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Q & A

Some common questions about acupuncture are answered below. Call us if you have other questions or if you are interested in improving your life through acupuncture treatment.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an evidence-based treatment that involves inserting sterile, thin (0.12mm – 0.45mm) filiform needles into specific anatomical points throughout the body to stimulate natural healing. For pain management and rehabilitation, acupuncture helps:

  • Desensitize the nervous system
  • Increase local blood circulation
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Promote tissue healing

Why did my acupuncturist recommend herbs?

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.

How many treatments will I need?

We typically evaluate your progress within the first 4 sessions. The total number of treatments depends on:

  • Symptom complexity and severity
  • Your personal health goals
  • Response to initial treatment
  • Condition chronicity

Most treatment programs range from 1 month to 6 months.

How Much Does Treatment Cost?

Initial Consultation: $30 (30-45 minutes)

Your first visit includes:

  • Comprehensive intake and health history review
  • Physical examination
  • Treatment options discussion
  • Personalized program recommendations
  • Q&A session

Treatment Programs:

Pricing varies based on condition complexity and program duration (typically 1 month to 6 months).

Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

While most insurance plans do cover acupuncture, currently Performance DNA is not in network with any companies. We will provide a super bill so that you can submit it to your insurance company for reimbursement. 

How should I prepare?

  • Clothing: wear clothes that are easily removeable and that you can move in. We will need access to the affected or injured area. 
  • Food/drink: Make sure you are hydrated. If possible, avoid skipping a meal or consuming an overly large meal immediately before treatment

 

Are Acupuncture and Dry Needling Safe?

Both acupuncture and dry needling are considered extremely safe treatments. While no medical procedure is entirely risk-free, serious complications are exceptionally rare.

Safety Statistics:

  • Infection or pneumothorax risk: approximately 0.0001% of cases
  • Common mild side effects: temporary soreness, minor bleeding, or bruising at needle sites

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique with roots in both Western and Eastern medicine traditions.

Western Perspective:

First termed in the early 1980s, dry needling initially focused on treating trigger points using beveled-needle syringes without injectates (hence “dry”). Modern dry needling uses acupuncture needles to address various neuromusculoskeletal conditions beyond trigger points.

Chinese Medicine Perspective:

Dry needling evolved from “ashi needling,” a palpation-based technique. Practitioners locate and needle tender points that either reproduce or alleviate the patient’s symptoms.

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: What’s the Difference?

The distinction between acupuncture and dry needling isn’t always clear-cut due to overlapping mechanisms. For an in-depth comparison, read our detailed blog post on acupuncture vs. dry needling.

Quick Comparison:

  • Acupuncture: Uses lighter stimulation, treats both local symptoms and underlying systemic conditions, often combined with tui na massage and herbal medicine
  • Dry Needling: Typically uses stronger stimulation, focuses on the problematic region, integrated with bodywork, stretching, and strengthening exercises

Our Approach at Performance D.N.A.: We combine multiple modalities tailored to each individual, empowering you toward your health goals with personalized treatment plans.

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is a cornerstone modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), featuring over 300 herbs combined into customized formulations.

How It Works:

  • Formulas contain 5-15 individual herbs
  • Prescriptions are based on your specific symptom patterns
  • Formulations adjust as your condition improves
  • Treatment continues until herbs are no longer needed

What is Zheng Gu Tui Na?

Zheng Gu Tui Na is a specialized Chinese medicine bodywork technique for orthopedic conditions. This therapeutic approach includes:

  • Deep tissue massage
  • Myofascial release
  • Joint mobilization and manipulation
  • Focus on optimal joint mechanics

Similar to chiropractic care, Zheng Gu Tui Na emphasizes proper joint alignment and function.

What is Active Release Technique®?

Active Release Technique is a targeted bodywork method that identifies and treats specific muscle areas with suboptimal function. The practitioner applies directional force while moving the muscle through its full range of motion, resulting in:

  • Increased mobility
  • Improved muscle activation
  • Enhanced rehabilitation outcomes

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong (pronounced “chee gong”) translates to “conditioning” and combines physical movement with breathwork exercises.

At Performance D.N.A., we use Qi Gong to:

  • Rehabilitate injuries
  • Reintegrate injured areas into normal movement patterns
  • Prevent future reinjury
  • Improve overall body awareness and function
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