What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body via the insertion of sterile needles. Medical acupuncture builds on ancient Chinese acupuncture by incorporating neuroscience to yield a powerful complementary treatment option.
How does it work?
Acupuncture enhances local blood flow, relieves trigger points, increases signaling in the nervous system and causes release of anti-pain and anti-inflammatory molecules.
Does acupuncture hurt?
We strive to maintain a relaxed and enjoyable environment for our patients and clients. Therefore, most patients find their treatment enjoyable and some pets even fall asleep. We do not sedate our patients and encourage clients to stay with their pets during treatments.
Are there any side effects?
On occasion, some patient’s symptoms may seem a little worse the day after treatment. However, this subsides within a day or two.
What can acupuncture treat?
What to expect?
On your first visit, we dedicate an entire hour to spend with you and your pet. We perform a complete physical examination, including a careful evaluation of your pet's musculoskeletal and nervous systems. If this examination brings up any questions, we may recommend further medical work up prior to setting up a treatment program.
Then, we design a treatment specific to your pet's needs and proceed with needling. We tend to go slower on the first treatment, since it's very important to us that our patients enjoy acupuncture. The needles are gently inserted and often stay in place for 10-20 minutes. Once the tissues respond and relax, the needles frequently fall out on their own or are easily removed by the doctor.
Follow-up appointments are generally scheduled for 40 minutes. The frequency and number of appointments is case dependent. This could be once a week, once a month or on an as needed basis.
Treatment costs:
*These prices do not reflect standard office visit fees.