Acupuncture Brooklyn, NY
- Sterile Single-Use Needles
- Evidence-Led Point Selection
- Anticipated Fall 2026
Medical professionals commonly use acupuncture to manage specific pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Specific points on the body are carefully struck with sterile, very thin needles. It should be performed by an expert in the field, such as Dr. Brian Donovan of Nuro Chiropractic in Bay Ridge, who has a Master of Science in Acupuncture from the University of Bridgeport.
We treat every approach equally; the same goes for acupuncture. The initial thing to do is diagnosis, followed by the treatment proper. We do not say that it will completely cure everything. We only use it if deemed necessary.
Right now, we are not yet offering acupuncture at Nuro Chiropractic. We anticipate offering it in fall 2026, after Dr. Donovan has accomplished all the requirements for New York State acupuncture licensure. All the acupuncture treatments will be done only by Dr. Donovan once he gets the license. In the meantime, we have a full range of other evidence-based treatments for musculoskeletal and pain conditions.
The Reality of Acupuncture
Maybe you haven’t heard about its clinical importance. It is not just another hoax made by ancient people. Acupuncture is the method of putting single-use needles at specific points on the body that cater to a particular condition and treatment goals. Although acupuncture was used in ancient times, the approach can also be modern. It can help with various conditions, as clinical trials have already proven.
Acupuncture works, but it cannot cure everything. It can be considered for the treatment of certain musculoskeletal and pain-related conditions, as there is sufficient evidence that supports it.
The needles are thinner compared to the ones used in bloodletting activities or vaccinations. You may not feel the insertion of the needle as they are super thin. The needles are expected to stay there for roughly 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment you undergo.
How Dr. Donovan Does Acupuncture in Brooklyn
Dr. Donovan has graduated cum laude on his Master of Science in Acupuncture from the University of Bridgeport. You can expect the following after the completion of licensure is done.
We basically start just like any other treatment that we do in the office. With careful examination and an interview, we need to know the problem, how long you have been experiencing it, what you have tried, and whether it improved or not. Our initial approach is not acupuncture, as every symptom can signify a different condition.
After we come to a decision that acupuncture is the best approach, only sterile, single-use needles are put on points that are condition-specific. It can be the only approach or combined with other chiropractic adjustments, SoftWave therapy, soft-tissue work, or other treatments, aligned with your condition and response to treatment.
There are no scripts or whatsoever. Every needle is not put in the same points, as every condition is different. Since acupuncture is not a cure for everything, we will tell you if it is not the right treatment you should undergo.
What Will You Feel While on a Session?
A lot of people are not fond of needles, as they feel nervous every time it touches their skin or just by merely looking at them; a completely normal feeling. Here is what actually takes place in a session:
- 1 Interview and assessment are the initial process. We will not immediately use needles. We interview first and assess your situation to ensure that acupuncture is the right treatment for you.
- 2 Inserting needles. We determine the specific points and proceed with the insertion. There might be a quick pinch as the needle penetrates to the right depth; the pain is expected to be tolerable. There are points that would be painless.
- 3 After treatment rest. There will be a 15-30 minutes resting period in a dim room. This is where the relaxing part for most patients.
- 4 Taking away of needles. As we take out the needles quickly, there might be a feeling of lightheadedness or sleepiness after. However, for some patients, it is the complete opposite.
Every session usually take 30 to 45 minutes to finish that already includes the setup and rest.
Who Needs Acupuncture?
Not everyone should undergo acupuncture and it cannot cure every condition. There are certain conditions which it may help improve such as the following:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain from osteoarthritis
- Some headaches and migraines
- Other musculoskeletal pain conditions
- Certain types of nausea
For people who have a bleeding disorder, immunocompromised, pregnant, taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding, possess medical devices implanted on their bodies, or has an infection or even a super sensitive skin.
We are not claiming that acupuncture is a magic cure for all health problems. In case you are experiencing a more severe condition, we will advise you to have a medical workup rather than acupuncture. Acupuncture is not a way to delay medical treatment.
What Comes Next After a Session, and How Frequent You Need it
After a session is over, a feeling of relaxation is felt by most of the patients. Some may feel a little bit tired though. There might be some soreness on where the needles are placed and it resolves on its own within a day. Some gets the relief they wanted immediately while others feel gradual improvement as time pass by.
The timeline varies for everyone. Several factors, like condition, response, and the end goal, affect the timeline. Acute conditions might take a bit more time, while chronic conditions take the most time to heal. Weekly to biweekly treatments are a possible frequency of treatment.
Continuous ReassessmentIn case the result is a bit slower than expected, plan adjustments are made. The approach needs some modification. Some instances only prove that acupuncture is not the most ideal tool for you. Do not lose hope because what we want is to bring you back to your tip-top shape, and using a treatment that’s not for you is not reasonable to pursue.
What Do Patients SayRight now, there are still no patient reports that are all about acupuncture. The patients appreciate that there are ears that are now listening to them regarding their condition. Reasonable treatment plans are also what they applaud. The same wisdom is applied here. We tell patients why we recommend it, the end goals, and possibilities that may arise during the treatments. We do not give false hopes and empty promises.
Acupuncture FAQs
When will acupuncture be available at Nuro Chiropractic?
Possibilities are it will be made available by fall of 2026. After Dr. Donovan has completed obtaining his acupuncture license from the New York State expect that you can already avail the acupuncture services if clinically appropriate to your condition.
Is acupuncture treatment painful?
There is a stigma that once a needle is inserted into the skin, the feeling of pain comes next. However, people are shocked that there is little to no pain while on treatment. A dull ache or brief pinch could be present, but everything is tolerable and relaxing.
Is there an exact number of acupuncture sessions needed?
No, the number of sessions is on a case-by-case basis. You can see immediate improvements in acute conditions after a few sessions, while chronic issues will need a much longer time to heal. Proper reassessment and plan adjustment are done to ensure that the treatment still fits your current condition.
Is acupuncture a risky procedure?
No, since acupuncture will be performed by Dr. Donovan himself expect that it is completely safe. There might be little risks just like soreness, lightheadedness, and there are no severe complications reported as of this moment. However, for people with pre-existing conditions such as bleeding disorder or compromised immunity, extra precautions is advised.
Is it okay to combine chiropractic care with acupuncture?
It is generally okay to use acupuncture alone or mixed with another treatment. All depends on the diagnosis and treatment goals. It may come with chiropractic adjustments or soft-tissue treatment. There is no one formula for all as treatments are aligned with your current condition.
Prepared to See if Acupuncture Will Help?
Once Dr. Donovan completes his New York State licensure probably in fall of 2026, acupuncture will be made available. As of this moment, we have a full range of evidence-based treatments for musculoskeletal and pain conditions. Give us a call and we will do an evaluation to craft the perfect plan. We will support your healing journey through clinically-approved treatments and acupuncture once made available.
Nuro Chiropractic, 9408 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209. Serving Bay Ridge, Staten Island, Bensonhurst, Park Slope, Prospect Park, Borough Park, Manhattan, Dyker Heights, Williamsburg, and the greater Brooklyn area.