Is acupuncture covered by insurance in Calgary?
Short answer: Yes — most extended health plans in Alberta cover acupuncture performed by a licensed Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM). At Strong Therapy, we direct-bill Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, and most major Canadian insurers.
Coverage typically ranges from $300 to $700 per year depending on your plan. We verify your coverage before your first appointment so there are no surprises. Acupuncture is also eligible for Health Spending Account (HSA) reimbursement.
How much does acupuncture cost in Calgary?
Short answer: At Strong Therapy in Calgary SE, acupuncture sessions are $95 for 45 minutes and $109 for 60 minutes. The Acupuncture + Massage Combo is $120 for 60 minutes. Most insurance plans cover the full cost with direct billing — many patients pay nothing out of pocket.
Pricing reflects the time and expertise involved in assessment-led acupuncture. Unlike walk-in clinics, each session begins with a movement and TCM diagnostic assessment to identify the actual driver of your symptoms.
How long does acupuncture take to work?
Short answer: Most patients feel an immediate effect — calmer nervous system, reduced muscle tension, less pain — within the first session. Lasting change for chronic conditions typically requires 6–10 sessions over 6–12 weeks.
Acute issues like recent muscle strain often resolve in 2–4 sessions. Chronic patterns (long-standing pain, stress, sleep) need more sessions to consolidate results. We assess progress every 3–4 visits and adjust the plan accordingly.
Is acupuncture safe?
Short answer: Yes — when performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is one of the safest medical procedures available. Sterile single-use needles eliminate infection risk, and serious side effects are extremely rare with qualified DTCMs.
Bruno Schell is a licensed Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) with full provincial certification in Alberta. We screen for contraindications — pregnancy considerations, blood thinners, certain conditions — before treatment begins.
Does acupuncture really work?
Short answer: Yes — acupuncture has growing clinical evidence for pain management, stress, sleep disorders, headaches, fertility support, and digestive issues. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as effective for over 100 conditions.
Modern research shows acupuncture activates the autonomic nervous system, releases endorphins, modulates inflammation, and influences brain regions involved in pain perception. Results are typically gradual and cumulative.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Short answer: No — acupuncture needles are extremely thin, about 10 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. Most patients feel only a light tap or mild dull sensation called "de qi," which indicates the treatment is working. Many find sessions deeply relaxing.
If you've experienced injection needles before, acupuncture feels nothing like that. Many patients fall asleep during treatment.
How deep do acupuncture needles go?
Short answer: Depth ranges from 2–3mm in delicate areas (face, ears, hands) to 25–40mm in larger muscle groups (glutes, thighs). The depth depends on the specific point, body area, and tissue layer being targeted.
Bruno uses Japanese-style and Chinese-style needling techniques depending on what your body responds to best. Depth is always carefully calibrated for safety and effectiveness.
Why does acupuncture make you tired afterward?
Short answer: Post-acupuncture fatigue is a normal sign your nervous system is shifting from sympathetic ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic ("rest and digest") mode. This deep relaxation can feel like tiredness for a few hours and is part of the healing response.
Drink water, avoid intense exercise for a few hours, and let yourself rest if needed. By the next day, most people feel more energized than baseline.
Does acupuncture cause bruising?
Short answer: Mild bruising can occasionally occur, especially in patients on blood thinners or with sensitive skin. It's uncommon and resolves within a few days. Most acupuncture sessions leave no visible marks at all.
If you bruise easily, mention it to Bruno before treatment so we can adjust technique and point selection accordingly.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
Short answer: Acupuncture is most effective for chronic pain (back, neck, joints, sciatica), stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, headaches and migraines, digestive issues, fertility support, hormonal balance, and post-injury recovery.
At Strong Therapy, our orthopaedic-focused approach combines TCM acupuncture with structural assessment — particularly effective for musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and tension patterns from desk work.
