FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE, ELECTRO ACUPUNCTURE, SPORTS ACUPUNCTURE AND CUPPING AT INHALE WELLNESS STUDIO, ATHENS, OHIO

Why should I do acupuncture with you instead of others in the area? While I cannot speak to other's skills and treatment protocols, I can say that I have dedicated my entire adult life to the study of the workings of the human body. My gift is a curious nature that looks for how the puzzle pieces of your life fit together and where this missing piece is. I channel that curiosity into compassionate care with a goal of bringing healing to your whole person.

Acupuncture vs. dry needling: what is the difference?

This is one of the most common questions I get. Both use thin needles, and there is overlap in technique. Acupuncture is a full system of care practiced by licensed acupuncturists with extensive training in needling and in whole-person assessment. Dry needling is typically taught as a shorter weekend course focused on muscle trigger points. Acupuncture treats all of you. Dry needling treats a symptom only. What most patients find is that acupuncture feels more gentle and relaxing, and address both the symptom causing the trouble and the root cause from where it comes. Whereas, dry needling tends to be more painful and treats a local symptom with relief but perhaps not always lasting results. As an Ohio Board Certified and Licensed acupuncturist, I have over 3 years of education, have taken 4 board exams to prove my compentency, have continuing education requirement to keep my license to practice, and in my clinic have had over 2,500 patient visits and have 100+ 5 star google review. With my education and experience, I can use both a muscle-focused approach and a broader view of what may be driving your pain, stress, anxiety and other conditions.

What should I expect at my first visit?

1. A conversation. We talk about your pain and other issues, your history, your daily life and your goals.

2. An exam. I look at how you move and where you are tight or tender.

3. Treatment. Needles are placed, sometimes with electro-acupuncture or cupping, and you rest for about 20 to 30 minutes.

4. A plan. We decide how often to come in and how to measure progress. Many people with ongoing pain start with a short series of visits once weekly for 3-4 weeks and then we stretch sessions out to make sure your body can hold the healing and new pattern.

   
   

Who do you treat?

I see patients from Athens and surrounding communities including Nelsonville, Albany, The Plains, Logan, Lancaster, Jackson, Pomeroy, Marietta and beyond. Many patients drive from out of town because they want a practitioner who understands sports and orthopedic pain. I also work with headaches, migraines, stress, anxiety, panic attacks and anyone seeking to work preventatively. This is not an exhaustive list, rather some of the top patient visit needs in my clinic.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

While some insurance policies will cover treatments, most do not. I do not bill insurance companies for reimbursement, but do provide you a receipt for your treatment if you'd like to see if your insurance will reimburse you directly. I am set up to accept HSA/FSA cards. My services are out of pocket services for the patient ranging in price from $115 to $185 per session depending on the issues we are working to solve and the types of treatment necessary. I will never try to upsell you or add options to your treatment that I do not truly think would be helpful. Your health and wellbeing are always put before my checkbook balance.

Does acupuncture hurt? Most people feel very little when the needles go in. You may feel a dull ache, warmth or heaviness once they are placed. We are in constant contact about the needles, and anything that is uncomfortable and I will adjust for your comfort and optimized relaxation.

How many sessions will I need? It depends on what you are dealing with and how long you have had it. We will talk about a realistic plan in a free phone consult, and again at your first visit. As we move through a treatment plan, we will review progress and make adjustments. Typically, a course of treatment is between 6-10 visits.

Is it safe? In the hands of a licensed practitioner using sterile single-use needles, acupuncture has a very good safety record. Tell me if you take blood thinners, are pregnant, or have a pacemaker, because that affects how I treat you, especially with electro-acupuncture.

Can I combine acupuncture with physical therapy or chiropractic care? Yes. Many patients do. Let me know what else you are doing so we can work together. If you have other members of your care team, this also effects the frequency of visit I recommend during your course of treatment.

What should I wear? Loose fitting and comfortable clothing that can easily be lifted to above your knees and elbows is the best option. In some cases, you may have to take off clothing for access to shoulders, hips, glutes or other areas. In these cases, we cover and drape you for optimal comfort and privacy.

Ready to feel better?

If you are in Athens or within about an hour's drive and you are tired of working around your pain, migraines, anxiety and other things that make your life harder, I would love to help. Schedule a free phone consultation at 740.350.5654. Inhale Wellness Studio is located at 94 Columbus Road, Building A, Athens, Ohio. You'll find us behind the red door inside Athens Wellness Coop.

Michelle Stobart, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga therapist in Athens, Ohio. Her clinical focus includes electro-acupuncture, orthopedic and sports acupuncture, motor-point technique, cupping and pain management.