Why Acupuncture Should Be Part of Your Chiropractic Services
I've spent the last decade working alongside chiropractors through Noterro, watching practices grow from single-doctor operations to thriving multi-service clinics. One trend stands out: the most successful practices I've seen are those that embrace integrative care.
Both chiropractic care and acupuncture represent time-tested healing arts. Chiropractic focuses on spinal health and nervous system function. Acupuncture targets energy pathways and pain modulation. Together, they create something powerful.
Patients today want more than just traditional adjustments. They seek comprehensive wellness solutions. The practices that recognize this shift are the ones experiencing real growth by attracting new patient segments, increasing revenue, and building stronger retention rates.
This blog explores why adding acupuncture practice to your chiropractic services makes clinical and business sense.
You'll discover the evidence, understand the benefits, and learn practical steps for integration.
Synergy Between Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture For Pain Management
When it comes to managing pain, chiropractic care and acupuncture offer distinct yet complementary approaches that work together to promote healing and restore function.
Shared Philophies and Holistic Health Approach
Your chiropractic training taught you that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. You understand how nervous system dysfunction affects overall health. Acupuncture shares this foundational belief.
Both chiropractic care and acupuncture work to regulate and restore the body's vital functions. Chiropractic care does this by realigning the spine and removing interference from the nervous system.
Acupuncture does this by regulating the nervous system through the strategic placement of needles at specific points in the body. Both modalities aim for optimal function — they simply approach it from different angles.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views health as the balance of energy, while chiropractic emphasizes structural integrity. These concepts complement each other rather than conflict. When you adjust a vertebra to remove nerve interference, acupuncture can enhance the healing process by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and relaxing muscles.
Many practices today are already incorporating both treatments. Combining spinal adjustments with acupuncture practice can provide enhanced pain relief and healing for musculoskeletal issues.
Distinct but Complementary Modalities
Your expertise is in musculoskeletal alignment. You focus on subluxations, perform adjustments, and restore mobility to joints. Acupuncture in chiropractic works in a different way.
It modulates pain signals, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing through neurochemical changes, such as triggering the release of endorphins and influencing neurotransmitter activity.
Consider a patient with chronic low back pain. Your adjustment corrects the mechanical dysfunction. Acupuncture addresses the pain perception and muscle tension, helping the patient recover more quickly.
Some areas may respond better to adjustments, while others may improve more with acupuncture. The combination of these two treatments is often more effective than either one alone.
Business Advantages of Adding Acupuncture to Your Practice
Adding acupuncture practice to your chiropractic practice opens new doors—not just in patient care but also in business growth and market positioning.
Expanding Your Service Portfolio to Attract New Patient Segments
Your existing patients already appreciate the care you provide, but there's a whole new group of patients you may be missing: wellness enthusiasts, chronic pain sufferers seeking alternatives to medication, and athletes wanting performance optimization. These groups actively seek acupuncture treatments.
According to the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the use of acupuncture by U.S. adults more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, only 1% of U.S. adults used acupuncture, but by 2022, this number had risen to 2.2%.
By offering acupuncture, you can capture these growing markets and become the go-to practice for comprehensive care. Not only can you continue to serve your current patient base, but you can also attract new patients who seek out holistic treatments for pain, stress relief, and overall wellness.
Revenue Growth and Practice Scaling Opportunities
According to a 2020 Chiropractic Economics survey, 14% of chiropractic practice owners employed an acupuncturist. The survey also indicated that acupuncture services are becoming an integral part of chiropractic practices, with these additions positively impacting revenue generation.
The same survey found that the average annual revenue per chiropractor in 2019 was $305,392, with $1,542 generated per patient on average. Acupuncture sessions typically cost between $80 and $150 per visit, with initial consultations reaching up to $200. This price range positions acupuncture as a potentially lucrative service to add to your practice.
The true business advantage comes from patient retention and visit frequency. Acupuncture patients typically require between 6 and 12 sessions for optimal results. By adding acupuncture, you can increase your average patient visits, boosting revenue over time.
Competitive Differentiation in a Crowded Market
There are around 66,000 chiropractic businesses in the U.S. How do you stand out in this crowded field? Offering both chiropractic and acupuncture services can help set your practice apart.
