FAQs

Acupuncture

What about the needles? Do they hurt?

When most people think of needles, they think of the hypodermic needles used in traumatic childhood injections, allergy shots, booster and/or flu shots.  Our needles are very different.  Acupuncture needles are about as thick as a human hair, which is less than 1/10th of a hypodermic needle.  In fact, most patients don’t feel the needles at all.

All of our needles are packaged sterile and disposed of in a sharps container after a single use.

Okay, but I am still afraid of needles…do you have something else that might work?

In addition to needles, our practitioners are trained in the use of non-needle techniques, such as cupping, gua-sha, seeds/magnets, massage, herbal medicine, and more.  Our practitioners are also trained to make lifestyle and dietary recommendations to promote your health and wellness.

What is the difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a form of Acupuncture and is performed by non-acupuncturists (i.e. physical therapists, chiropractors, western medical physicians, etc) after competing a two-day class. Now compare that to a licensed acupuncturist with over 2500 hours of training. This roughly translates to at least 3 years of schooling for a Master’s Degree.

How long before I see a difference?

Every patient is unique and it is important to be realistic about what one session can achieve. Many people believe that one treatment can undo days, weeks, months, or even years of built up issues. This is simply not true. Just like when seeing a doctor or physical therapist for recovery, it takes multiple visits along with self-care between sessions to produce results.

I have this problem, can Acupuncture help?

Acupuncture has been used to treat every illness known to humanity for the last 5000 years. While we cannot promise a cure, we can say that our patients report an overall improvement in their health and well-being.

Massage Therapy

I have this problem, can Therapeutic Massage help?

Therapeutic massage cannot heal your body, but it can give your body its best chance to heal itself by helping to remove impediments to its proper form and function.

Are there any medical conditions that make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Before you begin your session, it is imperative you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Also, for your safety, we retain the right to reschedule a massage or clinical treatment to a later time if we determine that a treatment may be contra-indicated. Such cases are:

• Massage on a sick client can actually cause symptoms to worsen.
• Communicable sickness, acute bacterial, or viral infection including a cold or flu
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Open skin sores, sunburns, skin inflammation throughout the entire body
• On the first trimester of pregnancy
• When massage therapy is contraindicated for your medical condition

How many sessions will it take to get results?

It is important to be realistic about what one session can achieve. Many people believe that one massage, deeper pressure or even a specific modality can undo days, weeks, months, or even years of built up issues. This is simply not true. Just like when seeing a doctor or physical therapist for recovery, it takes multiple visits along with self-care between sessions to produce results.

Can Therapeutic Massage hurt?

Therapeutic Massage may cause occasional discomfort or pain but it is not designed to hurt the client. It is important to note that it is possible to have some stiffness or pain after a session, but it should subside within a day or so. Your therapist is well trained in understanding the body and its functionality. If you find the pressure is too much for you, you should always speak up.

What should I do to prepare for my massage?

If possible, shower before your massage session. It is common courtesy and important to keep the person-to-person contact involved with a massage as hygienic as possible. Showering before your session will also aid in the body’s ability to relax more deeply.

Will my insurance cover massage?

The services of a massage or bodywork professional may be covered by health insurance when prescribed by a osteopath, and must be medically necessary. A referral or script is required.