How many treatments do I need to see results?
The number of treatments needed can depend on what the condition is, how long it has been going on and your individual response to acupuncture. Similar to exercising, the effects of acupuncture treatments build on top of one another and the closer your sessions are to one another in the beginning, the faster you will experience results.
Acute pain conditions generally respond quickly and can be resolved within two to three treatments. For more chronic or internal issues, patients may need a series of 6 -10 visits for long term change. Degenerative conditions can require several additional treatments over time for pain management.
Generally you should consider allowing a minimum of six treatments (one or two sessions a week for five to six weeks) to see how your body responds to treatment. Based on your condition, response to treatment, schedule and budget we can create a individual treatment plan to meet your health goals.
What should i expect for my first treatment?
Acupuncturists are like health detectives and the more information they can gather (although seemingly unrelated) the more successful your treatments will be. After scheduling your first appointment, you will be emailed a detailed health history form that will us help paint the picture of your overall. The more thorough you are in filling the form, the better equipped we will be curating a realistic treatment plan for your first visit.
On your first appointment, allow an hour and a half for a comprehensive health intake that will include tongue, pulse and abdominal diagnosis. You will be asked to remove your socks and shoes as well as roll your pants and sleeves up to your elbows and knees.
What should I do after an acupuncture treatment?
Because acupuncture can have a very calming effect, it is best to take your time after an acupuncture appointment. To avoid feeling lightheaded make sure you drink plenty of water and eat before coming in for treatment. For your first appointment, you may want to consider allowing a few additional minutes post-treatment to sit in our waiting room, drink some water and allow the treatment to settle before driving. No matter how good you feel after the treatment, it is important not to overextend yourself. You should take it easy for a few days after the treatment. In addition, it is important to continue taking your prescribed medications.
For many people in Connecticut, insurance does not cover acupuncture, and those plans that do often cost a lot more. Although Spark Wellness does not file insurance claims in office, we provide our patients with coded receipts which detail services and can be submitted to insurance companies for reimbursement. It is always recommended to call the number on your insurance card directly and inquire whether you have coverage for acupuncture, whether they require pre-authorization, the percentage of reimbursement, deductible amount and covered treatments per year. For more information contact our clinic directly.