Wai Kuen Wong Herbalist Consulting Center

I’ve seen Dr. Wong on two separate occasions. The first time was nearly 9 years ago for a minor shoulder issue. Fate would have it that I would see him a few months ago for a situation with a broken finger.
Long story short, I had my left middle finger fractured back on June 28, 2014. After same day X-​rays in the ER, it was revealed the joint above the big knuckle (the one you use to curl your fingers to type) was broken. I was able to see a very well respected hand and micro surgeon the next working day (Monday I believe) and he recommended surgery due to greatly increased future implications of arthritis, since it also seemed it was a bit misplaced. Surgery was success after a pin was inserted for weeks and taken out after. Since my left hand was wrapped for nearly a month and a half, it was dead still and atrophying from lack of movement and exercise. Physical therapy now ensued.
I had been attending «western» physical therapy for about 3 weeks 3 times a week. It went well for the first week. A good amount scar tissue was broken up and I was able to slightly flex the joint thanks to specific exercises. I started having difficulty about a week and a half in. My improvement started to lessen, and so did my confidence in the recovery process. The point where I told myself to seek «alternative» therapy was after my hand therapist manipulated my finger past way past the «comfort level» and I was in quite a bit of pain, getting out of my seat and grunting in pain while the therapist still has my finger manipulated on the desk. I remember her saying, «You’re resisting,» While grunting in pain, I sort of laughed in my head and thought in a satirical manner, «Why yes, of course I’m resisting.» I did calm down a little while the therapist was still holding the position on my finger, asking me to push against her slight force. After a weak, but valiant attempt, I succumb. «Time out,» I said.
I now make a visit to Dr. Wong after 2 weeks of western therapy. He happens to remember me and asked what happened. I show him my finger and he looked somewhat devastated. After his explanation, he believed «Traditional Chinese Medicine» could have prevented the need for surgery and could also possibly improve patient outcome, since, in lament terms he explained, you don’t create a problem (drill hole for pin in finger) to fix another problem (broken left finger). No matter, he applied some chinese ointment and started massaging the finger. I could feel more scar tissue break up as he began to work the site of incision and around the area. He then proceeded his manipulation technique. I will say it did hurt, but differently from western technique. Somewhat equally painful but in a good sort of way. The pain resides in about 15 seconds, (unlike western way which was for about a minute) and he then applies this paste and wraps my finger in bandage. He gives me two types of medicine, One to «move the old blood» and the other for arthritis. He tells me to see him every day which I tried to commit to the best I could. I could feel a difference after the first day and noticed a lot of the swelling seemed like it got sucked out of my finger, About 20 visits in I was able to fully close my hand, which I wasn’t sure of in the beginning of my therapy. Currently, my finger is going to be about as good as its going to get at about 85%, but you must remember with surgery, every patient outcome is different. I don’t think I would have gotten this far if I didn’t see Dr. Wong.
If you’ve gotten this far in the review I will also say I work in the medical field and had everything from X-​ray to surgery to therapy done at my facility. I have full trust in the people taking care of my health there. As said before, with surgery, you never know.
Dr. Wong mainly does serve the Chinese speaking community and is somewhat limited in his English. He does speak Cantonese and mandarin, so if your only language is English, bringing somebody who speaks either language fluently would be optimal. He understands ACL, diabetes, and the like, but clear communication for your health is best I think. I remember he told me that «TCM» while it takes a little time, there is very little need for invasive surgery. If you have time, and somewhat the finances, (he charges anywhere from $ 50-​$ 70 per visit depending on area and type of injury) since he only takes cash and does not take medical insurance, since, he is a Chinese doctor lol. He says he always tells the people seeing him for the first time, «Try me for 3 visits, if there’s no improvement, don’t come see me.» You may think he’s scamming your money, but healing takes time. He’s says he’s been open for 10 years now. He’s got to be doing something right.
If you’re hurt from old injuries or new, give this guy a try. A couple hundred bucks to potentially greatly improve your physical health isn’t a bad bet.

I injured my right knee and went to see Mr. Wong Herbalist. Right side of my right knee feeling painful. He made it worst, so worst. My left side of my right knee was normal (no pain). Now also my left side of my right knee is all bruised and swollen up after his rubbing techniques and his secret ingredient herbal patch. My whole right leg feels weaker and weaker when i walk :(:(. He charged $ 60 cash for knee area with or without take home pills. I visited twice and paid $ 120 without pills to take home and my right knee is more painful than before. Highly not recommended. NO STAR AT ALL. I probably need to go see another herbalist in Oakland. Its far but it all worth it.