Frequently Asked Questions
I am an out of network provider. If you have insurance benefits, I can provide a receipt that you can use for reimbursement from your provider or from a medical savings account.
In New York, there is no need for a doctor’s referral to receive acupuncture. Rarely, an insurance provider might require a referral from an MD to establish medical necessity. Some insurance providers may limit the number of treatments they will pay for or limit coverage to specific medical conditions.
What kind of conditions can acupuncture treat?
- Lower back pain and Sciatica
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sports related injuries
- Degenerative knee and hip diseases
- Joint pain - Tendonitis - Arthritis - Tennis Elbow
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Neuropathy
Other types of conditions he frequently treats include:
- Asthma - Allergies - Sinusitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Acid Reflux - Constipation
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- TMJ
- Headaches and Migraines
Mitchell’s expertise in Acupuncture and Shiatsu therapy is an excellent form of rehabilitation to help speed recovery from surgery and is a great complement with physical therapy. Many patients often forgo surgery after receiving acupuncture.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Mitchell specializes in a gentle and highly effective style of Japanese acupuncture and Shiatsu acupressure.
The sessions are pleasurable and deeply relaxing. Even those who describe themselves as being “needle phobic” find that they have no problem in receiving Mitchell’s treatments. The skill and experience of the practitioner are the most important factor in determining the comfort level as well as the results. Patients who are new to acupuncture, might be nervous at first, quickly realize that their fears were unnecessary.
How does acupuncture work?
According to traditional theory, acupuncture functions to free the flow of our life energy. This results in improved circulation of blood and fluids and improved functioning of the internal organs. This is accomplished by relaxation of the sympathetic nervous system (the fight or flight response resulting in excess of adrenal hormone) and the stimulation of the parasympathetic system (relaxation response) that optimizes body function.
Is acupuncture just temporary relief or a real cure?
It is actually both. Acupuncture can give you relief from acute pain and other discomforts after just a very few treatments. However, with continued treatments, acupuncture often provides true, long term relief from many ailments. Most patients seek out alternatives after allopathic medicine has failed them.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
Each client’s condition is unique, and the number and frequency of treatments varies. Many factors are involved including the severity of your illness and whether your condition is chronic or acute. A simple acute muscle sprain or pinched nerve may require only one to three treatments. However, chronic conditions may require weekly treatments for two to three months. Like the treatments themselves, the frequency of treatments are individualized to meet your unique needs.
How deep do the acupuncture needles go?
The depth of the insertion varies according to the condition being treated and the location where the needle is being inserted along with other factors. With the Japanese approach, the needles are often just touching the skin surface or inserted only 2MM into the superficial skin layer. Absence of needle pain is important to promote healing!
Will I bleed or bruise from acupuncture?
It is unlikely that you will bleed or bruise from acupuncture. The acupuncture needle, unlike a hypodermic needle, does not cut the skin or blood vessels. Even clients taking blood thinning medications show no greater occurrence of bleeding or bruising. Treatment by a skilled practitioner is a gentle art and has no resemblance to receiving medical injections.
Are the acupuncture needles used more than once?
The manufacturing and importation of acupuncture needles are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All acupuncture needles pre-sterilized and factory sealed. They are each used only one time and disposed of as medical waste.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
