Extraordinary improvements can be experienced after just one treatment, but this is somewhat unusual! Usually a course of treatments is needed. The length of your course will depend on how chronic or acute your condition is, and your overall energy levels.
For example, a new and sudden onset of frozen shoulder may be effectively treated in 1 - 3 treatments. PMT may respond well to treatment within 2 or 3 cycles, and a long-standing back ache of 10 years may need 10 treatments before the strength of the back is restored. Everyone is different, and it can be hard to estimate in advance how many treatments will be needed.
In terms of understanding the financial commitment and the commitment on your time, for most conditions, we recommend all patients expect to have four treatments initially, and then we can reasonably evaluate whether acupuncture is the right therapy for you. By this stage it is very likely that you will know whether your treatments are having positive effects. Evaluating your progress is an important part of the consultations.
Some people will respond remarkably well to treatment very quickly, whilst others may need to persevere. We expect you to notice some change after every treatment, and as long as this is happening, we know treatment can progress. Initially treatments will be weekly for approximately 3-6 weeks, and will then be spaced out as your condition improves.
Many patients choose to have acupuncture regularly to help maintain their health. Some choose to come at the change of season, others come once every month or two. These are choices that are easier to make once you have had a course of treatment and have noticed the effects that acupuncture has on your health or emotional state.
It may be possible for your private health insurance to help pay for your treatment. Most insurance policies now offer a policy for complementary medicine that has proven to be effective, such as acupuncture and Osteopathy. If your insurance company requires specific documentation, we will gladly supply this.