Neilly A. Buckalew

Physiatrist (Physical Medicine) | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Living Oak Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation Post Falls ID, 83854 Show map

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About

Dr. Buckalew is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, or physiatrist. Physiatrists specialize in pain management, muscular skeletal injuries including sports, brain and spinal cord injury, amputee management, as well as neurological conditions such as MS, stroke, or Parkinson’s. Dr. Buckalew is also a Naturopath, acupuncturist, and certified yoga instructor and Thai yoga therapist as well as award winning medical researcher and educator. Her eclectic knowledge allows her to facilitate holistically your health both in preventing and treating dis-ease.

Education and Training

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Dartmouth College BA 1991

Board Certification

American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 14 years of experience

Neilly A. Buckalew

Neilly A. Buckalew's Expert Contributions

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Yoga – Is it for Me?
The word yoga for many brings to mind a young woman or man in a seemingly impossible gymnastic posture. The postures, called asana in Sanskrit, that have become popular today are a small facet of commercialized modern yoga, and do not reflect the full practices and potential benefits of yoga...

How many acupoints are there?
Thousands! There is more than one Meridian system even just in China, which is a very large country. India, Japan, Sri Lanka, France, etc., all have various systems that generally overlap. The commonly used throughout the globe system is the World Health Organization version that was created to unify and standardize points, including those that have research verifying them. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Proposed Standard International Acupuncture Nomenclature Report in 1991, which identifies 361 acupuncture points, but since then, additional points have been added to this and other systems integrated with it. Kind Regards, B READ MORE
Can acupressure help swollen knees?
Thanks for your question, Sorry, but “swollen” knees is a very vague symptom and can be many things from not so serious to more serious medical problem. Please consult a physician regarding what may be causing swelling in your knees to rule out serious medical conditions. If it is something like osteoarthritis, then yes, acupuncture may help. Kind regards, B READ MORE
What are the pressure points to relieve neck pain?
Thank you for your question. In great part this would depend on the cause of your neck pain. There are general “distal” pressure points for pain, that may help, but only temporarily, as well as points closer or on the neck if indicated. Acupuncture that is specific to your needs would be a better alternative, most likely electro-acupuncture, Whether acupressure or acupuncture, working with a practitioner directly is the best manner to know accurately what is the best way to address your neck pain. For acupressure these steps offer general guidance: Choose a comfortable and quiet setting to practice acupressure. With calming breathing for you, use a firm, deep pressure to massage the pressure points you have identified for your neck pain. It’s best to rotate your fingers in a circular or up-and-down motion for three to four minutes at each point, focusing on one at a time. If you feel a sharp or increase in pain anywhere on your body during your self session, stop right away. You can repeat throughout your day if you feel they are effective. Below is a list of pressure points for several different kinds of neck pain. Again, working with your practitioner is the best option for appropriate point choice. These are only provided as information only. Jian Jing (GB21) Jian Jing is in the muscles of your shoulder, about halfway between your neck and where your arms begin. This point has been used in successful acupuncture studies of headache and muscle tensionTrusted Source. Jian Jing may also successfully treat the pain of a sore or stiff neck. (For females who may read this, it is thought that stimulating this point may induce labor, and should not be stimulated to relieve neck pain during pregnancy.) He Gu (L14) The He Gu point is on the “web” fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger. Reflexologists claim that stimulating this point can relieve pain in many different parts of the body, including your neck. (Note: Again, for a woman who is pregnant, avoid stimulating this point.) Wind Pool (Feng Chi/GB20) Feng Chi is behind your earlobe, toward the top of your neck and the base of your skull. Reflexologists use this point to treat everything from fatigue to headache. Stimulating this pressure point may improve a stiff neck caused by sleeping in an uncomfortable position. Zhong Zu (TE3) The Zhong Zu point is located between the knuckles above your pinky and ring fingers. This pressure point may stimulate different parts of your brain when it’s activated, promoting circulation and tension release. Stimulate this point to relieve neck pain that’s caused by tension or stress. Heaven’s Pillar This point is found on either side of your neck, at the base of your skull and about two inches away from the top of where your backbone begins. (It’s right above your shoulders.) Stimulating this point may release congestionTrusted Source and swollen lymph according to this healing system. Kind Regards, B READ MORE
Why can't I sleep after acupuncture?
Thank you for your question, I’m sorry, I can’t answer this for you because I would need to have a whole lot more information about your clinical scenario. This blog is to provide general information, not clinical guidance or care. It sounds like you really need to talk with your acupuncturist about your concern. You may also need to consult your medical doctor about your sleep issues. Be well, Dr. B READ MORE
Can acupuncture help facial nerves?
Thank you for your question, It depends on what you’re asking. Acupuncture has some proven efficacy for things like Bell’s palsy. I’ve used acupuncture to help with restoration of facial nerves and muscles after trauma. It’s also can be helpful for trigeminal neuralgia. Again, it depends on what you’re asking, but there are possibilities where acupuncture can help. Kind regards, Dr. B READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with hair loss?
No research supports the use of acupuncture to treat male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is often the result of genetic factors and hormonal changes. Acupuncture is unlikely to affect these conditions. In one study, however, researchers did find that acupuncture is sometimes better than medicine for the treatment of another type of hair loss: Alopecia areata. Alopecia areata occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your hair follicles. The follicle attacks lead to hair loss, often in small patches all over your scalp. READ MORE
