Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people are surprised by how little they feel. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin — nothing like the needles used for shots or blood draws. You might feel a brief pinch on insertion, then a sense of tingling, warmth, or heaviness as the needle settles. Most patients find the experience relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment.

Does Fascial Counterstrain hurt?

No — quite the opposite. Fascial Counterstrain is a gentle, low-force technique that works with your body's natural tension patterns rather than against them. There's no deep pressure or forceful stretching involved. Many patients describe it as one of the most comfortable hands-on therapies they've tried, even when it's addressing deep-seated, long-standing tension.

What's the difference between Fascial Counterstrain and myofascial release?

Both work with the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and organs, but the approach is different. Myofascial release typically uses direct pressure and stretching to release restrictions. Fascial Counterstrain instead positions the body into a place of ease to allow the nervous system to reset the tension response at its source. These approaches are often combined along with acupuncture depending on what the body needs.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on what's being treated and how long it's been going on. For acute issues, many patients notice meaningful change within 3 to 5 sessions. Chronic, long-standing conditions usually take longer, since treatment works to retrain patterns built up over months or years.

What conditions do you treat?

Berkley Acupuncture treats chronic pain, sports injuries, migraines and tension headaches, TMJ and jaw pain, digestive issues, women's health concerns, chronic fatigue, and general stress and anxiety.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance in Michigan?

Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for acupuncture, though it varies by provider and plan. Berkley Acupuncture provides superbills that patients can submit for HSA or FSA reimbursement or out-of-network benefits.

What should I expect at my first visit?

The first visit starts with a conversation about health history and goals, followed by a physical assessment and treatment in most cases on the same day. First visits typically run longer than follow-ups to allow time for this.

Where is Berkley Acupuncture located, and what areas do you serve?

Berkley Acupuncture is located at 36700 Woodward Ave, Suite 30, in Bloomfield Hills, MI, and regularly serves patients from Birmingham, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Township, and the surrounding metro Detroit area.

How is Berkley Acupuncture different from other acupuncture clinics in the area?

Most acupuncture practices offer acupuncture alone. Berkley Acupuncture combines acupuncture with Fascial Counterstrain and myofascial therapy as three complementary approaches under one roof. Fascial Counterstrain in particular is rare in metro Detroit, since few practitioners are trained in it.

Back Pain & Sciatica Relief in Bloomfield Hills, MI

How We Treat Back Pain and Sciatica

Acupuncture helps relieve back pain and sciatica by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and easing pressure on irritated nerves. When sciatica is involved, pain often radiates from the lower back down through the hip and leg - Fascial Counterstrain and myofascial therapy can help address restrictions in the surrounding tissue that contribute to nerve compression, working alongside acupuncture for longer-lasting relief.

Common Causes of Back Pain and Sciatica We Treat

Herniated or bulging discs
Muscle strain or tension
Sciatica nerve compression
Poor posture or prolonged sitting
Old Injuries that never fully healed

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your first visit starts with a conversation about your pain - where it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it’s affecting your daily life. We’ll look at your posture, movement patterns, and any history that might be contributing. Treatment typically combines acupuncture with myofascial therapy or Fascial Counterstrain, depending on what your body needs. Many patients feel noticeable relief after the first few sessions, with a clear plan for what comes next.

Back Pain & Sciatica Relief in Bloomfield Hills, MI

How We Treat Back Pain and Sciatica

Common Causes of Back Pain and Sciatica We Treat

What to Expect at Your Visit

ABOUT US

(248) 210-1895

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