery. Instead, Dr. Phillip Yoo leverages non- invasive, painfree Laser and Magnetic Therapies to help people regain their quality of life.
More than 300 clinical case studies from Dr. Yoo’s happy patients – which included medical doctors, nurses, professional athletes, veterans, entertainers and people from all walks of life- suggest that he might be on to something big.
Below is and important Q and A session with Dr. Yoo.
Q: How did you become so successful in treating those suffering from the most difficult- to- treat pain syndromes?
A: Growing up as a doctor’s son, I was instilled with an inquisitive nature to look beyond obvious symptoms to uncover the root cause of the problems. After studying pre- med at Michigan State University and Chiropractic Medicine at the National University of Health Sciences in Chicago, I spent 15 years conducting hands- on research around the world. I discovered how to combine traditional and alternative medicines to treat chronic pain.
While working as a medical missionary in Central America, I experimented in a combining prolotherapy with acupuncture with decent results. I than ran two pain clinics in Korea, where I treated up to four- star U. S. Army, Air Force and Special Forces generals, as well as top entertainers such as the Beyonce tour. I traveled to Europe to further study chiropractic sports medicine and was invited to treat athletes at the 2008 Bejing Olympics. During that time, I teamed up with other sports doctors to combine Eastern and Western medicines and got great results.
After my research, which spanned four continents, I concluded that although the combination of allopathic and alternative therapies benefited most people, there were still those stubborn cases that didn’t respond to anything- drugs surgery, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, etc. I knew there had to be something else to help folks suffering from chronic pain.
Q: How did you discover laser medicine? A:
I discovered Laser Medicine by accident- literally. Upon returning home to America, I injured my back. The pain was intense. Life as I knew it changes in and instant. I couldn’t play sports. I couldn’t concentrate. I couldn’t lift up my kids. I couldn’t even drive without sharp pain shooting down my leg.
That’s when I discovered Hi- powered Laser Therapy. I noticed a difference after on treatment. What a relief ! Within a few weeks the sciatic pain disappeared and I regained my full health. Incidentally, I later suffered a bad case of shingles which caused the peripheral neuropathic pain. I developed neuropathic numbness and tingling in my foot and ankle. Again, it was the Laser Therapy which saved the day.
After years of searching, I had finally discovered the Holy Grail of non- invasive pain management.
Q: How does Hi- Powered Laser Therapy work to treat knee pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia and degenerative arthritis in the spine and joints?
A: Today’s laser therapy is based on Albert Einstein’s laser theory, which he introduced in the early 1900s. In a nutshell, we’re basically using the same type of light energy that comes from the sun to treat disorders.
Laser Therapy increases the body’s healing response by delivering photonic energy to damaged joints, soft tissues and nerves through a process called photobiomodulation. Adenosine Triphosphate ( ATP), Oxygen and blood are delivered to damaged tissue which in turn decreases inflammation and speeds circulation and healing. Think of it like this: Sunlight produces Vitamin D3 when it’s absorbed by the skin to strengthen your bones. Laser energy does essentially the same thing, but in a highly focused way.
Q; What other conditions can be treated with Hi- Powered Laser Therapy?
A: We’ve had excellent results treating fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel, shingles, postherpetic and trigeminal neuralgia, tennis/ golfer’s elbow, shoulder tendinitis, and other nerve, joint, muscular, inflammatory and degenerative arthritic disorders. But, one thing many people don’t realize is how these chronic pain issues can impact the lifespan. I attended the 2014 Principles & Practice of Pain Medicine course at Harvard Medical School’s Continuing Education Department.” Harvard researchers found that Opiod pain pills can cause addictions & Antiinflammatory medications can cause stomach ulcers. Furthermore, chronic pain may decrease a person’s lifespan up to 10 years. That’s why it’s so important to look to alternative treatments like Hi- Powered Laser Therapy that don’t have the side effects that many surgeries, injections or drugs often have.
