Acupuncture

More about acupuncture

Acupuncture therapy relieves pain by correcting the imbalances of energy throughout the body. This form of traditional Chinese medicine stems from the ancient philosophy of yin and yang — two opposing forces which must be balanced. A disruption in their flow of energy can cause illness, pain and poor body function.

In order to correct this disruption, needles are inserted at pressure points throughout your body. Your body views each insertion as a microscopic injury, which stimulates the central nervous system. After this happens, chemicals are distributed throughout your body, giving your immune system a boost and improving your circulation from head to toe. This process encourages wound healing and also helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Patients often ask, “Does acupuncture hurt?” Fortunately, the answer is no. Some of our patients notice a tingling sensation during treatment, but many of them feel nothing at all.

Acupuncture needles can be used as-is, but they may also be heated or combined with electrical stimulation. You can use acupuncture as a solo remedy or combine it with treatments such as chiropractic care or physical therapy. Our team will work with you to determine the right treatment plan for your health issues and concerns.

Common Questions and Concerns about Acupuncture Therapy

You may have some reservations about scheduling acupuncture therapy until you know what to expect. We completely understand! That’s why we’ve compiled some common questions our patients have about this beneficial treatment.

Does acupuncture hurt?

When performed correctly, acupuncture should not hurt. Some patients experience a mild tingling sensation after needles are inserted.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a minimally-invasive medical procedure that is approved by the FDA. Side effects are rare, and when they do occur, they are generally mild. At Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine, acupuncture therapy is only performed by skilled acupuncturists on our medical team.

Can you get acupuncture during pregnancy?

The short answer is sometimes. It generally depends on your overall health, which conditions you want to treat, and whether your OB-GYN is on board.

Can kids get acupuncture therapy?

We typically reserve acupuncture therapy for adults. However, some older kids and teens may benefit from the process. Regardless of where you receive acupuncture therapy, practitioners generally do not perform this medical treatment on babies or toddlers.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Some insurance plans cover acupuncture as a standalone treatment. Others require patients to combine it as an add-on service. Our team can review your insurance coverage and let you know the costs of treatment before your first appointment.

Can you combine acupuncture with other services?

Yes, and many of our patients do! Your treatment plan may include acupuncture, chiropractic care, cold laser therapy, physical therapy and other services. We work with you to determine which treatment options are best for your unique needs.

Don’t put your life on hold another day. You deserve to feel good, physically and mentally. We can help you do that with pain management services at Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine.

Acupuncture and other pain management services are offered in all our offices throughout Ocean County and Monmouth County. To request an acupuncture treatment or other service, fill out our online contact form or call the office. We’re here to help, whether you’re battling sciatica or need relief from persistent migraines.