Question 1

How does acupuncture work?

Accepted Answer

Very fine needles are placed at specific points to prompt a response from the nervous system, circulation and surrounding tissue. In Chinese medicine the same points are described through a framework built over centuries of clinical observation. Dr. Shanna Hudgin, DACM, L.Ac. will explain what she's choosing and why during your visit.

Question 2

What does acupuncture feel like?

Accepted Answer

Most people are surprised by how little they feel. The needles are roughly the thickness of a human hair. You may notice a dull heaviness or warmth around a point — that's normal and usually passes in seconds.

Question 3

How long will my treatment last?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit runs about an hour and includes a full intake. Follow-ups are shorter.

Question 4

What should I expect after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Most people feel relaxed, some feel tired, some feel energized. Drink water, keep the rest of your day light if you can, and tell us at your next visit how you responded — that shapes the next treatment.

Question 5

How should I prepare for acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Eat something beforehand, don't arrive on an empty stomach, and wear loose clothing. Bring a list of medications and supplements.

Question 6

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is commonly used during pregnancy, and certain points are avoided. Tell us you're pregnant before your first treatment so the plan accounts for it.

Question 7

Can my child or teenager get acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and the approach is adapted for younger patients. Call and we'll talk through whether it's the right fit for your child.

Question 8

How does Gonstead chiropractic care help?

Accepted Answer

Gonstead is a method of finding the specific joint that isn't moving the way it should, and correcting that one, rather than adjusting the whole spine. The analysis comes first — visualization, instrumentation, static and motion palpation, and X-ray when it's warranted. The adjustment is the last step, not the first.

Question 9

Is Gonstead chiropractic safe?

Accepted Answer

It is a specific, low-force-per-segment approach with a long clinical history. Every new patient gets a full examination before anything is adjusted, and if the findings suggest the problem isn't mine to treat, I'll tell you and refer you.

Question 10

I didn't hear a sound. Does that mean the adjustment didn't work?

Accepted Answer

No. The sound is gas releasing from the joint. It isn't the goal, it isn't a measure of success, and plenty of effective adjustments are silent.

Question 11

Is Gonstead chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care is commonly used through pregnancy and positioning and technique are adapted as pregnancy progresses. Let us know you're pregnant at your first visit.

Question 12

Is Gonstead chiropractic safe for children?

Accepted Answer

Children are examined and adjusted differently from adults — far less force, and a different analysis. We'll walk you through what we find before anything happens.

Question 13

Can I see a Gonstead chiropractor if I've had back surgery?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but it depends on what was done and when. Bring your surgical records and imaging to your first visit so the exam accounts for them.

Question 14

How long will it take to work?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what's wrong, how long it's been wrong, and what you do between visits. We'll give you an honest estimate after the examination, and we'd rather tell you it will take time than promise you a number we can't support.

Question 15

Can a nurse practitioner prescribe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Prescribing is part of our nurse practitioner's scope of practice, and she prescribes, monitors and manages the therapies she oversees.

Question 16

Can a nurse practitioner act as a primary care provider?

Accepted Answer

Nurse practitioners provide primary care in many settings. Call the office to discuss what we do and don't handle so you know whether we're the right fit.

Question 17

What kind of testing can a nurse practitioner order?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive blood panels and specialty testing well beyond a standard annual physical. Every new functional medicine patient goes through the same pipeline: a 60-minute initial visit, a lab draw, then a 30-minute follow-up to review results and build a plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture

Gonstead Chiropractic

Nurse Practitioner & Functional Medicine