Does acupuncture hurt?

Because the needles are so small, most people do not feel them at all. You could feel a dull ache or a feeling of pressure around the area being treated, but the sensation doesn’t last very long. Electrical stimulation on the needles could feel like tapping or you might feel your muscle contract and relax in a rhythmic manner.

How will I feel after treatment?

After treatment, you almost always feel relaxed, as though you’ve had a massage or a good nap. Joints that were previously stiff now move more freely and without pain. Results vary from person to person, but lots of people feel energized and ready to face the world!

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Studies have consistently shown that acupuncture is one of the very safest medical procedures that there is. It’s even safer than taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can be bought at any grocery store. The needles are solid stainless steel, so nothing is injected or removed from the body. Most acupuncture needles are as thin or thinner than human hairs.

How many treatments will I need?

Acupuncture works best in a series of treatments. Commonly, you will need between 4 and 10 treatments for your condition to resolve. Most of the pain that you have in your body has come over time, and it takes time for the body to relax and the muscles and tissues to heal. If you don’t see a change in your condition after 3-4 treatments, we will likely refer you out to a different type of practitioner.

How can I get the best results?

People who get the best results from acupuncture are willing to do two things. First, they commit to a course of treatment, to give the acupuncture a chance to work over time. Second, they make changes in what they’re doing to help the problems go away and to prevent them from happening again.

Make an appointment today if you are ready to work on healing your pain and learning some of the ancient Chinese secrets of health and longevity!

Does insurance cover acupuncture treatments?

Every policy is different. If you have a policy with out-of-network acupuncture benefits, you might be eligible for reimbursement for your medical expenses. BriggsHealth is not a provider for any insurance company, but we can give you a superbill with the information you need to submit for reimbursement. Make sure you understand your benefits before you come in.

Acupuncture is a medical procedure, so you can use funds from your HSA or FSA, and use it for a tax deduction.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture treatment promotes blood circulation and reduces swelling. It opens up the soft tissue in the areas that are damaged or inflamed so that blood and other fluids can get in and start the healing process. Our bodies will naturally repair damaged tissues as long as blood can get in and out of the area.

Acupuncture also releases endorphins in the brain and nervous system that stop pain. This effect tends to be temporary. The pain really goes away when damaged tissues are repaired and inflammation is gone.

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What is sports medicine acupuncture?

Sports medicine acupuncture is a distinct style of treatment that focuses on injuries that occur with active people. The acupuncturist uses orthopedic testing to determine exactly where the injury is, and directly treats the injured tissue. With minor injuries, you can usually get right back to the activity you enjoy. More severe injuries may need some rest time, or a referral to a different practitioner.

Anyone who has a physical job or engages in regular physical activity can get injuries that respond well to acupuncture treatment. This includes: athletes (runners, golfers, people who play sports), cross-fitters, yogis or yoginis, gardeners, construction workers, mill workers, surfers, restaurant servers, hikers and more.

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