Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We're at 4163 1st Ave South, at the corner of 1st Ave South and 42nd Street in St. Petersburg, Florida. We're in a dark blue house right on the corner. There's plenty of parking in our lot behind the building and on 1st Ave South and 42nd Street. When you arrive, just walk right in — no need to knock or ring the doorbell.
What's your cancellation policy?
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. This allows others to be seen, especially when we have people on the waitlist. We charge the full fee if you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or if you don't show up.
What should I wear to my appointment?
When possible, wear something comfortable and loose. We often have you remove clothing to access the areas being treated, and in that case you'll always be draped with a sheet. Your comfort level is our priority.
How should I prepare for my visit?
Complete your intake forms at least 24 hours before your appointment so we can review them ahead of time. Eat something light beforehand, and arrive a few minutes early so you can relax and use the restroom if needed. No one wants to rush on their way to an appointment where they should be relaxing.
I'm ready to schedule — which appointment should I pick?
Most new patients will pick the New Patient: Acupuncture and/or Dry Needling Initial Evaluation & Treatment. If you have an acute injury or pain condition and don't see a new patient appointment available, contact us to find out if you can book a New Patient/Urgent Care appointment.
Can I book my appointment online?
Yes. You'll set up your patient portal, and from there you can book, change, or cancel your appointments online. We also offer the convenience of a waitlist — it's highly recommended, since it gives you priority access to openings that become available as people move appointments around.
How does the waitlist work, and should I put myself on it?
It's highly recommended — the waitlist gives you priority access to openings that become available as people move their appointments around. When an opening comes up, everyone on the waitlist is notified. If it works for you, book it; if not, just ignore it and you'll stay on the waitlist for other openings. Be sure to select the correct type of appointment: established patients should pick the established patient appointment, not the new patient one, since the new patient slot needs a larger block of time and fewer of those will open up.
What does a typical acupuncture/dry needling appointment look like?
During your initial appointment, we'll assess what you're coming in for and review your health history, then do a full acupuncture/dry needling treatment, including manual therapies if needed. You'll then rest with the needles in place. Follow-up appointments start with a brief check-in, followed by your treatment.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Dry needling is based only on anatomy and targets tight muscles, adhesions, and trigger points to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support recovery from musculoskeletal conditions — in the acupuncture world, it's also known as trigger point acupuncture. Traditional acupuncture uses specific points along the meridians to promote overall health, relieve pain, regulate the nervous system, and support whole-body healing.
What is electroacupuncture?
Electroacupuncture is a specialized treatment that uses gentle electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles to reduce pain, improve muscle function, and accelerate recovery from orthopedic injuries. It's commonly used for sports injuries, tendon pain, muscle strains, joint dysfunction, and post-surgical rehabilitation, helping optimize healing and restore movement so patients can return to activity safely and efficiently.
Does acupuncture or dry needling hurt?
You might feel a quick pinch as the needle goes in, followed by a dull ache and/or a muscle twitch. This is normal and the kind of response we want. Once the needles are in, most people find the rest of the treatment relaxing.
How long are acupuncture appointments?
The initial appointment, including evaluation and treatment, lasts 60–90 minutes depending on the complexity of your health issues. Follow-up appointments are 50 minutes, giving us time to get you rescheduled and prepare the room for the next patient.
How will I feel after the treatment?
Most people feel more relaxed, looser, and less tension. With dry needling, you might feel a little sore — kind of like you did a workout — and this typically lasts 24–48 hours.
How often should I come in?
This varies based on your treatment goals, the severity of your issues, and how quickly you respond to treatment. We typically start with once a week, then lengthen the time between treatments as things improve. For lasting results, consistency is key.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients notice improvement within the first 1–3 treatments. Acute or mild conditions often respond in 4–6 sessions, while chronic or more complex issues may need 10–20 treatments for lasting results. Once your goals are met, periodic maintenance treatments every 4–6 weeks can help support recovery and prevent flare-ups.
Can I work out after acupuncture?
In most situations, yes — movement can be incredibly helpful after treatment. Gentle movement in the areas we worked on is beneficial, just make sure you're not overworking an area we've just treated.
Should I use heat or ice after a treatment?
Use heat, not ice. Our treatments aim to increase blood flow and help muscles relax, and heat supports that. Ice constricts muscles and decreases blood flow, which works against the goals of treatment — I'd rather you get in a sauna than do a cold plunge.
I'm ready to schedule — which appointment should I pick?
Most new patients will pick the New Patient: Acupuncture and/or Dry Needling Initial Evaluation & Treatment. If you have an acute injury or pain condition and don't see a new patient appointment available as soon as you were hoping for, contact us to find out if you can book a New Patient/Urgent Care appointment.
Does Dr. Kim accept Insurance?
Dr. Kim is in network with Cigna, United Health Care/Optum, and the VA Community Care program. If you have insurance with a different company, Dr. Kim can provide a superbill so that you can be reimbursed if you have acupuncture benefits. Patients are responsible for verifying their acupuncture benefits.
Still have a question? Reach out — we're happy to help.
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