Preparing for your visit
Book an appointment and fill out the paperwork through the patient portal
Bring a copy of any tests, lab results or other documents such as physical therapy exercises that may be relevant to the condition for which you are seeking treatment
Arrive well-fed and well-hydrated
Wear loose fitting clothing
For more information check out our FAQs
“My shoulder feels SO MUCH BETTER after you worked on it!”
Acupuncture FAQ
What is Acupuncture?
The short answer is that acupuncture is the insertion of tiny, filiform (solid) needles into specific points on the body. Interestingly, many acupuncture points are located at intermuscular (between muscles) or intramuscular (within muscles) connective tissue planes, trigger points, and motor points. The long answer involves thousands of years of history and many different philosophies, but I will be happy to discuss this with you at your appointment or give you resources to explore.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The exact mechanism of acupuncture is not fully understood, but there are several theories as to why it works. A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that acupuncture in mice released adenosine, a chemical neurons use to communicate with each other that has pain-blocking effects. (Fun fact: Caffeine causes most of its effects by antagonizing all types of adenosine receptors). The needles may also stimulate nerve fibers which send signals to the brain and spinal cord, which then release hormones such as endorphins that can reduce pain. There is also a local tissue response involving the release of histamine which starts a healing cascade. Acupuncture can also release tight muscle knots or reactivate inhibited muscles, improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
Does It Hurt?
Not as much as most people expect. Acupuncture needles are solid, unlike hypodermic needles which have a beveled, cutting edge. There is sometimes a slight pricking sensation when the needle is first inserted, and frequently a slight dull, achy or spreading sensation after the needles are in. My goal is for you to be able to rest comfortably, and some people are so comfortable that they actually fall asleep on the table.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments will depend on the severity and duration of your condition. Acute issues may take only 2-4 treatments while chronic cases may take as many as 12 or more. You should start to notice a difference within the first few treatments. If you don’t, or if I am not seeing the kind of results I expect, I will refer you out so that you can get the most appropriate care for your condition.
What Happens In a Typical Session?
The first session is a little longer, with more questions and a full assessment. Follow up sessions start with a check in and shorter assessment to see how things have changed. I will put the needles in and let you rest for about 15-20 minutes, then usually do some kind of soft tissue work such as gua sha or cupping if appropriate for your condition.
What Do I Need To Prepare For a Treatment?
For your first treatment you will need to fill out the new patient paperwork and be prepared to answer a lot of questions and go through a musculoskeletal assessment. This is so that we can get a “big picture” idea of the factors that may be influencing your condition. Try to eat at least a little something before your treatment, otherwise you might be lying on the table listening to your stomach growl. (You might also want to use the restroom which is down the hall). Wear loose fitting clothes (or bring shorts) so that your practitioner can access the affected area as well as your lower legs and arms. If you forget, it’s no big deal-- flattering hospital gowns are available.
How Is Sports Acupuncture Different?
Sports acupuncture blends principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western Sports Medicine to assess and treat your sports, work, or life-related injury. Assessments may include range of motion, muscle length and strength tests, and evaluation of posture and gait. Erin primarily uses a modified EXSTORE system of assessment, but also uses special orthopedic tests and functional or movement screens. Additional tools and techniques, as described in the services section, may be used.
What About Dry Needling?
Dry needling is the use of a solid acupuncture needle or hollow hypodermic needle to induce a local twitch response in a myofascial trigger point. What do all those fancy and painful sounding words really mean? A dry needle (rather than one containing an injectable solution) is used to release those pesky muscle knots we all seem to get. The “knots” are trigger points or adhesions, which are are painful when compressed, have a characteristic pain pattern, and can increase muscle tension and restrict range of motion. As an acupuncturist I also have a number of other techniques I can use to make trigger point needling less painful and more effective.
Acupuncture Rates
Initial Consultation and Acupuncture (60 min) $120
Orthopedic Acupuncture Follow-up (45 min) $90
Acupuncture Follow-up (60 min) $110
Acupuncture Mini or Cupping Only (30 min) $60
Injection Therapy or Kinesiology Taping (add-on) $15
Insurance
Insurance for acupuncture is a complicated business! Wild Blue Acupuncture & Wellness is not currently in-network with any insurance plans, however I can provide you with an itemized superbill.