Pain Management & Sports Therapy​​​​

 

Traditional Chinese acupuncture works by stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms. It may relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and by influencing the brain's serotonin levels, a chemical that plays a key role in regulating mood. Additionally, acupuncture helps reduce inflammation, which is often a contributing factor to pain.

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Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or recovering from sports-related injuries, acupuncture provides a holistic approach to pain management and overall healing.​

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Whether you're dealing with a sudden injury (acute pain) or a condition you've lived with for years (chronic pain), acupuncture can provide significant relief. Through a series of regular sessions, you can break the cycle of chronic pain, experiencing episodes that are both less severe and less frequent over time

Acupuncture is a powerful, drug-free therapy for a wide range of pain conditions. We specialize in creating personalized treatment plans for the following:"

 

1. Chronic Pain Conditions

 

(Pain that persists for more than three months)

• Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain:

  • Chronic Low Back Pain

  • Degenerative Disc Disease

  • Spinal Stenosis

  • Chronic Neck Pain (Cervical Spondylosis)

  • Shoulder Blade & Upper Back Tension

  • "Tech Neck" from computer/phone use

• Headaches & Migraines:

  • Chronic Migraines

  • Tension Headaches

  • Cluster Headaches

  • Hormonal Headaches

• Joint Pain & Arthritis:

  • Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Hands, etc.)

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

  • TMJ / TMD (Jaw Pain, Clicking, and Clenching)

  • Gout

• Nerve Pain (Neuropathy):

  • Sciatica

  • Peripheral Neuropathy (including Diabetic Neuropathy)

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

  • Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Pain)

• Widespread & Systemic Pain:

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Abdominal & Pelvic Pain:

  • Endometriosis

  • Painful Menstrual Periods (Dysmenorrhea)

  • Interstitial Cystitis

 

2. Acute Pain Conditions

 

(Pain from a recent injury or sudden onset)

• Muscle Spasms (e.g., back or neck spasms)

• Acute Sprains and Strains (e.g., twisted ankle)

• Post-Surgical Pain & Recovery

• Post-Operative Dental Pain

• Bell's Palsy

• Pain from Kidney Stones

 

3. Sports Injuries & Repetitive Strain

 

• Elbow & Wrist Pain:

  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

  • Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

  • Wrist Tendinitis

• Shoulder Injuries:

  • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis & Injury

  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

  • Shoulder Impingement

• Knee, Leg & Hip Pain:

  • Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Syndrome)

  • IT Band Syndrome

  • Shin Splints

  • Piriformis Syndrome

  • Hip Bursitis

• Foot & Ankle Injuries:

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Achilles Tendinitis

  • Ankle Sprains

Q&A

1. Does acupuncture hurt?

 

This is the most common question we get! For most people, acupuncture is a surprisingly gentle and relaxing experience. The needles we use are ultra-thin—about the thickness of a human hair. You might feel a tiny pinch upon insertion, followed by a sensation of warmth, tingling, or a dull ache. This is a positive sign that the body's natural healing response is being activated. Most patients become deeply relaxed during treatment and many even fall asleep.

 

2. How does acupuncture actually work to relieve pain?

 

Acupuncture works with your body's own powerful healing systems. From a modern scientific perspective, inserting needles at specific points stimulates the nervous system to:

• Release endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.

• Reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

• Calm the central nervous system, helping to break the chronic pain cycle.

This integrated approach not only helps to relieve your symptoms but also addresses the root cause of your pain.

 

3. How many treatments will I need to feel better?

 

The number of treatments needed varies for each person and depends on several factors, including whether your condition is acute (recent) or chronic (long-term).

• For acute pain, you might experience significant relief after just 1-3 sessions.

• For chronic conditions, a series of 6-12 weekly or bi-weekly sessions is typically recommended to create lasting change.

During your first visit, we will discuss your specific condition and create a personalized treatment plan with a clear timeline, so you know exactly what to expect.

 

4. Is acupuncture safe? Are the needles clean?

 

Yes, acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist. We adhere to the highest standards of safety and hygiene. All needles are pre-sterilized, single-use, and safely disposed of after your treatment. This eliminates any risk of infection. Side effects are rare but may include minor bruising or sensitivity at the needle site.

 

5. I've already tried physical therapy, medications, and other treatments. Can acupuncture still help me?

 

Absolutely. We see many patients who feel like they've "tried everything." Acupuncture works differently from many other therapies by addressing the body's energetic and neurological systems to stimulate healing from within. It is very effective as a standalone treatment and also works wonderfully in conjunction with other care you may be receiving from a doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor.

 

6. Do you accept insurance for acupuncture?

 

We help you to submit claims to insurance if we take your plan. To make it easy, simply text a clear photo of the front and back of your insurance card, along with your date of birth, to (203) 816-0866. You can also email the information to care@boacupuncture.com. We will verify your benefits and get back to you with the details, usually within one business day. Even if we are not an in-network provider with your insurance plan, you may still have benefits that cover our services. After your visit, our team will send the claim directly to your insurance company.

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7. How should I prepare for my first appointment?

 

It's simple! Make sure to have a light meal or snack about an hour before your visit, wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily rolled up to your elbows and knees, and avoid caffeine or alcohol right before your treatment. Most importantly, come with an open mind and be ready to relax.

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