While we’ve seen phenomenal results with laser, it’s not a cure- all. We often co- manage difficult cases with allied medical professionals such as neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists and oncologists from Hoag Hospital, UCI Medical Center, Kaiser, Cedar Sinai, Mission Hospital, etc. This ensures patients have access to the best doctors around.
Q: Does the type of Laser used for treatment make a difference?
A: Yes. A Laser’s ability to deliver sufficient photonic energy deep into the tissue is proportionate to its power. My practice is the only one on the West Coast to offer the newest in Laser technology from Italy and Germany; The 250 Watt Super- pulsed Laser is the world’s most powerful FDA- cleared safe laser. To offer a clear perspective, most class IV Lasers produce 6 to 12 watts of power. The Lasers we use provide more than 20 times the power of any other Laser. Thus, we get
more powerful healing Laser energy deeper into the tissue, which results in shortened treatment times and superior clinical results.
Q: Does Hi- Powered Laser Therapy work for everybody?
A: Treatment success is based upon factors such as the patient’s genetics, the cause or etiology of patient symptoms, ongoing insult to the affected area, and compliance with the treatment schedule and home care regimen.
Overall, we’ve seen most patients experience measurable results. There are hundreds of video case studies featuring patients— including doctors, nurses, professional athletes and veterans— on YouTube that document astound ¬ ing results from treatment they received from us. Some turned to Laser in a last ditch effort to avoid knee replacement or back surgery, as well as foot amputations from diabetic neuropathy. Many had such great results they cancelled their surgery dates.
You can visit YouTube to hear what the patients have to say. ( www. youtube. com/ user/ dryoo2)
Nonetheless, there have been some cases that have not responded to Laser. Fortunately, I have another incredible treatment called Pulsed Electromagnetic Field ( PEMF) therapy. This groundbreaking therapy reduces inflammation and the effects of stress on the body, accelerates the repair of bone, nerve and soft tissue, and re ¬ laxes muscles. Many patients who don’t respond to Laser respond well to PEMF, or a combination of both.
Q: How do you determine which treatment, Laser or PEMF Therapy, is right for the patient?
A: Accurate diagnosis is essential in determining the true cause of pain, and
to ascertain if they’re a candidate for our proprietary procedures. I’m repeatedly told by patients that have seen multiple orthopedic or neurology specialists that my comprehensive exam, which includes state- of- the- art infrared thermographic imaging, is the most thorough and understandable they’ve ever had. When done, patients understand the cause of their pain, the severity of the damage, if I can help and to what extent they can expect to regain physical function. I prescribe the treatment that I expect will get the best results, whether it’s Super- pulsed 250 Watt Laser or the PEMF Therapy.
Q: Do the Laser or PEMF Therapies hurt?
A: They’re 100 percent pain free. Laser and PEMF Therapies are non- invasive, use no drugs, no injections, and are non- surgical and totally painless with no harmful side effects. Many patients compare my office to a med- spa experience because they leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Q: Can you tell us about any successful Hi- Powered Laser or PEMF cases?
A: Absolutely. We’ve got hundreds of patients willing to share their successes in hopes that others will benefit. I’m flattered that even doctors and nurses who I respect greatly have turned to me for relief of chronic pain symptoms. Here are some of their accounts:
The tingling from diabetic neuropathy is almost gone … I feel like a miracle has occurred. - Carla Visnic, 62 R. N., Anaheim Hills ★★ ★ ★ ★
“I had really severe pain from neuropathy for the last 20 years and crippling [ pain] for probably the last year. I’ve lost my balance and I’ve had no feeling in my feet… I’ve
occurred.” been to my PCP who tried pain medication and referred me to a podiatrist that put me on Lyrica and Cymbalta without effect. I’ve been to neurologists. I was put on Gabapentin, maximum dose without any relief. Then on the Internet I saw Dr. Yoo’s site and after just three clinical trials my pain has gone from a 10 to a six. I have feeling in my feet for the first time in so many years and I’m already able to do things I haven’t done in many years. The tingling is almost completely gone. I feel like a miracle has
Knee pain went from a 10 to a 2 in both knees – Dr. Carmen Santa Maria Jahnke, 79 M. D., Huntington Beach ★★ ★ ★ ★
“I came here to Dr. Yoo after I had my Synvisc injections four times. I didn’t get good results with the injections. I was reading the newspaper and saw the name of Dr. Phillip Yoo and I tried contacting his secretary. The pain went from 10 to four, then [ down to] a two in both knees … I’m really glad I found Dr. Yoo because I didn’t want to have a knee replacement.