How often should you have acupuncture for nerve pain?
Thank you for your question. All treatments are patient and condition specific. Therefore, there’s no set the dosing for acupuncture. Like a medication, or physical therapy, etc., you may need intensive treatment for a short period, or a long period. You may need treatment for a lifetime. Again, patient and condition specific. Be Well, Dr. B READ MORE
How long does it take for acupuncture to work for pain?
Thank you for your question. All treatments are patient and condition specific. Therefore, there’s no set the dosing for acupuncture. Like a medication, or physical therapy, etc., you may need intensive treatment for a short period, or a long period. You may need treatment for a lifetime. Again, patient and condition specific. Be Well, Dr. B READ MORE
Can acupuncture detox your liver?
Thanks for your question. From a Western medicine perspective of what "detoxification" of an organ could mean, no. The liver is in fact the organ that does a vast majority of detoxification for the human body. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, acupuncture is used to support the liver in achieving balance in order to fulfill its role in detoxifying the body. TCM's goal is to move "chi" in a way that allows the body to be well. Blockage of "chi" in TCM causes illness. You might consider this a kind of "detox" if you think of acupuncture's effect in unblocking "chi" allowing wellness to flow. Be Well, Dr. B READ MORE
Frequency of acupuncture?
Thank you for your question, Yes, in general more treatments closer in frequency tend to be more effective in most cases. Kind Regards, B READ MORE
Does acupuncture really increase height?
Thank you for your question, As I understand it, you’re asking me if acupuncture can make you taller? No, there’s no evidence to that. The only possibility I can think of where perhaps there is a relationship are when the muscles around the spine are in significant spasm, perhaps causing additional curvature that is not normal decreasing height - where release of that spasm over time perhaps allows the spine to return to its natural alignment and height...? Kind regards, B READ MORE
Is acupuncture good for arthritis in the hands?
Thank you for your question, In general acupuncture can be helpful for pain, including arthritis. At the age of 39, arthritis would be unusual to be severe, be sure to make sure that you have a thorough medical evaluation to look for causes such as rheumatoid and so you can have complete medical care for what is causing arthritis in your hands. And to make sure that it is arthritis causing pain. If it is only mechanical arthritis, occupational therapist may be helpful (That is a physical therapist for the hands). To help show you how to preserve your joints from here on out. Be well, B READ MORE
How long does acupuncture take to work for leg pain?
Thank you for your question, Without having specifics about what is causing your leg pain and given the fact that acupuncture is based on an individual needs, I can’t give you a specific timeline on when it may help you. It’s important you feel comfortable to discuss your treatment plan with your acupuncturist. It’s also very important to make sure that any medical causes of your leg pain that could be treated by your physician is address before proceeding with acupuncture. Thank you again, Dr. B READ MORE
Can you feel the needles in acupuncture?
Thank you for your question. Most people feel the brief moment of the needle insertion. There is also what is called a “chi” sensation some people feel, described as a tingle or a dull ache. It should not be uncomfortable or hurt. If you are concerned, ask your acupuncturist to remove the needle. Be Well, B READ MORE
Is acupuncture for your neck safe?
Thank you for you question. Yes, by a trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe for your neck. As with any acupuncture, there is the same risks of bleeding, infection, or trauma to a tissue. These are very low risks, making acupuncture a safe procedure overall. Be well, B READ MORE
How many sessions of acupuncture do you need for neck spasms?
Thank you for a question, Treatment will depend on your own symptom relief. It’s a very individualized approach. So, there’s no one answer for your question. You should always feel comfortable having an honest and open discussion with your acupuncturist about how your treatment is going and response, and the additional number of sessions they may anticipate you will need based on how you’re responding. Be well, B READ MORE
Is acupuncture in the neck safe?
Thank you for your question. Yes, acupuncture is safe, in general, and a very low risk procedure. Points in the neck are very commonly used (particularly the ones located in the muscles along the bones of the spine on both sides at the base of the skull and neck). As with any needle, the risks are bleeding, infection, or puncturing a tissue not meant to be punctured. A skilled acupuncturist generally is able to keep a patient safe from these risks. Ask your acupuncturist if they have ever had any problems. You should feel comfortable talking with them about your treatment or concerns, and confident in their skills. Be well, B READ MORE
How often should I get acupuncture for panic attacks?
Thank you for your questions. Acupuncture is a personalized treatment and we treat to response. Hence, this would depend solely on your response and will determine the frequency. Always discuss with your acupuncturist any questions, and let you medical doctor know what your overall treatment plan is. Never stop any medications without discussion with the prescriber. Be Well, Dr. B READ MORE
Does acupuncture help in weight loss?
Thank you for your question. I am not experienced with acupuncture specifically for weight loss, particularly without knowing the reasons for any weight gain concerns. There are many and multifactorial reasons why one may gain weight they do not desire. In general, acupuncture has been found to support overall wellness and lowering stress. Stress produces hormones like cortisol that for some results in weight gain. Hope this helps, Be well, Dr. B READ MORE
What are the benefits of acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder?
Thank you for your question. The quick answer is that acupuncture is known to decrease stress and anxiety, and contribute to overall wellness. The treatment itself, being calm and still for 15-20 mins, instills stress relief itself. Hope this helps, and please look through this blog as this is a common question that has been answered based on how it was asked. Be Well, Dr. B READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Clinical ResearchPhysical Medicine and RehabilitationYoga Therapy

