Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment in Clearwater, FL
Burning, tingling, numbness, and balance loss in the feet and hands — diabetic, chemo-induced (CIPN), or idiopathic — respond well to a focused acupuncture protocol that improves nerve conduction without adding another daily pill.
What we treat
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
- Burning or pins-and-needles in feet/hands
- Numbness or 'walking on cotton'
- Night-time pain that disrupts sleep
- Loss of balance or fear of falling
- Side effects from gabapentin or pregabalin
- Reduced sensation in fingertips
The gap
Why Conventional Treatments Often Fall Short
Gabapentin, pregabalin, and duloxetine reduce signal — they do not heal the nerve. Many patients trade burning pain for grogginess, weight gain, brain fog, or unsteadiness. For nerve pain that overlaps with chronic pain, the CDC's 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids explicitly recommends non-pharmacologic and non-opioid therapies — including acupuncture — before escalating to long-term opioids, and the FDA reinforces this in prescriber education. ASCO and SIO now recommend acupuncture as a first-line non-pharmacologic option for chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and randomized trials show measurable improvement in nerve conduction velocity.
Our approach
How Acupuncture of West Florida Treats Peripheral Neuropathy
- Targeted acupuncture protocol focused on distal nerve segments and circulation
- ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ to support cellular nerve repair and circulation
- Herbal and nutritional support tailored to diabetic vs. chemo-induced presentations
- Sleep, balance, and functional check-ins at every visit
The research
Evidence & Guidelines
Endorsed by ASCO–SIO for CIPN; randomized trials demonstrate improved nerve conduction velocity and reduced pain scores in both diabetic and chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. Aligned with CDC and FDA opioid-alternative guidance.
Real results
Patient Success Story
"Chemo took my feet. After six weeks with Dr. Kim, I can feel the floor again. I haven't taken a gabapentin in three months."
Your first visit
What to Expect on Your First Visit
- 1A relaxed 60-minute intake covering symptoms, medications, and goals
- 2Functional exam (sensation, reflex, balance, gait)
- 3Your first acupuncture treatment, same visit
- 4A clear written plan: session count, expected milestones, cost
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acupuncture a recognized opioid alternative for nerve pain?+
Yes. The CDC's 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids lists acupuncture among the first-line non-pharmacologic therapies to try before escalating to long-term opioids for chronic pain, including painful neuropathy. The FDA reinforces this in prescriber education materials, and ASCO–SIO specifically endorses acupuncture for chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Can acupuncture really help nerve damage?+
Yes — published RCTs and the ASCO–SIO clinical practice guidelines show acupuncture improves nerve conduction velocity and reduces pain in both diabetic peripheral neuropathy and chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Most of our neuropathy patients feel a measurable change within 4–6 sessions.
Will I have to stop my gabapentin or opioid prescription?+
No. We never ask you to change medications — that is your prescribing physician's call. Many patients find they need a lower dose over time as their symptoms improve, and we're happy to communicate with your medical team as appropriate. CDC and FDA guidance both frame acupuncture as an addition to a taper plan, not a demand that you stop cold.
Does acupuncture hurt?+
Most patients describe a mild dull ache or warmth at the point — nothing like a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin (about 40x thinner than a vaccine needle), and most people relax deeply during the session.
How many sessions will I need?+
Most patients feel measurable change within 3–6 sessions. Chronic or complex conditions typically follow a 6–12 session plan, after which we transition to maintenance care. Dr. Kim builds a clear, written plan during your free consultation.
Do you accept insurance?+
We don't take insurance — Acupuncture of West Florida is a self-pay practice. We do provide a superbill after your visit that some insurance providers will accept for out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA/FSA cards are accepted. We also offer a Give $25 / Get $25 referral credit to keep care affordable.
Ready to feel better — naturally?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Kim Windschauer, AP. We'll listen to what's going on and tell you honestly whether acupuncture can help.
Ready to feel better — naturally?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Kim Windschauer, AP. We'll listen to what's going on and tell you honestly whether acupuncture can help.