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Frequently Asked Questions
What is
acupuncture? Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific
points on the body, which have the ability to alter various
biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve
a healing effect in the body. It is not a cure-all or a
“miracle” treatment, but works well alone or in combination
with traditional western medicine.
How does acupuncture work?
Ancient Chinese medical philosophy believes that disease is
a result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture
is believed to balance this energy to assist the body in
healing disease. In western terms, acupuncture can assist
the body to heal itself by causing certain physiological
changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves,
increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, treat
trigger points, and cause the release of hormones such as
endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals) or
cortisol (a natural steroid)
What do the needles feel
like? Is it painful? Are the needles safe? The needles
used to stimulate acupuncture points are very thin, barely
thicker than a few human hairs. The needles used are made of
the finest quality stainless steel; they are presterilized,
used once and disposed of. A patient may experience a sense
of heaviness or electricity in the area of insertion. Most
patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall
asleep during treatments. Because everyone is different,
each person will have a unique experience with acupuncture.
Please ask questions before, during, and after your
treatment.
How long do acupuncture
treatments last, and how often are they needed? The
length and frequency of treatments depends on the problem
and condition presented. The initial treatment will take
anywhere from one hour to one and one half hours.
Additional treatments usually last one hour. Stimulation of
individual acupuncture points may be for as little as 10
seconds and as long as 30 minutes. Generally, acute
problems require less time and frequency of treatments than
chronic conditions. Once an optimum response is achieved,
treatments are tapered off so that the greatest amount of
symptom free time elapses between them.
Are workers compensation
patients accepted? Yes, Rob does accept workers
compensation patients based on approval by the caseworker
and adjustors.
Will my insurance cover
acupuncture treatments? Some insurance policies do cover
acupuncture, however we do not submit insurance claims. ABR
Acupuncture will provide you with the coded paper work
needed to file for reiembursment for yourself.
What can I expect from a
treatment with Rob? During the initial visit, we will
discuss your medical and family history, your current
situation, as well as a brief physical examination. This is
a time for your questions and concerns to be heard and
understood in the context of your particular situation.
After this assessment, Rob will then decide what course of
treatment will be best for your particular condition. A
combination of modalities including acupuncture, massage and
neuromuscular therapy, cranio-sacral therapy, and a low
level laser may be used during your treatment. |
