FAQ
What is a Physical Therapist?
According to the NY State Office of Professions:
A physical therapist is a licensed health care professional who examines and evaluates a patient’s condition and then plans and administers treatments to promote optimal health. Physical therapists seek to relieve pain, improve the body’s movement and function, maintain cardiopulmonary function, restore, maintain and promote optimal physical function; and limit disabilities resulting from injury or disease.
Physical therapists take your health history, observe your posture and movement, evaluate your injury, and develop a plan of care. Treatment may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- patient/client education in health, wellness, and safety
- manual therapy, such as massage and mobilization and manipulation
- therapeutic exercise
- management of pain
- application of therapeutic modalities, such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation
- training in daily living activities
What is an Acupuncturist?
According to the NY State Office of Professions:
An acupuncturist is a licensed health care professional who, based on the concepts of oriental medicine, maintains the health of patients and evaluates and treats their illness and pain.
Using the principles of oriental medicine, the acupuncturist will examine you by looking, listening, asking questions, and touching. This allows the acupuncturist to record a full case history.
Once an evaluation is made, the acupuncturist may insert very fine acupuncture needles into a number of points on your body. The purpose of the needles is to stimulate acupuncture points; the needles do not inject any substance into the body.In some cases, acupuncture may be accompanied by electrical stimulation or the burning of moxa, a form of heat therapy. Acupuncturists may also use a variety of other techniques to enhance acupuncture treatment.
Do i need a referral?
Acupuncturists are independent health care providers; you do not need a physician referral to receive treatment from an acupuncturist.
By law, your acupuncturist must advise you of the importance of your seeing a physician. When this is done, you will be asked to sign a form saying that you were advised of this. You will get one copy of this form, and a second copy will become part of your record.
As of November 23, 2006, a physical therapist with three years of practice experience may treat patients without a referral from a physician, physician assistant, dentist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner for 10 visits or 30 days, whichever occurs first. However, treatment without a referral may not be an expense covered by insurance.
What Happens during the first visit?
Initial visits are generally 60 minutes long though sometimes it may take up to 90 minutes depending on how complex your health history is and how much information was provided during the pre-visit initial paperwork. You will be asked a wide range of questions including eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional states, etc. You will have your “tongue and pulse” examined in addition to other physical examinations as needed in order to arrive at an accurate and complete diagnosis of your condition. Afterwards, you will receive a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that explains your current imbalances and problems, prognosis, treatment goals, treatment plan, and methods of treatment (i.e. physical therapy, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, tui na / manual therapy, herbs). With your consent to the treatment plan and goals, treatment will begin.
Preparing for the first visit:
Complete all paperwork to the best of your abilities prior to the first session
Write down and bring any questions you have
Please show up on time or 15 minutes early
Wear loose, comfortable clothing (preferably pants/shorts that can roll up above the knees)
Do not eat a large meal before your visit
Refrain from overexertion, drugs, or alcohol for at least 6 hours after treatment
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an all-natural, drug-free therapy that is extremely safe. Side effects are relatively rare but can include soreness and minor bleeding/bruising where the needles were inserted. Risk of acupuncture is low if you have a competent, certified acupuncturist using sterile needles.
Does acupuncture hurt; what should i expect to feel?
Many people avoid trying acupuncture because of a fear of needles and pain. Acupuncture needles are very thin; they are about 10 times smaller than the average standard Western hypodermic needle and approximately 2 times larger than the average diameter of a human hair. You may or may not experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling, or dull ache where the acupuncture needle is inserted. Some people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called the “Qi sensation” and all of these reactions are good signs of the treatment working. After acupuncture treatment, it is common to feel energized or experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
Why do they feel my “pulse”?
There are 12 pulse positions on each of your wrists that each correspond to a specific meridian and organ system. Different qualities and characteristics of your pulse reflect your overall health and can help with differential diagnosis. Some characteristics include: pulse rate, strength, width, and depth.
Why do they look at my tongue?
The tongue is unique and capable of reflecting the health and well-being of your internal meridian and organ system. Different qualities and characteristics of your tongue reflect your overall health and can help with differential diagnosis. Some characteristics include: color, shape, cracks, and tongue coating.
WhERE Can I buy Asian Foods and herbs?
There are plenty of stores available in Manhattan especially the Chinatown area. However if you are looking for places near Staten Island via car, the closest ones would be in Brooklyn 8th Avenue and in New Jersey. Below is a link for more recommendations.
Click Here for List of Asian Grocery Stores
Any other questions?
Feel free to contact us directly via e-mail, phone, or text.