Frequently Asked Questions

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General FAQ:

 

Do you take insurance?

 

Yes!

We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, for acupuncture.

 

We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield for physical therapy. We write superbills for physical therapy services for other plans that have out of network benefits. If you're unsure if your insurance will cover the visit, contact me and I'll check.

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We can accept HSA/FSA for any appointments.

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Acupuncture Specific FAQ (From Ashley):

 

What kind of training does an acupuncturist have?

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An acupuncturist needs to be licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, and nationally certified by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). The post-graduate school must be recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which requires at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience. Beyond that, I hold a Masters in Acupuncture (from The New England School of Acupuncture) and am certified as a Diplomate of Acupuncture from the National Certification Committee for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). 

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What will happen at my first appointment?

 

Like all medical appointments, everything involving your appointment will happen in a private room. I'll sit down with you, and we'll go through questions about your health and what brought you in. I might do a basic exam of feeling your pulse or looking at your tongue. Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing can help make the process a little easier so that I have access to the points I need; it's always a good idea to bring shorts/tank top in case you need to change. Once we've gone over your treatment plan and answered any questions you might have, I'll begin the cupping or acupuncture. Then, you'll relax in the treatment room for between 15-30 minutes, depending on the treatment. I will then remove the needles or cups - you're done and have taken your first step toward feeling better!

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What is acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture is a medical field that has been practiced for thousands of years (certainly adapting and improving with medical knowledge and science), gently inserting needles to different points on the body.

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How long does it take to get better with acupuncture?

 

Every individual is different. Feel free to schedule a free consultation and we can discuss your specific needs and a potential treatment plan. That said, on average noticeable change begins after just a few treatments, and it takes around 10-12 sessions to make a significant change.

 

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Does acupuncture hurt?

 

I won't lie - acupuncture means needles, and needles are sharp. But it's not what you think - these needles are barely a hair's width thin. You’re not going feel most of them. In rare cases, I don’t even use needles. It just depends on the case; I'll work with you to find what's best for your body.

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Is acupuncture safe?

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Absolutely! The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine certifies and oversees all doctors in the state, including acupuncturists. However, please make sure to let me know in advance if you have any allergies to metal so I can make appropriate accommodations. Usually, the needles are stainless steel; rarely, they may instead be made of either silver or gold.

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What can acupuncture treat?

 

Everything. I mean it - everything! Below is a short list of examples, but its usefulness goes far beyond this. If you'd like help with something that isn't on this list, just send me an email and ask if acupuncture could benefit you.

 

• Most commonly used for treating musculo-skeletal pain, it can also be just as effective in treating neurological disorders,  fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, pain from Gallstones or kidney stones, and migraines or headaches.

• Mental/Emotional: Insomnia, depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress. 

• Women’s Health: "Unexplained infertility", induction of labor, malposition of fetus, morning sickness, endometriosis, PCOS, menstrual cramps, PMS, hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

• Respiratory: Asthma, allergies, colds, and rhinitis.

• Digestion: Stomach pain, acid reflux, irritable bowl syndrome, constipation or diarrhea, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

• Others: Auto immune disorder, stroke rehabilitation, and thyroid imbalances.

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What is used besides needles?

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Any technique will be discussed with you first, but beyond acupuncture needles, we might use cupping or guasha to relieve muscle tension and break up knots in your body. For patients extremely adverse to needles that still want the benefits of acupuncture, we can use magnets to stimulate acupuncture points.

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I've had acupuncture before and it didn't help. Why should I try again?

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• No two acupuncturists practice exactly alike! While we're all taught the same core foundation, many acupuncturists practice a specific style they think is best - Chinese, Japanese, Korean; working off pulse versus working off feel; the list is quite long. I've worked in many styles of acupuncture and am happy to work with you to find what works best for you.

• If you're feeling like maybe you'd like to give it another try but are still on the fence, just reach out! We'll talk about your previous experience and come up with an alternative plan of action for you.

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Cupping Specific FAQ (Still Ashley):

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What is cupping used for?

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Cupping is commonly used to loosen tight muscles, but it is also extremely useful in treating a small variety of issues, such as respiratory issues, high blood pressure, stress, and fatigue.

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How does cupping work?