Faculty Titles & Positions

Integrative Medicine Area of Concentration, UPSOM -

Awards

Charles Watson Humanism Honor Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society, 2008
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Dean Merit Scholarship, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
James Cheehan/Laird Cheke Memorial Prize for Understanding Healing Power of a Patient
DCM Award, Academic Excellence in Geriatric Medicine, 2009
Charles Lindbergh Foundation Merit Award for Environmental Education work with the Zuni Tribe

Professional Memberships

American Pain Society
Alpha Omega Alpha
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Fellowships

Institute for the Study of World Politics, Native American Environmental Law Fellow, National Institutes of Health National Institute of Aging pre-doc and Post-doc Fellow

Professional Society Memberships

American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabiliation, American College of Physicians, Allegheny County Medical Society, International Association of Yoga Therapists

Articles and Publications

Chronic Pain is Associated with Brain Volume Loss in Older Adults: Preliminary Evidence, co-author
Brain Morphology in Older Adults with Disabling Chronic Low Back Pain- Co-Author

What do you attribute your success to?

Opportunities, Support, Friends, Colleagues, Mentors

Areas of research

Integrative Medicine, Yoga and Yoga Therapy, Healthy Aging, Chronic Pain

Philanthropic Initiatives

National Sports Center for the Disabled Fans of the Field Fundraiser, World Run Day for Muscular Dystrophy, Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania, The Prouty Coming Together to Fight Cancer, AIDS Life Cycle

Teaching and speaking

Acquired/Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke Recovery, Yoga and Yoga Therapy, Integrative Pain Management, Living and Aging Well, Caretaker Health, Understanding Living Wills, How to facilitate home hospice for loved ones