acupuncture or massage therapy

Hi Steve,

I go for acupuncture periodically and find it usually helps to some degree.  I don't know that it changes the condition so much as kind of 'discharge' the nerve energy so the pain diminishes.  It can also help me with tension release/relaxation (ironic, isn't it?) and she can do specific things for sleep, so that indirectly can help with healing, I would say.  I believe there are different schools of acupuncture (my person uses traditional Chinese acupuncture) just as there are different varieties of massage therapy, and I'm sure the practitioners may also be more effective with one person than another.  It helps to tell them exactly how you are feeling and what the problems are.  The more specific you can be, the more they may be able to target the problem.

    I have a friend who goes to the same acupuncturist now BEFORE she goes to the doctor, because she feels it's more effective for her, and no drugs are used. 

    You may be told it can take a couple of treatments and you may feel worse before you feel better.  This can vary from patient to patient.  I'm fortunate in that I respond fast, but more recently I find that, at first, I may not think it helped (immediately after), but after a day or so, there seems to be a definite 'clearing out' of the troubling symptom(s).  So - for me it is very helpful, but I don't use it as a first-line treatment.  It's especially good for me when I'm just worn-down, tired and discouraged - it gives me a definite boost.

    Good luck!

Ellen- Thanks for your thoughtful reply. Hey, is acupuncture covered by health insurance?

Steve

It is not generally covered, as far as I know.  However, there are sometimes ways to get around that.  If you have a "flex" plan - where you have money withheld to be used for medical expenses and then apply for reimbursement, you can sometimes get reimbursement that way.  I have done that on a couple of occasions.  Some doctors are also willing to give you a prescription for acupuncture on a limited basis. If it's in a 'script' that may help it get covered, but not guaranteed. (Works better in flex plan.) In addition, there is sometimes a licensed MD who has been trained in acupuncture and other 'complementary therapies' and this may also be a possibility (I have not done this myself - I don't know of one around where I live). 

    An acupuncture appointment where I live costs $50-$60 per session.  Not cheap, but a lot cheaper than a specialist of some other variety, and worth a try if you're really hurting!

Thanks karen!  Please do keep me posted.  I would like to try it at some point.

-S-

Lene- I hadn't thought about damaging my joints but I will now.  The second chiropractor I went to didn't do any of that joint cracking stuff.  I am feeling much better and plan to get back to the gym and also do some swimming.  I feel weak from lying around so much the past few weeks.  I will start slow.   

Steve