Acupuncture
A thoughtful, one-on-one approach to pain and everyday function, shaped around your goals and health history.
We listen to what you are experiencing, review your current care, and discuss whether acupuncture is a useful part of your plan.
Care Starts With Your Goals
Persistent pain or recurring headaches can affect work, sleep and the things you enjoy. Your visit begins with time to describe what is happening and what you hope to change.
Machelle Perkins, AP, Dipl. Ac., considers your symptoms, medical history and current treatments before discussing an acupuncture plan and what progress might realistically look like.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture uses very fine needles placed at selected points on the body. Needles may be gently stimulated by hand, and some plans use a mild electrical current. Your comfort and preferences guide the visit.
Acupuncture has roots in traditional East Asian medicine. Research is exploring how it may affect pain and other body processes; its mechanisms are not fully understood.
Research suggests acupuncture may help some people with back or neck pain, knee osteoarthritis pain, and recurrent headaches or migraine. Results vary, and it is one option within a broader care plan.
Your Acupuncture Visit
We explain each step and tailor the treatment to your situation. Your first visit may differ depending on your history and the concerns you bring.
01
Listen
Tell us about your symptoms, daily life and what you want help with.
02
Assess
We review your health history, medications and current care, then discuss suitable options.
03
Treat
Fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at selected points. We explain what you may feel.
04
Review
We check your response and decide together whether follow-up visits make sense.
Experience With an Integrative Lens
Machelle Perkins, AP, Dipl. Ac., brings more than 25 years of clinical experience to personalized acupuncture care in the Tampa Bay area.
Her approach connects your treatment goals with your broader health picture and encourages coordination with your physician and other healthcare professionals.
Plan Treatment Safely
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Temporary soreness or minor bleeding can occur; serious complications are rare but possible.
Tell us if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or have an implanted electrical device, especially if electrical stimulation is considered. Keep recommended medical care in place and seek medical evaluation for new or worsening symptoms.
Acupuncture FAQs
What happens at my first acupuncture visit?
We review your concerns, health history and current care, discuss your goals, and explain the proposed treatment before placing any needles.
Do acupuncture needles hurt?
The needles are very fine. You may feel a brief pinch, warmth, tingling or a dull sensation. Tell us if anything feels uncomfortable so we can adjust.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your concern and response. We can discuss a reasonable starting plan and reassess together rather than promising a fixed number of visits.
Can acupuncture be used alongside my regular care?
Often it is considered as a complementary approach. Share your diagnoses and treatments with us and keep your healthcare team informed. Do not delay needed medical evaluation.
What should I tell the practitioner before treatment?
Tell us about pregnancy, blood thinners, bleeding conditions, implanted devices, medications and any recent changes in symptoms. This helps us adapt the plan safely.
Curious About Acupuncture?
Tell us what you are hoping to address. We can talk through your questions and decide whether acupuncture fits your care.