How soon will I feel something during acupuncture treatment?

Many patients experience early improvements such as reduced pain, improved mobility, deeper breathing, warmth, tingling, or relaxation during or shortly after their first session. These responses reflect increased parasympathetic activity and improved circulation.

What should I expect during my first acupuncture visit?

Your first acupuncture visit at Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine depends on the type of care you are seeking. We offer two pathways: one for general integrative and functional medicine patients, and one specifically for orthopedic acupuncture patients.

For most new patients: a 90-minute telemedicine consultation

All general functional medicine and integrative health patients begin with a 90-minute telemedicine consultation. This comprehensive virtual session allows us to conduct a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, nutrition, sleep patterns, stress load, hormonal rhythms, digestion, metabolic function, environmental exposures, and any chronic or complex concerns.

This deep-dive intake helps us identify the root-cause patterns contributing to your symptoms and ensures that your in-person care plan is strategic, individualized, and aligned with your long-term health goals.
All new-patient paperwork must be completed 48 hours before the telemedicine consultation so we have adequate time to review and prepare.

Your first in-person appointment includes a full systems-based functional assessment, tongue and pulse evaluation, neurological or orthopedic screening when appropriate, and a review of your personalized care strategy.
Acupuncture typically begins at your first in-person treatment visit, which follows this assessment and allows us to tailor therapy precisely based on your diagnostic findings.

For orthopedic acupuncture patients: direct in-person treatment

Patients seeking care specifically for pain, injury, or musculoskeletal dysfunction do not require a telemedicine consultation. These patients begin with an in-person orthopedic and functional assessment, followed by acupuncture during the same visit, provided there are no contraindications.

This pathway allows for immediate treatment of acute or chronic pain conditions, sports injuries, joint dysfunction, tendon or ligament issues, and movement-related pain patterns.

Paperwork for orthopedic acupuncture appointments must be completed 24 hours before your visit so we can review your history, assess imaging if provided, and prepare your individualized treatment plan.

Additional FAQs

How soon will I feel something during treatment?

Many patients notice early shifts—such as reduced pain, improved mobility, deeper breathing, warmth, tingling, or profound relaxation—during or shortly after their first acupuncture session. These responses often reflect increased parasympathetic activity and improved microcirculation.

Do I fill out paperwork before my first visit?
Yes. New-patient paperwork is required 48 hours before the telemedicine consultation for functional medicine and integrative health patients, and 24 hours before the first in-person visit for orthopedic acupuncture patients.

Why do most patients start with a telemedicine consultation?
Telemedicine allows us to establish your case thoroughly, identify root-cause patterns, and ensure your in-person treatment is targeted and effective.

What happens at the first in-person appointment for non-orthopedic patients?
You receive a full functional assessment, and acupuncture begins at your next in-person treatment visit.

What should I expect during my first acupuncture visit?

For most new patients: a 90-minute telemedicine consultation

For orthopedic acupuncture patients: direct in-person treatment

Additional FAQs

Related Questions