Incorporating acupuncture helps position you as a comprehensive provider of musculoskeletal and wellness care. According to data from a survey, the share of acupuncture visits covered by insurance increased from 41.1% in 2010–2011 to 50.2% in 2018–2019.
This growing recognition by insurance companies signals a shift towards more integrative care, and offering acupuncture will allow you to cater to a broader patient base, which can help increase both patient acquisition and retention.
Practical Considerations for Chiropractors: How to Integrate Acupuncture Effectively
Successfully adding acupuncture to your chiropractic practice requires thoughtful planning, including understanding licensing, adjusting workflows, educating patients, and managing multiple services efficiently.
Licensing, Certification, and Training Requirements
Before you can offer acupuncture in your practice, it’s important to understand your state’s regulations. Many states allow licensed practitioners to practice acupuncture once they complete specific training and certification within the score of their practice.
Workflow and Scheduling Adaptations
Integrating acupuncture requires some operational adjustments. Typically, acupuncture sessions last between 45 to 60 minutes, compared to the 15 to 20 minute chiropractic adjustment sessions. With Noterro’s practice management software, you can schedule both treatments seamlessly and track progress across both modalities.
Patient Education and Communication
Educating your patients about acupuncture is essential for successful integration. Many patients may have misconceptions about acupuncture, so clear communication is key.
Addressing common concerns like needle pain and session duration can help patients feel more comfortable. By clearly explaining how acupuncture complements chiropractic care, you can build trust and increase patient acceptance.
Managing Multi-Modality and Multi-Location Clinics Efficiently
Expanding to acupuncture adds complexity to your practice. Managing multiple services and locations requires software that handles both multi-modality and multi-location workflows. This helps avoid scheduling conflicts, streamlines billing, and improves patient communication.
Noterro is built for this. It coordinates appointments across chiropractic, acupuncture, and more.
It also includes clinical SOAP notes, voice-to-text Scribe, and sends automated reminders for all modalities. With Noterro, you reduce admin work and keep your integrated practice running smoothly.
Conclusion
Acupuncture and chiropractic care naturally work together by supporting the body’s healing and restoring balance. Adding acupuncture can enhance patient outcomes and bring measurable benefits to your practice.
As more patients seek integrated care, offering both services helps attract new clients and keep current ones coming back.
Managing multiple therapies can be complex, but having the right clinic management software makes it easier to coordinate schedules, billing, and patient records across all treatments—helping your practice run smoothly as it grows.
FAQs
How long does it typically take to become certified in acupuncture as a chiropractor?
Certification for an acupuncture practice within chiropractic usually takes about 3 to 6 months. This includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Make sure the program meets your state’s licensing requirements to legally offer acupuncture chiropractic services.
Are there specific patient conditions that respond better to acupuncture versus chiropractic care?
Yes. Chiropractic care primarily addresses mechanical issues like joint misalignments, while acupuncture focuses more on regulating pain signals, inflammation, and systemic issues such as stress or migraines. Combining both in an acupuncture chiropractic practice allows you to treat a wider range of conditions effectively.
What supplies or equipment do I need to start offering acupuncture in my practice?
You’ll need sterile acupuncture needles, sharps containers, treatment tables, and gloves. Additional essentials include proper lighting, sterilization tools, and patient drapes. Setting up your acupuncture practice with quality equipment ensures safety and professionalism.
Can adding acupuncture increase my administrative workload, and how can I manage it?
Adding acupuncture chiropractic services can increase administrative tasks due to longer appointments and separate billing codes. Using practice management software designed for multi-modality clinics can simplify scheduling, billing, and documentation, reducing workload while maintaining smooth operations.
Can you do acupuncture and chiropractic at the same time?
Yes, many practitioners offer both treatments in the same visit. Coordinating acupuncture and chiropractic care during one appointment can enhance patient outcomes, providing mechanical correction alongside pain modulation and relaxation. This integrated approach is central to a successful acupuncture chiropractic practice.
Can acupuncture help with stress management and mental health concerns in chiropractic patients?
Absolutely. Acupuncture is effective at reducing stress and anxiety by balancing the nervous system and releasing endorphins. Including acupuncture in your chiropractic practice supports patients’ mental well-being as well as physical health.
