Sharing Success

At the Progressive Health Center, our goal is to help each individual heal and strengthen the mind, body, spirit and emotions--in order to achieve the best quality life possible. While every person's needs, challenges and goals are unique, learning about the experiences of others can be a source of strength and encouragement. As a result, we invite you to click on the following links to read the personal stories of individuals who have struggled with various neurological disorders, chronic illnesses and other challenges--and achieved successful results through complementary and holistic therapies.

Your Story

February 2010

I began seeing Jan Ruscio for acupuncture during my last weeks of chemotherapy. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer in February, had a double mastectomy in March and began 24 weeks of chemo in April. I found chemotherapy to be a marathon event. In the beginning there are cheering fans and tons of support. As the weeks drag on, a weariness settles over you like a blanket and yet, the race continues. The time I spent with Jan gave me the strength and energy to finish the marathon. I found I slept better at night, had more energy to tackle the challenges of the day and had a greater sense of hope and well being. Jan has a masterful touch. She brings knowledge and spiritual wisdom to her craft. I would highly recommend Jan Ruscio as an acupuncturist and a truly lovely human being.

-Jan N.

September 2009

I'm not sure I can convey how incredible my 5 element acupuncture treatment with Jan Ruscio was, but I'll try. I can explain it best by saying that after the treatment I felt a calmness overtake me. It affected both my physical and mental state. I came away feeling extremely light, energized and suddenly had a positive attitude about everything that previously had been overwhelming. I also noticed a difference in my yoga practice - afterwards I had much more energy. I look forward to my next treatment. Hopefully this works for you. If not let me know.

-Brenda

August 2009

Hi Jan Ruscio, Acupuncture just seems to keep me in balance. Now, this doesn’t happen every time, but I can remember, after a recent treatment, feeling almost euphoric for the rest of the day. I truly felt at peace with an overwhelming sense of joy.

-J.A.

Last year about this time I had surgery for breast cancer and 33 radiation treatments. Whew! I’m glad that is a distant memory. I started coming to Progressive Health Center in January 2009! I can’t believe the difference in how good I feel.

I used to have about 24 hot flashes a day and now they are down to four or five mild ones a day with only one real doozie thrown in (probably so I won’t forget how bad they were). I have learned what foods and drinks trigger the hot flashes and try to stay away from them. The acupuncture really helps relax and calm me along with giving me more energy. After a treatment, I just float around with a smile on my face for several days! I am learning how to deal with the stresses and worries of the day and that helps me sleep so much better at night. Also, the acupuncture has improved my roaming arthritis along with going “gluten free.”

The massage therapy I receive relieves the tension that builds up in my neck and shoulders from sitting at a computer all day long. When I fell and injured the tendons, ligaments and/or muscles in my leg, massage helped to healed them. Incredible!

Susie - Littleton, CO

June 2009

In life, we make decisions in part; based on past experiences.

On July 6, 2009, my husband and life partner George Jerome went into cardiac arrest while in Swedish Medical Center; awaiting a minor back procedure. The very fact that he was an inpatient at the time is one of the many reasons that he is alive today.

CPR was performed for approximately 45 minutes by a specialized rescue team; then an astounding 37 defibrillations were delivered to the chest to desperately and successfully restore a normal rhythm to George’s heart. After 72 hours in the Critical Care Unit, he was moved to the Progressive Care Unit, and received exemplary care while in both units. The level of pain George experienced while hospitalized hovered between an 8 or 9 on the general pain scale, and it was nearly impossible for him to manage to sit long enough to dangle his legs off the side of his hospital bed.

Although, never having been faced with such a life altering event; my past awareness with massage therapy brought to mind a valuable modality that could likely help George work through his pain issues and increase the likelihood of becoming ambulatory at a faster rate.

The charge nurse in the PCU, informed me about Progressive Health Center, and quickly put things in place to arrange for George to have massage therapy on the same day we discussed the idea with his cardiologist. Of interest, the physician stated that he had never been asked for a prescription for massage therapy; but was in full agreement that it would be extremely beneficial given George’s circumstances.

All of the care that George received while at Swedish Medical Center was outstanding, but implementing the massage therapy added an additional level of care that we believe helped him cope with pain, depression, breathing and increased his mobility at a notably effective rate. South Denver Cardiology, also expressed the benefit and provided a prescription to continue this “whole person” approach as he continues to recover throughout the year.

Our sincere thanks to Susan Wong, and the team at Progressive Health Center as they help George and our family navigate these uncharted waters. Having your services available in a hospital setting is extraordinary to say the least.

- Best regards from George and Katherine

April 2009

Sleep Salon, tools and techniques for a better sleep.

Jane - thanks for the great event - I feel that it was really useful!!!! "Practiced" last night with success- crazy how breathing better and counting can definitely help!

- Barb

February 2009

Thank-you very much for the therapeutic massages I was able to enjoy at a very affordable price during my radiation treatments at Swedish Hospital. Finding out one has cancer is very devastating news, and the associated effects of treatment combined with the additional expenses tends to generate a great deal of stress. Being able to easily and affordably access massage therapy is a true blessing.

I had three massages with David Armstrong who is an excellent therapist. He has extensive knowledge and expertise in several disciplines that enables him to incorporate traditional massage techniques with pressure at various acupuncture sites. I suffer from torticollis and he worked on my neck and shoulders, releasing the tension and tightness of my neck muscles. The relief was immediate and this brought me so much peace of mind. I was able to sleep through the night and enjoyed a sense of calmness throughout the day that lasted the entire week. I felt more energetic and my outlook was more positive which helped me cope with the treatment regimen.

