If you are thinking about acupuncture in Tampa, two questions usually come first: what will it cost, and will it actually help? This guide answers both plainly, along with what a first visit looks like and how to choose a qualified practitioner.
What acupuncture costs in Tampa
Prices in the Tampa area vary with the practitioner's training, the length of the visit and whether an initial assessment is billed separately. When you compare, ask whether the quoted price includes the assessment and follow-up, or only the needling itself.
At Lavena Health, acupuncture with Dr. Chanelle Azar is $125 per session, self-pay. That price includes the assessment, the treatment (acupuncture or electroacupuncture) and follow-up. There is no membership requirement, and we do not bill insurance.
What research says acupuncture may help with
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the NIH, summarizes the research this way: acupuncture may help with several pain conditions, including back or neck pain, knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, and postoperative pain. There is moderate-quality evidence that it may reduce how often migraines happen, and it may reduce the frequency of tension headaches.1
For many other uses, the evidence is limited. A good practitioner will tell you what is realistic for your situation, and will tell you when a symptom should be checked by a physician first. The NIH is clear that acupuncture should not be used to postpone seeing a health care provider about a health problem.1
What happens at a first visit
A first visit starts with a conversation about what brings you in, your health history, your medications and your goals. Dr. Azar explains the plan before anything begins.
During treatment, hair-thin needles are placed at selected points and left in place while you rest. Most people feel little to nothing, and many find it relaxing. Some plans add electroacupuncture, a gentle electrical stimulation through the needles. Afterwards you will go over what to expect in the next day or two and when to come back.
Is acupuncture safe?
Relatively few complications have been reported, and most problems in the research came from non-sterile needles or improper technique. The FDA requires acupuncture needles to be sterile and labeled for single use.1 Before treatment, tell your practitioner if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant, or have a pacemaker or other implanted device.
How to choose an acupuncturist in Tampa
Florida licenses acupuncturists, and national board certification through NCCAOM is a useful extra check. Ask about training, whether needles are sterile and single-use, what the price includes, and how the practitioner coordinates with your doctors. Dr. Azar is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and NCCAOM board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist, and she practices inside our physician-owned clinic, so acupuncture can be coordinated with your medical care.
Ready to start? See acupuncture in Tampa for details, or book on Dr. Azar's calendar.