First Visit
Your first visit is a detailed, personalized session designed to understand and support your unique health needs.
What to Expect
Our process is thorough and personalized so please allow about 90 minutes for your first session. We will get to know your health history, lifestyle, health concerns and treatment goals, and will provide you with a personalized treatment.
After a thorough inquiry into your health concerns and a physical examination, you will rest on a massage table with needles inserted for 20-30 minutes if doing one side, or 15 minutes per side if a 2-sided treatment is required. Certain conditions may call for the addition of electrical stimulation, and/or Chinese medical techniques such as Tuina (Chinese medical massage)/Manual Therapy, moxibustion (heat therapy), Cupping and/or Gua Sha (muscle releasing therapies). Your practitioner will discuss these options with you if applicable.
In addition, any recommended rehabilitation/postural alignment exercises, Herbal formulas, supplement support, nutritional changes, or daily activities will be discussed at the end of treatment, ensuring you get the most out of each session.
Our approach is all-inclusive as we do not believe in charging you separately for each modality that is beneficial in achieving your health goals. We integrate all our techniques, tools, and methods into a customized treatment session specifically for you.
Prior to your first visit, you will receive an appointment confirmation with a link to fill out your health history form. Please use this link to complete your onboarding forms or plan to arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. If you have any relevant blood tests, scans or other lab work, please bring them to your first appointment.
Treatment
The Acupuncture Experience
Acupuncture is extremely safe when administered by one of our qualified and licensed professionals. Thin, sterile needles are used and disposed of after each use. After insertion, patients often report sensations of tingling, warmth, or heaviness. Many patients report feeling a sense of deep relaxation or increased energy after a treatment. Sometimes the therapeutic changes are not felt until hours or days after a treatment.
Tips For Your Acupuncture Treatments
Be sure to have eaten at least a light meal within a few hours before arriving.
Avoid alcohol on the day of the treatment.
Avoid over-eating immediately before treatment.
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated after treatment.
For best results, avoid strenuous activity immediately following your appointment.
Remember to keep good mental or written notes regarding your response to treatment. This information is helpful for you to track progress and to be able to communicate to your practitioner so that she can optimize care and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Typical Course of Treatment
The number of treatments varies depending on the severity and duration of the condition and the strength of the patient. In general, acute conditions may be resolved in just a few treatments while chronic conditions take longer to treat. Most patients, however, report feeling changes immediately after just one treatment. Typically, weekly treatments are advised, although some acute cases may require 2-3 treatments a week at the beginning of a course of treatment.
Acupuncture has a cumulative effect. Once symptoms improve, treatments are reduced to once every other week and eventually once a month or less to maintain health and prevent reoccurrence. After the completion of your first visit, the recommended length of treatment will be discussed with you.
Communication
Communication with Your Practitioner
At Acusport Health Center, we always welcome questions and concerns. Outside of your sessions, you will be able to contact your practitioner via email or phone. Our front desk can assist you with any scheduling, billing or logistical concerns.
Partnering with Your Healthcare Providers
Chinese medicine can be utilized synergistically with Western medicine and other healthcare modalities. The practitioners at Acusport Health Center are happy to work collaboratively with your doctor, Physical Therapist, surgeon, obstetrician, midwife, therapist, osteopath, chiropractor, nutritionist, massage therapist and/or other healthcare providers. We can also refer you to other providers we trust.
Payment, Cancellation & Insurance
Payment: Payment is due at the time of service. Acusport Health Center accepts cash, check, Venmo or credit card. To streamline the booking process & ensure efficient scheduling, we ask that all patients provide a valid credit card to secure their appointment.
Cancellation Policy: We understand that life can be unpredictable, & circumstances may arise that require you to modify your appointment. We strive to accommodate our patient’s needs to the best of our abilities. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, we request a minimum of 24 hours notice. This allows us to offer the vacant slot to another patient who may be in need of our services. All cancellations within the 24-hour window and No-shows, except in cases of emergency, will be charged in full to the card on file.
Monday appointments must be cancelled by the prior Saturday.
Insurance: Some insurance policies cover acupuncture or massage for certain conditions. Although we don’t process insurance in our office, we can provide you with a receipt with the correct billing codes, which will help you be reimbursed for your treatment. You can also use an HSA or FSA card.