The excruciating back and sciatic pain is much better after just six treatments! - Yolanda Eisenstein, retired R. N., Long Beach ★★ ★ ★ ★
“I’m Yolanda Eisenstein from Long Beach, I used to be an RN and I had some lower back pain and had two epidural shots, which were unsuccessful. And so I sought out Dr. Yoo’s help and after just six laser treatments, it is much improved. I’m able to sit now which before after five minutes I used to get excruciating back pain, and now the back and sciatic pain is much better, and the tingling is reduced. In fact I feel so much better I am now able to stand and work for 10 hours straight!”
My neuropathy foot pain has improved and looking forward to walk normal again. Dr. Gumer Garcia, M. D., 90, Laguna Niguel ★★ ★ ★ ★
“I’m a retired general surgeon and I came to see Dr. Yoo for my neuropathy which caused pins- and- needles like pain in my legs and feet, and my gait and sense of balance had deteriorated. Although I saw many other doctors, nothing helped so I decided to see Dr. Yoo because of his credentials. Since I started the treatment my pain has improved and since I used to be more athletic and have slowed down in my physical activity, this has helped and I am looking forward to walking at my normal pace, so I am very grateful for Dr. Yoo and his laser.”
I can walk the golf course and my knees feel a lot better! - Jim Harrick, 77, Los Angeles, Former NCAA Basketball Coach ★★ ★ ★ ★
“Hi I’m Jim Harrick from La Crescenta, California, and I had trouble going up and down stairs and walking long distances because my knees would be screaming in pain. And after only six laser treatment, the knees aren’t nearly as stiff so I can go up and down the stairs, I can walk the golf course, my inflammation is down, and so my knees feel a lot better. “
I would say I’m doing better with this treatment. - Dr. Reynaldo Landero, 74 M. D., Los Angeles ★★ ★ ★ ★
“I am a pulmonologist by training and I’ve been practicing for the last 45 years as an academician. I teach at USC and White Memorial as a clinician and Medical Director of Emergency Rooms and Hospital. I’m presently director of both hospitals. What happened is I decided to see Dr. Yoo because of my chronic,
DC severe neck pains and my left shoulder. He found out that I have a degenerative disease of my cervical spine and my left shoulder. He decided that decompression and laser treatment would be beneficial to my chronic pains. Since I first came – that was a month ago – I’ve been feeling a lot better in the process. So, I would just say that I’m doing better with this treatment.”
Nadira Azeez: 60- Year- Old Female.
The following x- ray, taken after a series of Pulsed Electro- Magnetic Field Therapies, clearly shows the improved space between the knee joint, which has enabled her to walk without pain. Swelling, stiffness, cracking, weakness: If you or a loved one have painful knee joints, call the OC Non- surgical Knee Pain Specialists at 949- 274- 8506 right now before your knees need surgery or you become permanently disabled.
I don’t have any pain in the knee right now and my posture is good. - Tom Adams, 79 Former New York Yankee, Huntington Beach ★★ ★ ★ ★
“I broke both Achilles tendons, I’ve had rotator cuff surgeries and orthoscopic surgery on both knees. So, I’ve tried now the PRP which has been very helpful. What I decided to do was do PRP, then take the laser, then do PRP, then take the laser, then do PRP, then take the laser. So, I’m at the point now where those three treatments, both the laser and the PRP, really help me as far as walking goes. But where the laser really helped me was on my posture, it helped my posture and it helped my pain from my hip because of the pressure is coming from my knees. So, that really is noticeable right away … I don’t have any pain in the knee right now and my posture is good and I don’t have any pain in my hip.
