The most frequently asked question from new acupuncture patients is, “How many treatments will I need?” I am tempted to answer, “As many as it takes,” but that is not always the best response.
So how many treatments? First, acupuncture is cumulative. The more you do it, the better it works. A single acupuncture treatment can make a patient feel relaxed and reduce pain. However, the goal of acupuncture treatment is sustained reduction in symptoms. Generally, acute injuries or new symptoms respond best to more frequent treatments, such as 2x a week for four to six weeks. Then we check to see if the improvement is sticking and plan from there. For chronic conditions I find once a week will work if the patient is consistent. Changes may involve treatment of several body systems. Treatment of chronic conditions can require six weeks to several months.
I already hear the groans and kvetching, “But that is sooo many treatments; it will take so looong.”
Look, basically nothing on earth works in one session. If you are looking for improvement in fitness, going to the gym once every few weeks won’t work. Facials are expected to be repeated every few months. Chiropractors will schedule sessions two to three times a week for up to six weeks, and the same with physical therapy. So why not give acupuncture the same chance to help?
Just as weight training takes several days a week for multiple weeks to see improvement, acupuncture takes multiple treatments to reset the nervous and muscular systems. You may feel relaxed and less pain after a single treatment but improvement really sticks (pun intended) after several treatments.
Consistent acupuncture treatment is important in adapting treatment to the changing condition of a patient. A patient may present with a chief complaint of headache, and then as we proceed we learn that the patient’s real issue is TMJ and radiating neck pain.
Resolution of different issues takes time. Women seeking treatment to regulate their cycles will take at least three months to achieve any lasting result. Regular sessions also prevent recurrence of symptoms and allow healing to proceed. Unfortunately, many patients, despite my explanations, come in once or twice, have great results and then stop coming until their back starts hurting again. This is frustrating for both of us. I often hear from people that they “tried acupuncture but it didn’t work,” only to find out they saw an acupuncturist just twice.
In my practice, I develop a treatment plan suggesting frequency of sessions, dietary recommendations and lifestyle suggestions. This is an outline which serves as a blueprint for treatment. We adapt and refine as necessary so you can look forward to the best results.
Dr. Sara Youner owns Morning Light Acupuncture in Springfield, New Jersey. She is in network with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Contact her at [email protected] with any questions or make an appointment at www.morninglightacupuncturenj.com.