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Cups are placed on the skin surface; then, the air is removed between the cups and the skin. When the air is removed, a vacuum is created in the cups that pulls the muscle tissue upwards. Think of it like reverse massage - pressure is still applied to your body moving lymph, loosening fascia, and increasing blood circulation in an area. It's just using a different direction to do so.

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Does cupping leave a mark?

 

Because the cups are pulling upwards, they can leave a temporary red to purplish color. This is indicative of stuck blood and congested tissue being newly loosened and beginning to move again - essentially, breaking up a beneath-skin bruise you might not have known you had.

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Physical Therapy Specific FAQ (From Johnny):

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What will happen at my first appointment?

 

After you've contacted us to setup the initial evaluation/check insurance, we'll begin with a fact finding investigation, ascertain your functional goals, personalize a plan to accomplish those goals, and re-assess our approach as needed. You will be sent given a few corrective exercises to begin right way.

 

What will happen at my follow-up appointment?

 

Now you have the power to book online independently! Every follow-up appointment will be with Dr. Johnny so nothing gets overlooked, as healing is in the details. Sometimes our bodies can get in our own way, which is why some of session will be comprised of manual therapy, and complementary corrective exercises. Your home exercise program utilizes Medbridge, which allows for following along your exercises with clear instructions and video on a mobile app, web browser, or mobile browser, which means you cannot lose it, nor can you mess them up.

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What are some common conditions you treat?

 

✅ Spine & Postural Issues

• Chronic neck pain

• Whiplash injuries

• Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy

• Herniated or bulging discs (non-surgical cases)

• Scoliosis (mild to moderate)

• Kyphosis/lordosis/postural dysfunction

• Tension headaches and migraines (muscle-related)

✅ Shoulder Complex

• Rotator cuff injuries (tears, tendinitis)

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

• Shoulder impingement syndrome

• AC joint dysfunction

• Thoracic outlet syndrome

✅ Elbow, Wrist & Hand

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

• Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)

✅ Hip & Pelvis

• Piriformis syndrome

• Hip bursitis

• Labral tears (non-surgical or post-op)

• SI joint dysfunction

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

✅ Knee & Leg

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome

• IT band syndrome

• Runner’s knee

• Meniscus injuries (non-surgical or post-op rehab)

• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis

✅ Ankle & Foot

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendinitis

• Ankle sprains and instability

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Shin splints

✅ Post-Surgical or Injury Recovery

• Post-op joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)

• ACL or other ligament reconstruction

• Fracture recovery post-casting

• Soft tissue injury rehab

• Scar tissue mobilization

✅ Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Myofascial pain syndrome

• Fibromyalgia (case-by-case)

• Chronic low back pain

• Trigger point-related pain

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Massage Therapy Specific FAQ (From Johnny):

 

Do you make outcalls?

 

Yes! Contact us to book an in-home appointment.

Call/text Johnny directly at (617)-304-9846 for the fastest reply.

Outcall rates:

60 minutes: $200

90 minutes: $280

120 minutes:$360

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What will happen at my first appointment?

 

A tailored session will be drawn up from your intake form and our conversations prior to provide the most effective/pertinent treatment possible. We'll make a game plan and stick to it; no surprises.

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Will it hurt?

 

Deep tissue massage is great but it does not necessarily require a great deal of force to achieve. It is counter-productive to use enough force to make your body brace itself in response to me trying to crush you; I won't hurt you. It is far better to sink in to a point of resistance and stay just behind that cusp until it gives way. Some deep tissue work may cause some discomfort, but not neough to make you relinquish any secret passwords to access the family treasure. 

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Is there ideal hair-do for long hair?

 

Yes! Any up-do that places the bulk of the hair on top of the head so I don't accidentally over-condition your hair, and to allow you to lay face-up comfortably. 

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What do I wear?

 

You're draped at all times to preserve modesty, so no wrong answers here. I can work directly through overalls if that's what you're comfortable in, but obviously less clothing means having more technical options to address your body aches.

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I'm pregnant, will I be comfortable?

 

We have a pregnancy pillow that takes the pressure off of your stomach when face-down, and have only had raving reviews to it level of comfort, even compared to side-lying. We'll position you the best way possible for whatever stage your at, and keep you informed

of all considerations to maximize safety/therapeutic effects. ​