Acupuncture for Neuropathy in Denver
Neuropathy symptoms I treat
Numb or burning feet
Tingling and numbness in the hands
Diabetic neuropathy
Neuropathy that never left after chemotherapy
Night pain that keeps you from sleeping
The feeling of walking on pebbles
Looking for options after medication side effects such as fog
How acupuncture treats neuropathy
Neuropathy is damage or irritation to the small nerves in the hands and feet, and the pain, numbness and tingling come from those nerves misfiring. Acupuncture works on it from two directions: locally along the paths of the affected nerves, and systemically by reducing the nervous system's pain signaling. It is slow, careful work, and I will be honest about what is likely to improve and what may not.
Local points
I needle the feet and lower legs, or the hands and forearms, along the paths of the affected nerves, which increases blood flow to the nerve and the tissue around it.
Electroacupuncture
A gentle current runs between pairs of needles on the foot or hand for about 20 minutes and feels like a soft tapping. It gives the nerve a steady, rhythmic signal, and the trials with the clearest results used it.
Backed by trials, with limits
A 2017 meta-analysis of 15 randomized trials found most favored acupuncture for diabetic neuropathy, though the authors asked for better sham-controlled trials. A 2020 Memorial Sloan Kettering trial of 68 patients found acupuncture reduced chemotherapy-induced pain, tingling and numbness at eight weeks. The effect is moderate.
Honest about numbness
Numbness that has been complete for years is the slowest to change and sometimes does not. Acupuncture works best for neuropathy that is recent or still changing, and it does not work well against a rising A1c, so steady blood sugar matters.
Your treatment plan
Your first visit
We go through your history, including your diabetes management or chemotherapy history, I test sensation and strength in your feet and hands, and you get a full treatment the same day.
How many visits to expect
Neuropathy takes a longer course than muscle pain, because nerves repair slowly. Plan on 10 to 12 visits over 8 to 10 weeks, usually twice a week for the first three weeks and then weekly. Most people know within six visits whether it is working. After the initial course, many patients come monthly to hold the gains.
Between visits
Walk daily on a safe, even surface, check your feet each night for cuts or blisters you cannot feel, and keep your blood sugar steady if you have diabetes.
When to see your physician first
Call your doctor first for numbness or weakness that came on suddenly or spreads up the leg, weakness on one side, loss of bladder or bowel control, a foot wound that is not healing, or new numbness during active chemotherapy. I treat alongside your physician, oncologist or endocrinologist.
Neuropathy patients from across southeast Denver
Easy to reach
The clinic is at 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 150, in Hampden Town Center at Hampden Avenue and I-25, with free parking at the door.
In active chemotherapy?
Mention it when you book so I can plan around your infusion schedule.
Pair it with
Many neuropathy patients add cupping on the calves and low back for the tightness that comes from walking carefully.
500+ five-star reviews across Google, ClassPass and Groupon
124 Five Star Reviews
Mike at subtle point is a pro! He has helped me numerous times deal with musculoskeletal pain in my back, legs, shoulder, neck and hands! He’s great at what he does and is very personable so I gladly give him five stars!
—Moe El Ali
247 Five Star Reviews
Michael was PERFECT! He asked a lot of questions about my pain and went to work on relieving it. The pain in my side that would wake me up every night for years has been gone for 4 days now thanks to the acupuncture. I also received such an amazing neck and head rub it made my toes tingle! I also noticed that I can go much deeper in my yoga poses after one treatment. Michael knows his work!
—Becky
146 Five Star Reviews
“Mike is so thorough and knowledgeable. Best acupuncture experience I have ever had. I will definitely be going back!”
“The owner Michael was super nice and very knowledgeable! I had a great experience!”
“This is the first time I’ve ever had acupuncture and cupping, and it was great. Definitely recommend.”
Prices
Payment
We accept cash, check, all major credit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. We don’t bill insurance directly, but we can provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It helps many of the patients I see, most often with the burning, tingling and night pain first and with sensation later. It works best for neuropathy that is recent or still changing, and more slowly for numbness that has been complete for years.
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A 2020 randomized trial found that eight weeks of acupuncture with electrical stimulation reduced pain, tingling and numbness from chemotherapy more than a sham procedure or usual care. The trial was small, and I coordinate with your oncology team.
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Plan on 10 to 12 visits over 8 to 10 weeks, twice a week at first. Most people know within six visits whether it is helping. After the initial course, monthly visits keep the gains for most patients.
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Usually not. Numb areas often feel nothing at all, and the needles I use on the feet are the thinnest available. Electroacupuncture feels like a gentle tapping, and I set the level with you.
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At The Subtle Point a 90-minute first visit is $150 and follow-ups are $60 for 30 minutes, $95 for 60 minutes, or $130 for 90 minutes with cupping or Tuina. HSA and FSA cards work, and you receive a superbill for your insurer.
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Rarely, and never the way an injection does. Acupuncture needles are about the width of a human hair. Most people feel a brief tap, then a dull, heavy or warm sensation that fades in a few seconds. If any point feels sharp, tell me and I will adjust or remove it.
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Book online at acusimple.com/access/4476, or call or text (720) 285-6251.