How to Find a Good Acupuncturist [Ultimate Guide]

How to find a good acupuncturist

Last Updated on October 29, 2021

Choosing the right provider for any healthcare specialist can be difficult. Many people don’t know what to look for and end up overwhelmed by the choices. We compiled this useful guide to help you find the best acupuncturist – the one that’s right for you. 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an entirely safe, natural, and effective technique that has been around for thousands of years. It uses thin, sterilized, single-use needles placed in precise acupuncture points to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. Many research studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment and has none of the toxic side effects that sometimes occur with pharmaceutical medications. 

Your acupuncturist determines which points to use based on your signs and symptoms. Acupuncture helps to relieve pain by re-establishing damaged tissues and your central nervous system. When you receive treatment, your blood circulation improves, inflammation decreases, and tight muscles relax. Afterward, you’ll notice a reduction in pain and improved posture. 

What Does Acupuncture Treat? 

People decide to get acupuncture for many different reasons. But the technique can be used to help manage several painful conditions, such as:

  • Headaches
  • Chronic pain
  • Sports injuries
  • Carpal tunnel
  • Digestion issues
  • Allergies
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Dental pain following surgery
  • Tennis elbow
  • Nausea from chemotherapy treatment

Related: Acupuncture vs. Chiropractic Care for Auto Accident Injuries

Hand acupuncture

How to Find a Good Acupuncturist

A good acupuncturist for one person may not be the optimal choice for someone else. Therefore, you’ll need to look at many different factors when you’re searching. Here’s how to tackle the search:

Do Your Research Before you call an acupuncture practice and make an appointment, it’s important to learn what to look for. Education and licensure are the first things you should look at when researching a professional. Look for an experienced acupuncturist that has a degree from an accredited acupuncture school or Chinese medicine program.

Check Reviews

Sometimes seeing what other people have to say about a healthcare provider can help you make a decision you feel good about. You can often find patient care satisfaction surveys on the internet, which can tell you information about the office atmosphere, wait times, and how friendly the staff is in the office. Pay attention to the factors you think are most important, and make an informed decision.  

Ask For Referrals

See if a trusted healthcare provider such as your primary care physician has a list of acupuncturists in your area that they recommend. This often helps people boost their confidence in their selection. You can also ask your friends, family members, or post on social media to see if local friends have any suggestions.

Look at Experience

If you’re seeking treatment for a specific disorder, the experience your acupuncturist has could make all the difference. See if you can find an acupuncture provider who has experience in treating your condition, and then check whether they meet your other criteria.  

Check Your Insurance Policy

Many acupuncture practices accept most major insurance plans, but some do not. It’s important to check with your insurance plan to see if acupuncture is covered and what your co-pay will be so that you can plan ahead. 

Prepare For Your Appointment

You may have to fill out paperwork before your appointment, so it’s best to arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment. Always look at the provider’s website to see if they have suggestions for how to prepare for your initial appointment. For example, our acupuncturists suggest that patients wear loose-fitting clothing to make the treatment process easier and maximize comfort. Listen to your provider’s advice to set yourself up for success. 

Assess Your Comfort Level

Like when you’re finding your primary care physician or dentist, you want someone knowledgeable and who makes you feel comfortable. This is completely subjective and based on personal preference. If you don’t think that you meshed well with your acupuncturist during your first appointment, it’s okay to switch professionals! Your treatment will be more effective if you are comfortable and able to relax during your appointments. Do you want to get rid of pain and connect with the best acupuncturists in Portland? Contact our office today!

Inner gate acupuncture office

Why Choose Inner Gate Health & Wellness?

Our experienced and highly trained professional acupuncturists at Inner Gate Health & Wellness provide expert care for patients with a wide range of symptoms. Here are examples of why patients go with our practice: 

Experienced Team

Inner Gate currently has eight licensed acupuncturists on staff, all of which have been through extensive clinical training and have years of experience in practicing acupuncture. Many of our providers specialize in treating different conditions, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect acupuncturist for you. 

Related: Acupuncture for High Hamstring Strain

Sports Medicine Acupuncture

Sports medicine acupuncture combines traditional Chinese medicine and Western sports medicine to provide the ultimate treatment for sports-related injuries and conditions. Two of our licensed acupuncturists are certified in providing professional Sports Medicine Acupuncture, and more of our providers are in the process of completing the certification. Our Portland Sports Medicine Clinic offers personalized treatment plans to treat the following areas:

  • Head & neck
  • Shoulder
  • Hand & wrist
  • Sacroiliac joint & hip
  • Spine & back
  • Elbow
  • Knee & leg
  • Foot & ankle

Dry Needling Expertise

Dry needling refers to an acupuncture method that was popularized by physical therapists. This method involves inserting acupuncture needles into trigger points (areas in the muscle that are tender to pressure). While physical therapists are highly trained clinicians in their field, acupuncturists are significantly more experienced in dry needling. 

With over 2000 hours of training in the safest, most effective ways to use needles, our expert acupuncturists are the authority on identifying and treating trigger points, motor points, and acupuncture points. Physical therapists receive minimal training for dry needling. 

Related: Acupuncture and Dry Needling These are some of the many reasons why our patients choose Inner Gate Health & Wellness for their acupuncture treatments. To find out more about our office, check out our FAQ section.

Find out why Inner Gate Health & Wellness has the best acupuncturists in Portland. Visit our website and give us a call today!

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