Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture should not hurt!

I use thin flexible disposable stainless steel needles that are the width of 2-3 strands of hair thick.  My quick insertion of the needles makes the treatments pleasant and painless. Sometimes, after the needles are inserted there is a local sensation of heat or pressure-like sensation, these feeling subside after a few seconds.  I like to get feedback from my patients so if there is any discomfort the needle can be adjusted to make the experience pleasurable.  Acupuncture calms the nervous system; therefore, it should be a calming and peaceful experience.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

Acupuncture Treatment Frequency depends on if the injury is acute or chronic and how much pain the patient is experiencing.

Acute care falls under having a recent injury or having a “flare up” From a previously resolved injury or chronic condition. Most Acute patients come in for at least 2- 3 treatments per wk. for the first two wks.  I then recess the patient’s conditions, as the patients improve and pain levels decrease I will space out follow up treatments to 1-2 per wk, followed by 1 or every other week as long as the pain levels are low and frequency of pain under control between acupuncture treatment sessions. Keep in mind Chronic injuries often take longer to treat.

Once my patients are pain-free or feel that they have plateaued in their treatment we stop acupuncture session.  A patient can go into a preventative medicine phase or get a tune-up of acupuncture every other week or once a month to keep the body in balance and keep trouble from arising.