Interview with Siem about calf complaint

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‘Earlier this year, I decided to run a half marathon and I knew I really had to be done with that nagging pain in my calves!'

What was the reason for you to visit an acupuncturist?
I've actually been having trouble with my calves for about five years. Through physiotherapy and self-training, I could sometimes temporarily manage the symptoms, but it kept coming back. I exercise three to four times a week and I noticed that I was getting injured more often than I could actually work out. Earlier this year, I decided to run a half marathon and I knew I had to get rid of this calf issue once and for all. I heard positive stories about acupuncture through my job, so I decided to give it a try.

And did you end up at an acupuncturist at your workplace?
Yes, that was easy. In March, I started treatments for my calves and the fatigue complaints that may have been related to them.

How did that go for you?
It was special! I had no idea what to expect, but I was open to it and thought: if it doesn't help, it won't hurt. I didn't have any experience with it myself, but friends of mine who also study acupuncture had good stories. I really let myself be surprised and I liked it a lot!

So you were pleasantly surprised. What was the surprise for you?
Well, I am a physiotherapist myself, so I am always curious if something like this actually works. I was a bit skeptical, but I also thought: it has been around for a long time, so why wouldn't it work and in the end, it really did! After just two treatments, I already noticed a difference. The acidification and cramping in my legs disappeared and so far I have not had a relapse.

That sounds like a great outcome!
Have you been able to run that half marathon yet?
Yes, I ran the half marathon in Eindhoven two weeks ago. I was afraid my calves would act up, but they didn't. It was truly a positive experience! Things are going well with hockey too; I've played eight games this season without any setbacks, whereas I used to get injured frequently.

Congratulations on your achievements!
How was your first experience with the acupuncturist?
It was pleasant. The conversation was very extensive and broad, looking at many aspects. That was surprising because I had expected it to mainly focus on the complaints in my calves. I also noticed that the conversation with my acupuncturist, who is also a colleague, went smoothly. She explained everything well, which helped me to be open to the treatment.

So, did you feel well heard and involved in the treatment?
Yes, I found that important, especially because this was a new experience. The acupuncturist also talked about others with similar complaints who benefited from acupuncture. That piqued my interest.

You have a background in physiotherapy and are familiar with dry needling. How did this experience compare to acupuncture for you?
Dry needling often feels much more intense because it targets trigger points and muscle tension. With acupuncture, the experience was different; the needles remained in specific points, and I was surprised to find the needles in places where I thought: why there? But after explanation, I understood the reason behind it. That allowed me to relax and look at it with an open mind.

Did you notice anything special during the treatment?
I did experience a kind of vegetative reaction, like sweating. I have also experienced that with dry needling. Furthermore, I could just lie down and relax and I felt good.

Do you think this experience has changed your perspective on treatments? Do you take anything with you to your work as a physiotherapist?
Yes, absolutely. When I see patients with complaints that are difficult to resolve, for example vague complaints, I think more quickly: could this benefit from a different approach, such as acupuncture? I am now more inclined to consider this possibility and even recommend it.

What else would you like to convey to people who are skeptical about it?
I personally believe that if acupuncture had been bad and not good for you, they would have stopped doing it 800 years ago. They wouldn't still be using it now. Be open to it and let it come to you. See what it does for you.
If it does nothing for you, then you have experienced it.

Thank you for sharing your story! It's great to hear that the treatments have helped you.
You're welcome! It was a positive experience, and I'm glad I could share my story.

Siem was treated by acupuncturist Annita Poorthuis

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