Here are some of the most common questions we get. This is our effort to help you get what you need as quickly as possible. We're still here to answer your questions: feel free to call us at (888) 734-2280 or use our handy contact form.
Quick nav: Acupuncture FAQs | Aquatic Therapy FAQs | Physical Therapy FAQs
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Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions
What foods should patients avoid while under the care of an acupuncturist?
You can eat as you do normally, much like when doing physical therapy. No specific foods need to be avoided.
Why might the acupuncturist ask to look at my tongue?
To the trained practitioner, the tongue can indicate which acupoints to pick. Whether your practitioner does this depends on the style of acupuncture they have studied.
The acupuncturists at our clinics usually do not check the tongue. In general it’s the traditional practitioners who will ask to check your tongue for more information about what areas to treat.
What medications should I avoid before my acupuncture appointment?
No medications need to be avoided. Patients should listen to the recommendations of their primary care doctor. Just let the acupuncturist know if you are pregnant or on blood thinners. Neither of these disqualifies a patient for treatment, we just want to know for better point selection.
Why are the needles not placed in the exact body part that is being treated?
There are many styles of acupuncture, for instance, the style we use to reduce pain are local points called ashi points. These correspond to the area in which the patient is experiencing the pain.
Additionally, there are points all over the body that help elicit certain results such as reducing inflammation or increasing blood flow. Your acupuncturist will use their expert judgment and extensive knowledge to pick the points used to treat you.
How many body parts can be treated per visit?
We intentionally focus on one body part per visit to maximize results. If the patient comes in twice a week they can, for example, alternate with the right wrist one day and the neck on the other day.
How long is that average treatment of acupuncture?
The average acupuncture treatment lasts between 15 - 25 minutes depending on the condition or area of the body being treated.
What type of clothing should the patient wear for their acupuncture appointment?
While a patient won't need to disrobe, we do prefer loose clothing or clothing so that they can reveal the body part to be worked on as much as possible. This will speed up and the ease treatment.
Can pregnant woman get acupuncture?
Yes, but they should notify their acupuncturist during the intake interview so that they can pick points accordingly.
Do acupuncture treatments hurt? How far do the needles go down?
Our acupuncture needles are hair thin and you’ll feel only a minor sensation equivalent to a little pinch. Once inserted they don't hurt at all. The FDA requires that they be single-use and used only by a licensed professional.
Once the needles are in place, the patient should relax as much as possible. You can move, you don't need to remain frozen, but ideally the patient should move as little as possible during treatment.
Does it matter if the patient does acupuncture before or after physical therapy when coming on the same day?
It doesn't matter: a patient receiving acupuncture can come before or after their physical therapy appointment.
Before treatment, does the acupuncturist explain to the patient what they are about to do?
Yes. Your acupuncturist will explain that they are putting needles in at a particular place on the body in order to stimulate circulation which then helps with inflammation and pain.
To begin each session, the patients will lay down and relax. Then we can start with as little as one or two needles until they become more comfortable and are able to be calm, close their eyes and let the needles do their work.
Every patient is informed that they can continue their normal daily activities, the effects of acupuncture being internal. As they go about their day, their body will heal and repair inside and also may notice that they feel more relaxed as an added bonus.
Aquatic Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
We have more aquatic therapy questions and answers in our Aquatic Therapy page. If you have any more questions feel free to contact us.
Does Aquatic Therapy require that I swim?
No, you will not have to swim, especially laps. Aquatic Therapy is the performance of specialized exercises against the resistance provided by water, you will never need to swim. You will get in and out of the pool using stairs or ladders and a special lift chair can be used if necessary.
In Aquatic Therapy, is the water warm?
Yes, the water is very comfortable, between 76 - 80 degrees. You will get used to it immediately and the warm water will relax you and your muscles.
Will the Aquatic Therapist be with me in the water?
Your therapist will be right there with you making sure that you and your sessionmates are executing the exercises correctly.
Physical Therapy FAQs
We are doing our best to address questions that we hear over and over again from our patients or referral coordinators regarding physical therapy. If you have additional questions feel free to contact us.
Do I need to have a Doctor's referral in order to receive physical therapy treatments?
No, since 2009 California law states that patients can receive 12 appointments or 45 calendar days of physical therapy treatments without first requiring a referral or a diagnosis from a physician. Southern California Sports Rehabilitation (SCSR) offers on-demand physical therapy. The only requirements are that you be a cash paying, ie. not insurance and that you can receive treatment for up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits.
What should I expect with Physical Therapy?
While physical therapy does include certain passive components, such as massage or heat treatment, the core benefits derive when these are combined with specific, targeted physical exercises that put the injured and surrounding areas through their function and range of motion gradually. By repeating these exercises on a scheduled basis pain is reduced and function is restored.
Does physical therapy hurt?
We work with you to minimize pain by starting gradually at levels that you can tolerate and increasing slowly so that you are able and willing to continue your therapy. Working too hard, too fast is counter-productive and benefits no one.
Will physical therapy fix my condition?
The word “fix” implies a “one and done” mentality that has no place in pain relief or physical therapy. Our goal is to restore as much function and range of motion as possible while reducing pain and inflammation. With continued focus by the patient on regularly performing the exercises they’ve been taught recurrence can be minimized.
Will physical therapy make the pain go away?
That is absolutely the goal, yes, but our approach involves addressing the root cause, it is not a bandaid or magic pill. In fact it is designed to eliminate the need for painkillers which never, ever address root causes.