I’m receiving knee pain relief ! - Gene Howard, Former NFL New Orleans Saints Football Player, Fountain Valley ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I’ve had a number of knee injuries over the years of playing football. My knees are bone on bone so I was trying to find an alternative option to knee replacement surgery. I came in to see Dr. Yoo DC and tried the laser treatments, and thus far I’m receiving knee pain relief. It has been a great process for me.”
After six treatments with Dr. Yoo’s DC laser I’ve been able to walk with a normal gait with less sensitivity ( caused by chemotherapy) in my feet... - Bob Schellenberg, 68, Former Philadelphia Phillies Catcher, Mission Viejo ★★ ★ ★ ★
“A few years ago I was diagnosed with Parotid Gland cancer behind my left ear. It was excised surgically. I had radiation treatment and the [ chemotherapy] medications post surgery/ post treatment left me with a few problems. I have a tremor in my right hand that was confirmed by a CAT scan at Mission Hospital and it is definitely Parkinson’s. I’m having some shuffling sensation in my right foot. After six treatments with Dr. Yoo’s laser I’ve been able to walk with a normal gait with
DC less sensitivity in my feet, less neuropathy— the tingling and numbness sensation I’ve had in my feet. I still have the tremor and we’re hopeful of addressing that as we move forward, but so far I’m delighted with the results I’m having with the laser.” You can check out these stories in their entirety at www. youtube. com/ user/ dryoo2.
Q: Are Laser and PEMF therapies good for sports injuries as well?
A: Absolutely. Whether you’re an active or retired professional athlete, or an active baby boomer or senior, abuse to your body adds up. Some damage becomes more pronounced with time.
Q: Do you treat people who aren’t doctors, nurses or professional athletes?
A: Absolutely. Although I treat people from all walks of life I specialize in getting baby boomers and seniors back to a pain free active lifestyle, whether that would be taking the grandkids to Disneyland, gardening, golfing, tennis, or just walking on the beach with a loved or even the dog.
Q: Are Laser and PEMF Therapies covered by insurance and Medicare?
A: When I returned to America after practicing abroad, I got tired of playing the insurance game. Private insurance and Medicare either refused to pay or did not cover procedures. It made it hard to deliver the care that patients desperately needed. So, I cut through the red tape, and moved away from insurance and Medicare. Today, we’re a concierge clinic where patients pay a fair fee to us directly, allowing us to deliver unimpeded, superior care. Patients like this structure because my team is 100 percent devoted to their care and no longer waste time and resources haggling with insurance companies. And, just as Lasik eye surgery, dental implants and hearing aids are not covered, laser therapy for knee arthritis, back pain or neuropathy are not covered either, but all these procedures allow you to see, eat, hear and walk … and there’s really no price you can put on that.
Q: Are Laser and PEMF Therapies available to everyone?
A: Because we are the only West Coast provider of the Lumix 250 Watt Super- pulsed Laser and PEMF therapies, we have a lot of professional athletes and celebrities who fly in to see us. So, we have no choice but to limit the number of patients we see since we want to ensure we maintain our five- star care standards. However, to make treatments more available to the general public, I’ve started a Laser Medicine Institute where I’m training other doctors from all around the world on my proprietary Lumix Laser and PEMF protocols.
Q: What should chronic pain sufferers do for relief ?
A: For those suffering from unresolved back pain, knee pain, nerve pain ( neuropathy) or degenerative arthritis, I advise first contacting your primary care provider to rule out any severe underlying conditions. If you have already been to multiple specialists and are still in pain, then contact my office now at 949- 274- 8506 to find out if you’re a candidate for the Lumix ® Laser and/ or PEMF pain elimination procedures so you can get help and get back to a normal, pain- free, active lifestyle. Our first consultation and exam fee is normally $ 275, but by simply mentioning the special LA Times reader
code MTD0404, you will receive my comprehensive pain elimination consultation and exam for only $ 97. My office administrator tells me we’re usually booked out four to seven weeks, so I’d encourage those interested to call now to avoid being put on a long waiting list, and before the chronic pain becomes worse, disabling or permanent. For the Desert Pain Relief hotline, call 760- 537- 4929.