Acupuncture is a technique involving the insertion of fine needles into the skin at specific acupuncture points. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back as far as 5,000 years. The foundation of TCM is Acupuncture meridians and Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Qi is the energy that courses throughout the body and defines what we call life. The lack of proper Qi flow in the system results in numerous maladies. Inadequate movement of Qi often results in pain.

Effective May 21, 2014, interstate commercial vehicle (CMV) drivers can no longer get a valid medical certificate from just any healthcare provider. Instead, CMV driver examinations can only be completed by Certified Medical Examiners (MEs) listed on FMCSA’s National Registry. OUR doctors are medical examiners who have been certified as having the knowledge to determine if a driver can safely handle the medical demands of driving a CMV.

Dry needling is a treatment used for pain and movement issues associated with myofascial trigger points. With this technique, a provider inserts thin needles into or near your trigger points. The needles stimulate your muscles, which causes them to contract or twitch. This helps relieve pain and improve your range of motion. Dry needling is a therapeutic treatment procedure that utilizes thin, solid filament needles to deactivate and desensitize trigger points in muscles. Myofascial trigger points are knots in muscles that can contribute to pain, decreased flexibility and decreased muscle function. There is no solution injected and the needle used is very thin.

Dr. Candace J. Thomas is a Certified Medical Examiner for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and performs DOT physical exams for commercial drivers and other Non-DOT occupational services for corporations. Dr. Thomas is on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and has been in practice since 2005.

Dr. Thomas helps manage physical exams for several commercial driving companies in the Richmond area. She stays current with medical guidelines and documentation to assure that companies and drivers are compliant with current safety standards.