I came into Hoboken Acupuncture looking for relief with a very irritating muscle spasm that had been bothering me for two weeks. After a visit to an orthopedic doctor, massage therapists, and a chiropractor for this issue, I was hoping an acupuncture session may help, as it had in the past with my former doctor. Unfortunately, the acupuncturist I used to go to had re-located to another area, so I gave Hoboken Acupuncture a few chances since it accepts my insurance. After three visits, however, I've never walked away feeling relief from my sessions here; and after my latest session, I will not be back.
As far as my last visit - I will start off by saying, I did appreciate that the doctor was able to fit me in the day I called for an appointment. I was in a lot of pain and hoping for relief, so I do appreciate her accommodating my schedule. I will also say the receptionist is very friendly at this office. She is very sweet and remembers me each time I've come in. When it was time for the actual session though, I thoroughly explained the reoccurring issue with my back, and tried to make it clear that it was the reason for my visit. When it came time to apply the needles, I was a bit perplexed that the doctor didn't examine the muscle spasm, or even ask me to locate my pain. Not surprisingly, when the needles were applied, the spot was ignored completely. After sitting there with no feeling of relief, I finally had to call the doctor back in and ask her to specifically apply the needles to the spot that was in pain. She still did not locate the trigger point, and I walked away feeling absolutely no relief. A day later, I am still in pain.
I am comparing this experience to my sessions elsewhere, because those sessions really helped me with my back issue. My former acupuncturist would examine the spot in depth, and make sure he was hitting the pressure points affected. I could literally feel my muscle pain melt away instantly, because he was so accurate in applying the needles. I was hoping for that same experience here, but I've never gotten it. I think in order to improve, the doctors may need to work on compassion, listening skills, and a more thorough examination of trigger point pain. read more