FAQ

Does it Hurt?

Often patients do not feel the needles when they are inserted. The needles used for acupuncture are single use, sterile filiform needles. They are very small and very fine. Some patients may feel a warm sensation, a tingle or buzzing feeling, or a dull ache. All of these responses indicate that the acupuncture is doing its work. If the sensation becomes too intense, the acupuncturist can make adjustments for the patient’s comfort. On occasion, a needle might “zing” when inserted, the acupuncturist will remove or adjust the needle to eliminate this sensation.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

The number of treatments necessary to achieve optimal results many vary greatly from patient to patient. Some problems resolve quickly and it may only take 2-3 visits. Other issues may be more complex and take longer to resolve. Typically acupuncture works best with a series of treatments. For most patients, we start off with weekly treatments and as the patient improves, we will stretch the appointments further apart. At some point, the acupuncturist and the patient will decide on either a maintenance plan or “call as needed”.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture activates the body’s ability to heal itself. From thousands of years of observation, Traditional Chinese Medicine has evolved into an art and science of balancing, unblocking and stimulating the energies of the body. From a biomedical perspective, when a needle is inserted in to the skin, the body responds with multiple effects. The circulation to the area increases, inflammation is decreased, and muscles release their tension just to name a few responses.

Q: What should I expect after my first treatment for neck, shoulder, or back pain?

A: Many patients experience relief after the first treatment. A small percentage of patients report increased pain the day following their first treatment. The acupuncture treatment attempts to align the spinal cord by relaxing muscles on both sides of the injured area and encouraging the spine to align itself. This realignment sometimes causes soreness that usually lasts 1 day. Often by the following day, the pain will have significantly decreased, and as the week progresses, the pain may slowly return as the muscles attempt to pull the spine back out of alignment. Typically a series of treatments is most beneficial as there is a cumulative effect when the patient receives multiple acupuncture treatments.

Subsequent acupuncture treatments do not usually cause the pain to flare up as after the first treatment; the number of pain-free days will typically increase after each visit. When the patient has reached a point where they experience no pain for one week, they will be weaned off of acupuncture and a maintenance schedule will be discussed.

Q: What should I expect after my first treatment for chronic or systemic internal medical problems?

A: A small percentage of these patients experience flu-like symptoms for 1 day following their first acupuncture treatment. To help alleviate the symptoms, take a hot bath with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar added to the bath water and drink lots of liquids. Most patients report feeling a burst of energy and a greater sense of wellbeing following their first treatment. As the week progresses, it is common for old symptoms to reappear as the body slips back out of balance. Each treatment will encourage the body to maintain its stasis for a longer period of time. When symptoms are no longer being experienced for one week, a maintenance schedule will be discussed.

Additional F.A.Q.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The patient's first appointment will include a consultation as well as the treatment itself for a total fee of $125. The fee for an acupuncture treatment is $85, and the fee for a consultation is $40. The consultation consists of a discussion with the practitioner to determine a diagnosis, necessary treatment, and long-term wellness plan. Consultations can be scheduled by themselves for anyone wishing to learn more about how acupuncture can work for them and their specific needs. For a more concise guide, visit the pricing page.

Q: What type of payments do you accept?

A: Cash, check, credit card, HSA (Health Savings Account), or FLEX card.

Q: Does insurance cover acupuncture treatments?

A: Each insurance plan varies. Green Roads Acupuncture is not "in-network" with any insurance company at this time, however if your insurance plan does cover acupuncture, we will give you the necessary codes and documents necessary to submit your claim for reimbursement.

Q: What are "Tacs"?

A: Acu-Tacs are small acupuncture needles on a piece of adhesive tape which are inserted by the acupuncturist and remain in the body for 3-6 days. If your acupuncturist uses tacs, you will be responsible for removing them. At some locations, like the hands and feet, the tape may peel off after 2-3 days. When this happens, remove the tac and throw it away. If the tac is still in position after 6 days, remove it and throw it away. If the tac becomes painful for any reason, remove it. If the site of the tac becomes red, raised, and/or inflamed, clean it with alcohol and place a dot of antibiotic ointment on the insertion mark.