Table of Contents
I've spent the last decade working alongside chiropractors through Noterro, watching practices grow from single-doctor operations to thriving multi-service clinics. One trend stands out: the most successful practices I've seen are those that embrace integrative care.
Both chiropractic care and acupuncture represent time-tested healing arts. Chiropractic focuses on spinal health and nervous system function. Acupuncture targets energy pathways and pain modulation. Together, they create something powerful.
Patients today want more than just traditional adjustments. They seek comprehensive wellness solutions. The practices that recognize this shift are the ones experiencing real growth by attracting new patient segments, increasing revenue, and building stronger retention rates.
This blog explores why adding acupuncture practice to your chiropractic services makes clinical and business sense.
You'll discover the evidence, understand the benefits, and learn practical steps for integration.
Synergy Between Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture For Pain Management
When it comes to managing pain, chiropractic care and acupuncture offer distinct yet complementary approaches that work together to promote healing and restore function.
Shared Philophies and Holistic Health Approach
Your chiropractic training taught you that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. You understand how nervous system dysfunction affects overall health. Acupuncture shares this foundational belief.
Both chiropractic care and acupuncture work to regulate and restore the body's vital functions. Chiropractic care does this by realigning the spine and removing interference from the nervous system.
Acupuncture does this by regulating the nervous system through the strategic placement of needles at specific points in the body. Both modalities aim for optimal function — they simply approach it from different angles.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views health as the balance of energy, while chiropractic emphasizes structural integrity. These concepts complement each other rather than conflict. When you adjust a vertebra to remove nerve interference, acupuncture can enhance the healing process by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and relaxing muscles.
Many practices today are already incorporating both treatments. Combining spinal adjustments with acupuncture practice can provide enhanced pain relief and healing for musculoskeletal issues.
Distinct but Complementary Modalities
Your expertise is in musculoskeletal alignment. You focus on subluxations, perform adjustments, and restore mobility to joints. Acupuncture in chiropractic works in a different way.
It modulates pain signals, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing through neurochemical changes, such as triggering the release of endorphins and influencing neurotransmitter activity.
Consider a patient with chronic low back pain. Your adjustment corrects the mechanical dysfunction. Acupuncture addresses the pain perception and muscle tension, helping the patient recover more quickly.
Some areas may respond better to adjustments, while others may improve more with acupuncture. The combination of these two treatments is often more effective than either one alone.
Business Advantages of Adding Acupuncture to Your Practice
Adding acupuncture practice to your chiropractic practice opens new doors—not just in patient care but also in business growth and market positioning.
Expanding Your Service Portfolio to Attract New Patient Segments
Your existing patients already appreciate the care you provide, but there's a whole new group of patients you may be missing: wellness enthusiasts, chronic pain sufferers seeking alternatives to medication, and athletes wanting performance optimization. These groups actively seek acupuncture treatments.
According to the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the use of acupuncture by U.S. adults more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, only 1% of U.S. adults used acupuncture, but by 2022, this number had risen to 2.2%.
By offering acupuncture, you can capture these growing markets and become the go-to practice for comprehensive care. Not only can you continue to serve your current patient base, but you can also attract new patients who seek out holistic treatments for pain, stress relief, and overall wellness.
Revenue Growth and Practice Scaling Opportunities
According to a 2020 Chiropractic Economics survey, 14% of chiropractic practice owners employed an acupuncturist. The survey also indicated that acupuncture services are becoming an integral part of chiropractic practices, with these additions positively impacting revenue generation.
The same survey found that the average annual revenue per chiropractor in 2019 was $305,392, with $1,542 generated per patient on average. Acupuncture sessions typically cost between $80 and $150 per visit, with initial consultations reaching up to $200. This price range positions acupuncture as a potentially lucrative service to add to your practice.
The true business advantage comes from patient retention and visit frequency. Acupuncture patients typically require between 6 and 12 sessions for optimal results. By adding acupuncture, you can increase your average patient visits, boosting revenue over time.
Competitive Differentiation in a Crowded Market
There are around 66,000 chiropractic businesses in the U.S. How do you stand out in this crowded field? Offering both chiropractic and acupuncture services can help set your practice apart.