I really appreciated this opportunity and with continued funding other cancer patients will be able to benefit from this exceptional program. Thanks again for making it possible.

- Linda from Cheyenne, Wyoming

I have been receiving acupuncture treatments through Progressive Health Center for approximately four months. I contacted the health center to discuss the efficacy of acupuncture treatments following the birth of my daughter in May 2008. My pregnancy was routine and uneventful however I experienced multiple postpartum complications. When I contacted the health center regarding acupuncture I had had several procedures to remove retained placental tissue and had been recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I was experiencing unusually heavy and unregulated menstrual bleeding, fatigue, mood swings and excessive sweating. I had been bounced between three doctors for several months and was becoming increasingly frustrated with the traditional medical model. Although I knew my doctors were working to identify the cause of my medical issues I was frustrated with their inability to alleviate my discomfort.

My experience through Progressive Health Center has been very positive. Acupuncture treatments have reduced the intensity of my symptoms thereby making them much more manageable from day to day. More importantly I feel empowered to play an active role in my recovery. This has only been possible through the support of my acupuncturist who has provided information on care alternatives and perspectives not offered to me by the traditional medical model. I continue to work in conjunction with all these professionals to assist my body with recovery, but the support I have received as a client of the health center has been invaluable to me.

- Amy of Denver, CO

January 2009

I can’t thank you enough for the results that I am seeing with the acupuncture treatments; stretching and relaxation advice; and recommended dietary changes. When I first came in to see you, I was having terrible hot flashes every hour on the hour that would last for three to five minutes and I would end up soaking wet. I couldn’t sleep at night and was exhausted. With your help, I have somewhat figured out that my hot flashes are mostly triggered by food choices and stress along with some of the medications that I have to take. The acupuncture has relaxed me while at the same time giving me more energy. My hot flashes have been reduced to eight or nine a day compared to 24 each day. I am sleeping much better at night too! I hope with your help that we can continue to reduce these hot flashes to the point where they are more tolerable.

- Susie from Littleton, CO

October 2008

For years I have suffered from lower back, hip and shoulder pain. After trying numerous traditional medical treatments, I turned to some non-traditional remedies. The one that works best for me is yoga therapy. Yoga gives me a tool to reduce the pain and add to my flexibility and strength. The stretching poses help me to reduce the pain without steroid or narcotic medications. It gets me through the ups and downs of chronic pain so I can continue my daily life. Part of dealing with chronic pain is the anxiety caused by a flare-up. As an added bonus, the relaxation techniques help reduce that anxiety as well as my blood pressure. I use yoga on a daily basis now and cannot imagine how I could live my life without it.

- Lisa from Denver, CO

I had a stroke almost three years ago. From that moment on my life changed drastically. I have had severe trouble sleeping since then. I believe that the lack of sleep has negatively affected my healing process. I started receiving acupuncture from the Progressive Health Center at the beginning of September 2008. After the 3rd acupuncture treatment I have been sleeping so much better. With that I have become more mentally alert which has improved my day to day life.

- Tom from Denver,CO

March 2008

When I was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer I decided to do everything possible to ensure a complete recovery. My best friend knew of Healing Touch and put me in touch with Cornelia Patti at Progressive Health Center. Cornelia has been working with me for five months now and my recovery has been wonderful. We work with energy therapy, and I feel this is a perfect match for me. I truly believe in mind, body, and spirit healing and I love the idea of using a combination of Western and Eastern medicine. The side effects of the chemo therapy have been relatively minor, and I have been able to regain my energy rather quickly. I feel that the energy work that we do after each treatment has been a major contributing factor in my recovery. I have just finished my last chemo session and all is well. I look forward to more sessions with Cornelia and continued work with holistic health.

- Stephanie from Lakewood, CO

October 2007

David's presentation is wide ranging and thorough, delving into all four aspects of the immune system with equal importance. I thought he delivered the information clearly, and one does not need a medical background to benefit from his 'plain talk' approach. Everyone will come away from this session with the tools needed to maintain or improve their immunity.

- Julie Tinker, RYT-200 (Registered with Yoga Alliance) Morrison, CO

May 2007

"I had been experiencing lower back pain and numbness down the back of my leg for over two years. Other treatments and physical therapy had helped very little.
After going to PHC, and taking a walk on the extreme wild side for me, acupuncture has helped more than anything I had tried. After only one treatment I noticed a huge improvement. I would recommend this for anyone."

- Phil Davis, 56 year old Rocket Scientist

"I was skeptical in the beginning but after two treatments I noticed a decrease in my pain level as well as a faster recovery time after high impact sports. Mimi is awesome and caring."

- Mary Ann - Morrison, CO

April 2007

"Hi. My name is Chanda Hinton and I have been doing private yoga classes with Chanda Hinton Masami for almost a month now. It has really been amazing for me. I have a spinal cord injury post 16 years from a gunshot accident that served my spinal cord. I am considered a quad and have very limited movement in all four limbs. With this diagnoses, many people often assume that I cannot do yoga. "You do yoga?" is the phrase I hear. Of course I do!

Masami and I work with my body. Listen to what it has to say and she often helps aid my limbs into a safe posture that is so beneficial for me. I love yoga and the knowledge of its benefits through Masami. I feel safe in her studio space and can't wait to see her every week."

For more information about Chanda Hinton and financial access to other complementary alternative treatments for people with disabilities, please visit The Chanda Plan Foundation website: www.thechandaplanfoundation.org

- Chanda Hinton

2006

My Journey Through Stroke Recovery by Tammie Raatz - A single 29 year-old woman working as an office manager by day and attending graduate school. Read more