FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Getting the Answers You Need.
Considering acupuncture for the first time or just want to know more about what to expect? Below are answers to the most common questions patients have before starting care at Fort Collins Pain and Injury Acupuncture.
-
Fort Collins Pain and Injury Acupuncture focuses primarily on pain relief, injury recovery, and restoring movement. Common conditions include back pain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, knee pain, sports injuries, neuropathy, and headaches. We also work with patients experiencing fatigue, sleep difficulties, digestive concerns, hormonal imbalance, and mental or emotional stress. If you are unsure whether acupuncture is a good fit for what you are dealing with, book a free 15-minute phone call and we will talk it through.
-
Your first visit starts with a detailed conversation about your health history, current symptoms, and goals. Treatment is performed during the same visit and typically runs 60 to 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are usually 45 to 60 minutes.
-
It depends on the condition, how long it has been present, and your overall health. For pain and injury recovery, we typically recommend:
2 treatments per week for the first 2 to 3 weeks
Followed by weekly visits as symptoms improve
Many patients notice meaningful change within the first few sessions.
-
We practice two specialized styles of acupuncture called Neoclassical Acupuncture and Classical Five Element Acupuncture. These two rare styles of acupuncture are not commonly practiced in Fort Collins or in the broader acupuncture community.
Neoclassical Acupuncture is particularly effective for pain and injury recovery, and often uses just a single needle to produce significant results. NCA is a face-up, clothing-on treatment, making it accessible for people with limited mobility or concerns about needles.
Classical Five Element Acupuncture addresses the whole person including mental and emotional wellbeing giving patients more capacity to handle whatever life is bringing their way.
-
Yes. Acupuncture needles are approximately the width of a human hair, nothing like a hypodermic needle. Most patients are genuinely surprised by how comfortable treatment is. At Fort Collins Pain and Injury Acupuncture, many sessions involve very few needles, sometimes just one, which makes acupuncture approachable even for people who are nervous about it.
-
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. You may feel a mild sensation when a needle is placed, often described as a dull ache, warmth, or brief pressure, but it passes quickly. Many people find treatment deeply relaxing.
-
Yes. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture. Treatment can help reduce pain, improve mobility, decrease muscle tension, and support the body's natural healing response. We regularly work with patients dealing with both acute and chronic low back pain in Fort Collins.
-
Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used to reduce sciatic pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle tension. Treatment focuses on improving function and reducing irritation along the affected nerve pathway.
-
Yes. Many patients come in with neck stiffness, shoulder pain, tension headaches, and injuries from desk work, athletics, or repetitive movement. Treatment often helps improve range of motion and bring meaningful relief.
-
Yes. Athletes use acupuncture to support recovery from strains, sprains, overuse injuries, tendon irritation, muscle tears, and training-related soreness. It works well alongside physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, and strength training.
-
Yes. Acupuncture is frequently used for knee pain related to arthritis, meniscus injuries, ligament strains, tendon irritation, and overuse. Treatment aims to reduce pain and inflammation while improving mobility.
-
Many patients seek acupuncture for neuropathy symptoms including numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and altered sensation in the hands and feet. Results vary depending on the individual and underlying cause, but many patients report meaningful improvement in both symptoms and quality of life.
-
Yes. Acupuncture is widely used for tension headaches and migraines and may help reduce both frequency and intensity. Treatment also supports nervous system regulation and reduces inflammation.
-
Fort Collins Pain and Injury Acupuncture is an in-network provider for American Specialty Health and United Healthcare. We can also provide a superbill (a detailed receipt of your treatments) that you can submit to your insurance provider if acupuncture is covered under your plan. HSA accounts are accepted as well.
If you would like to use insurance, it helps to know: how many sessions your policy covers per year, your copay or coinsurance amount, your date of birth, and whether you need to meet a deductible before treatment begins. Please note that we do not accept Medicare.
Have questions about your coverage? Please schedule a 15-minute eligibility phone call or contact us by email. We are happy to help you review your options.
-
Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 24 hours notice, including notice on Fridays for Monday appointments. We understand that emergencies happen and handle each situation individually. Without 24 hours notice, you may be charged the full appointment fee. No-shows will be charged for the appointment.
-
No. Acupuncture is used by people from all kinds of backgrounds and belief systems. Most patients simply come because they want relief, from pain, from stress, from something that is not resolving on its own. You do not need to be convinced it will work. You just have to show up.
-
Yes. Fort Collins Pain and Injury Acupuncture provides specialized acupuncture for pain relief and injury recovery in Fort Collins, Colorado. Common conditions treated include back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, knee pain, sports injuries, headaches, and neuropathy.
-
We are open Monday - Friday 9a -6p by appointment
Closed Saturday and Sunday -
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation and we will be happy to answer anything and help you decide if we are a good fit.