Incorporating acupuncture helps position you as a comprehensive provider of musculoskeletal and wellness care. According to data from a survey, the share of acupuncture visits covered by insurance increased from 41.1% in 2010–2011 to 50.2% in 2018–2019.
This growing recognition by insurance companies signals a shift towards more integrative care, and offering acupuncture will allow you to cater to a broader patient base, which can help increase both patient acquisition and retention.
Practical Considerations for Chiropractors: How to Integrate Acupuncture Effectively
Successfully adding acupuncture to your chiropractic practice requires thoughtful planning, including understanding licensing, adjusting workflows, educating patients, and managing multiple services efficiently.
Licensing, Certification, and Training Requirements
Before you can offer acupuncture in your practice, it’s important to understand your state’s regulations. Many states allow licensed practitioners to practice acupuncture once they complete specific training and certification within the score of their practice.
Workflow and Scheduling Adaptations
Integrating acupuncture requires some operational adjustments. Typically, acupuncture sessions last between 45 to 60 minutes, compared to the 15 to 20 minute chiropractic adjustment sessions. With Noterro’s practice management software, you can schedule both treatments seamlessly and track progress across both modalities.
Patient Education and Communication
Educating your patients about acupuncture is essential for successful integration. Many patients may have misconceptions about acupuncture, so clear communication is key.
Addressing common concerns like needle pain and session duration can help patients feel more comfortable. By clearly explaining how acupuncture complements chiropractic care, you can build trust and increase patient acceptance.
Managing Multi-Modality and Multi-Location Clinics Efficiently
Expanding to acupuncture adds complexity to your practice. Managing multiple services and locations requires software that handles both multi-modality and multi-location workflows. This helps avoid scheduling conflicts, streamlines billing, and improves patient communication.
Noterro is built for this. It coordinates appointments across chiropractic, acupuncture, and more.
It also includes clinical SOAP notes, voice-to-text Scribe, and sends automated reminders for all modalities. With Noterro, you reduce admin work and keep your integrated practice running smoothly.
Conclusion
Acupuncture and chiropractic care naturally work together by supporting the body’s healing and restoring balance. Adding acupuncture can enhance patient outcomes and bring measurable benefits to your practice.
As more patients seek integrated care, offering both services helps attract new clients and keep current ones coming back.
Managing multiple therapies can be complex, but having the right clinic management software makes it easier to coordinate schedules, billing, and patient records across all treatments—helping your practice run smoothly as it grows.
FAQs
How long does it typically take to become certified in acupuncture as a chiropractor?
Certification for an acupuncture practice within chiropractic usually takes about 3 to 6 months. This includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Make sure the program meets your state’s licensing requirements to legally offer acupuncture chiropractic services.
Are there specific patient conditions that respond better to acupuncture versus chiropractic care?
Yes. Chiropractic care primarily addresses mechanical issues like joint misalignments, while acupuncture focuses more on regulating pain signals, inflammation, and systemic issues such as stress or migraines. Combining both in an acupuncture chiropractic practice allows you to treat a wider range of conditions effectively.
What supplies or equipment do I need to start offering acupuncture in my practice?
You’ll need sterile acupuncture needles, sharps containers, treatment tables, and gloves. Additional essentials include proper lighting, sterilization tools, and patient drapes. Setting up your acupuncture practice with quality equipment ensures safety and professionalism.
Can adding acupuncture increase my administrative workload, and how can I manage it?
Adding acupuncture chiropractic services can increase administrative tasks due to longer appointments and separate billing codes. Using practice management software designed for multi-modality clinics can simplify scheduling, billing, and documentation, reducing workload while maintaining smooth operations.
Can you do acupuncture and chiropractic at the same time?
Yes, many practitioners offer both treatments in the same visit. Coordinating acupuncture and chiropractic care during one appointment can enhance patient outcomes, providing mechanical correction alongside pain modulation and relaxation. This integrated approach is central to a successful acupuncture chiropractic practice.
Can acupuncture help with stress management and mental health concerns in chiropractic patients?
Absolutely. Acupuncture is effective at reducing stress and anxiety by balancing the nervous system and releasing endorphins. Including acupuncture in your chiropractic practice supports patients’ mental well-being as well as physical health.
