getting started

What To Expect

Your first visit at rhodes. is more than just a treatment—it’s a comprehensive deep dive into your health and well-being. Our lead practitioner, Stephanie Rhodes, takes the time to understand your body, mind, and lifestyle to create a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your symptoms, not just the surface issues. The goal is to provide a holistic approach to your health, designed to promote long-term wellness and balance.

Whether you are seeking relief from chronic pain, stress management, or support for an ongoing condition, your initial visit will be an in-depth, collaborative process focused on finding the best solutions for you.

The Initial Assessment: What To Expect

During your first visit, you’ll undergo a thorough health assessment, which includes understanding not just your symptoms, but your entire health history and daily life. Stephanie will work with you to get a complete picture of your health, so the treatment plan is uniquely tailored to your needs.

1. Initial Consultation

We begin your first visit by sitting down to talk about your health. This part of the consultation is an opportunity for you to share your story—how you’re feeling, what you’ve been struggling with, and what your health goals are. We cover:

Current symptoms

Whether it's chronic pain, emotional stress, or other issues, we want to hear how it’s affecting your life.

Medical history

Stephanie will ask about your past health conditions, previous treatments, surgeries, and any medications or supplements you’re taking.

Lifestyle factors

We’ll discuss aspects like your diet, sleep patterns, stress levels, exercise routine, and emotional well-being to get a full understanding of how these impact your overall health.

This consultation helps us begin to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms and identify any patterns that may be contributing to imbalances in your body.

2. TCM Examination

Following the consultation, Stephanie will perform a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) examination to further assess your body’s internal balance. This process includes:

Pulse diagnosis

By feeling the pulse at several points on your wrist, Stephanie can gain insight into the state of your internal organs and energy flow (Qi).

Tongue diagnosis

The color, shape, and coating of your tongue provide important clues about your digestion, circulation, and overall health.

Physical check

If needed, Stephanie may also check specific areas of the body where you’re experiencing pain or discomfort to assess any visible tension or imbalance.

This physical examination helps us confirm our findings from the initial consultation and provides additional information on how best to proceed with treatment.

3. Acupuncture Treatment

If your condition is suitable for immediate treatment, your first acupuncture session will often take place on the same day. The acupuncture session will be designed to:

Relieve acute symptoms

Whether it’s pain, tension, or stress, the goal is to provide some relief during your first session.

Set the foundation for deeper healing

Acupuncture works over time to restore balance to the body’s energy systems, so this initial session will help kickstart that process.

The acupuncture session is typically a relaxing experience, with ultra-thin needles being gently inserted into specific points on your body to encourage the free flow of Qi. Most patients find acupuncture to be comfortable and even calming, with some feeling immediate relief, while others experience more gradual improvement over a series of treatments.

4. Personalized Treatment Plan

At the end of your visit, Stephanie will create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs and health goals. This plan may include:

Acupuncture schedule

We’ll recommend how often you should return for acupuncture sessions to achieve the best results.

Lifestyle recommendations

Stephanie may suggest changes to your diet, exercise routine, stress management techniques, and other daily habits that can enhance your health.

The plan is designed to be comprehensive yet flexible, adapting to your body’s needs as you progress. We’ll work together to monitor your improvement and make adjustments as needed to ensure long-lasting results.

Welcome to rhodes

Your Healing Journey Starts Here

We believe that healing is a journey, and the first step is understanding the full picture of your health. Your initial consultation and assessment are critical for developing a treatment plan that’s tailored to you. Our holistic approach ensures that we’re addressing not only your symptoms but also the root causes of your discomfort, leading to better outcomes and long-term wellness.

Whether you’re here for pain relief, stress management, or to address ongoing health concerns, our goal is to support you every step of the way with personalized, compassionate care.

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Common Questions

Common Questions About Your First Visit

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Many acupuncture points are located on the lower legs and arms, so it’s helpful to have easy access to these areas.
Your first visit usually lasts about 90 minutes. This includes the initial consultation, examination, and, if appropriate, an acupuncture treatment.
Most patients find acupuncture to be painless. The needles are very fine, and while you may feel a slight sensation upon insertion, it is typically minimal. Many patients find the experience deeply relaxing.
The number of treatments depends on your condition and health goals. Some people may feel improvement after just a few sessions, while others with chronic or complex issues may require more regular treatments for a longer period.
At rhodes., we do not accept insurance directly, but we’re happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. This gives you the freedom to use your insurance benefits, while we maintain our focus on delivering high-quality, personalized care without the constraints of insurance regulations.
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