As a new patient you may have questions about what to expect at your first acupuncture appointment, especially if you've never had acupuncture before. Here's a little information about the process.
Step 1: New Patient Consultation
You will start with a new patient consultation with Victoria. During the consultation, you'll talk about why you're coming in for acupuncture and what you'd like help achieving.
Some people come in for a very specific complaint, such as lower back pain or difficulty sleeping. Other people come for general well being, help managing stress and anxiety, or simply just to try it out.
The initial intake process can be lengthy, as it is a comprehensive medical evaluation. This process can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. Following the evaluation, Victoria will look at your tongue and pulse and run an AcuGraph, which will all be used as diagnostic tools. (Don't scrape/clean your tongue before your appointment!)
Step 2: Your First Acupuncture Treatment
The second part to your first appointment is the acupuncture. During this time, you will lay comfortably on a massage table, with calming music playing in the background. Needles will be inserted to various points on your body, based on the diagnoses determined by your acupuncturist. The first treatment is generally shorter than follow-up visits, but will range from 15-30 minutes, depending on how quickly the first half of the appointment goes.
What to Expect in the Treatment Rooms
The treatment rooms are cozy. A table warmer is used during the colder months, which can significantly add to your comfort on the massage table. If you prefer the table warmer to be left off, it is not a problem. A heat lamp is placed over the feet, low back, or other areas where it may be necessary. This also adds significantly to your comfort.
Once the needles are in, you'll be given a small handheld call button, which will give you the ability to notify Victoria if you need anything. She won't be in the room with you while you rest, so feel free to take a nap and relax!
How to prepare for your first appointment
Before your first visit, you'll need to fill out the new patient intake forms. These can be accessed via an email link from Jane once your appointment is booked. There, you'll have access to your appointments and your forms. If you are unable to complete your forms beforehand, please notify Victoria at acupuncturewithv@outlook,com, and plan to arrive early to your appointment so you can complete the forms at the office.
When you come in for a follow-up appointment, you will be handed a clipboard with two forms. Please fill out the top form while you wait. The bottom form will have a QR scan code that you may scan with your smartphone to sign in for your appointment.
A few other guidelines for your appointment:
Plan to be at your first appointment for 90 minutes. Follow-up appointments are 1 hour.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up to the elbows and pants (or shorts) that can be rolled up to the knees.
Have a snack and be hydrated before your appointment.
Don't plan to engage in strenuous activity right after receiving acupuncture. It is best to let your body rest and relax afterwards.
Located right inside of Dr. Streb's Family Chiropractic at 2 Narrows Rd., Suite 103B in Westminster, MA.
We clean the treatment rooms between patients in accordance with CDC guidelines.
An air purifier is on in each treatment room.
Arriving Late and Cancellations
Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you are running later than 15 minutes there is a high chance you will not be able to be seen, and we may need to reschedule.
Please be aware that I require a 24 hour notice for cancellations. If less than 24 hours notice is given or an appointment is missed, $50 cancellation fee will be charged to your account.
Still have questions?
Hopefully this answers most of your questions about your first acupuncture treatment. If you still have questions, please call or email.
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