The COVID-19 pandemic forced individuals in New Jersey to postpone non-emergency health care for the months the state was in lockdown. Now that New Jersey has entered the initial stages of reopening there is a question of how safe it is to seek relief from non-life-threatening conditions that are impacting your quality of life. These include chronic pain like back pain, headaches, etc. as well as common conditions like allergies, asthma, menstrual disorders, digestive problems, and other concerns, Women who had postponed fertility treatments were unsure when to resume acupuncture. And many people needed treatment for increased anxiety and stress. I asked two individuals who have ventured out for acupuncture treatment despite their concerns about the virus and why they have done so.
In late December 2019 Laura began acupuncture treatment with Dr. Peter Kadar at the Acupuncture Center of New Jersey for debilitating migraine headaches. By early March 2020, her headaches had significantly decreased in frequency and intensity. On March 17, 2020, the office closed due to coronavirus pandemic, and Laura’s acupuncture treatments were interrupted for 5 weeks. During that time she experienced 15 migraines.
Frank was suffering from intense back pain. He had been treated with acupuncture for another condition before the pandemic but that office changed hands and no longer accepted his insurance. His pain began during the early days of the pandemic when pretty much every office was shuttered. His pain was mounting. By the time he sought out acupuncture treatment at the Acupuncture Center of NJ in late April, his pain level was a 7-9 out of 10.
Marie was planning to begin IVF treatment in March when her IVF clinic closed. After a month of anxiously waiting she contacted our acupuncture fertility specialist Punita Jhangiani to find out if it was safe to begin acupuncture to help prepare for IVF treatment. They scheduled a telehealth consultation and Punita explained how acupuncture would help her get pregnant and described our sanitation and safety procedures to allay Marie’s concerns. Marie and two similar patients were initially treated by Punita and have now resumed IVF treatment when their clinics reopened. Marie and one another are now pregnant and very thankful to Punita and ACNJ for the level of care and expertise that helped them feel comfortable in our office and have a successful outcome!
What factors allowed each of these individuals to put relief from the conditions they were suffering from above the fear of possible exposure to COVID-19? Laura, Frank, and Marie shared that open communication with the Acupuncture Center gave them the confidence that appropriate steps were in place to safeguard their health. They felt supported to go beyond their concerns of COVID to get relief.
Laura was familiar with the office prior to the shutdown. She trusted the hygienic standards and the integrity and punctuality of the office. Communication about the virus and its potential threat started in the weeks before the shutdown. Dr. Kadar, the owner, and director of the center, sent emails sharing the latest information about COVID 19 and the recommendations from the CDC on how people could protect themselves. When it became clear that the pandemic was in full swing in the NJ/NY Metropolitan area he notified patients that the office would be closing in order to protect everyone involved: staff, practitioners, and clients, until enough was known to resume treatments safely.
During the shutdown Dr. Kadar sent the third communication updating clients on the latest understanding of what groups of individuals appeared most vulnerable, the characteristics of the virus and its potential to spread under different circumstances, how to prevent spread, and the updated precautionary recommendations.
Prior to reopening the last week of April, a fourth communication was sent explaining the precautions that were in place for reopening on a limited basis:
patients would be answering a series of questions about their current state of health and any possible symptoms of or exposure to COVID.
each patient’s temperature would be taken at the door before being allowed into the building
patient scheduling would be reduced by 50% to ensure proper distancing
there would be minimal contact with other patients or support staff
powerful UV lights would be used to disinfect treatment room
all surfaces would be wiped down with appropriate virucides between patients
well-fitting and correctly worn masks were a necessity, for both practitioner and patient.
Since resuming acupuncture treatment Laura has had only one migraine and her allergy symptoms have greatly improved. Frank’s debilitating back pain is now no more than “a sensation” he is aware of. In both cases, these early adaptors to resuming care have benefited greatly.
It makes sense and is wise to be seriously cautious about exposure to Covid-19. With proper precautions and clear communication and follow-up, it makes sense to pursue natural relief and healing during this pandemic. Laura and Frank are glad they did!
For anyone suffering from a condition that can be helped by seeking appropriate care, it is possible to venture out conscientiously. Here’s how:
Contact the office you are considering returning to ask what precautions they have in place.
Notice if the office staff is patient with your questions and provide in-depth answers.
Check their website to see what information they have posted regarding the precautions they are taking.
Upon arrival for your appointment notice if the office staff is following the procedures outlined on their website and over the phone.
If the staff is not following the outlined procedures or if the office does not appear clean, be willing to leave.
There will be another office that does follow all of the recommendations to keep you as safe as possible. With caution and awareness, you can seek relief wisely. Suffering unnecessarily is counterproductive to your health.
The Acupuncture Center of New Jersey has increased its patient flow since reopening while retaining its commitment to safety and best practices. Additional precautions have been put in place to keep the office clean and patients appropriately socially distanced. Call for an appointment or to speak to us to determine if this is the right time to improve your health with acupuncture.