Acupuncture or massage: which should you book first?
6 minute read. Written by the Back in Health team, Kelowna.
In short
Massage therapy works on muscles and soft tissue directly with the hands; acupuncture places fine, sterile needles at chosen points after a broad intake. People often pick massage when they want hands-on work and acupuncture when they want needling or a wider look at sleep, stress and energy. Both are offered at our Glenmore clinic, and one appointment can include both.
How the two differ
Registered massage therapy is hands-on. Your RMT assesses how you move and where the tension is, then works on muscles and soft tissue directly. You are left in private to get comfortable on the table, and you stay covered by a sheet throughout, with only the area being worked on uncovered.
Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles placed at specific points. The intake is broad on purpose, covering sleep, digestion, stress and energy alongside the complaint you came in with. Once the needles are placed, you rest while they stay in for twenty to thirty minutes.
Both are regulated professions in BC. Acupuncturists and massage therapists are registered with the same college, the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.
How people choose
People often start with massage when they want hands-on work: a stiff neck from desk work, tight shoulders, or muscles that feel worked after training. Massage also suits people who would rather not have needles.
People often start with acupuncture when they are curious about needling, when they want to look at sleep or stress alongside pain, or when they have already tried massage and want a different approach. People commonly book it for pain, tension, sleep and recovery.
If you are unsure, start with the one you feel more comfortable with. Either practitioner can tell you after an assessment whether the other is worth adding.
When one visit can include both
Our acupuncturist, Candice Jones, is also a Registered Massage Therapist. The extended 90-minute acupuncture session, $195, adds front and back points, cupping and massage in one visit, so the hands-on work is informed by the same assessment.
That suits people who want both, or who find two shorter visits hard to fit into a week. Candice also holds a certification in orthopaedic acupuncture, which combines motor point needling with manual therapy.
Comparing cost and session length
At Back in Health the lengths line up: a 45-minute appointment is $115, 60 minutes is $140 and 90 minutes is $195 for either acupuncture or registered massage therapy. Massage can also be booked for 30 minutes at $95 or 75 minutes at $160, and we recommend 75 minutes for a first massage.
A first acupuncture visit is 60 minutes and $140, including the full intake. Facial acupuncture is $145, and ProCell microchanneling with acupuncture is $275.
Insurance and ICBC
Many BC extended health plans cover both massage therapy and acupuncture. Some give each its own allowance; others pool them with physiotherapy and other services under one shared amount, so check what is left before you plan a series of either.
Back in Health direct bills most major insurers, including Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Johnson, Pacific Blue Cross, GreenShield, Empire Life and RWAM. Direct billing depends on your individual policy, so check with your insurer first.
After a car accident, ICBC massage claims are taken at Glenmore by Cassie Poch, RMT; acupuncture is not billed to ICBC. We do not currently accept WCB or WorkSafeBC claims.
Booking at Glenmore
Both are offered at our Glenmore clinic, #201-1014 Glenmore Dr in Kelowna, with a free on-site lot entered from Glenmore Dr or Mountain Ave. The clinic is on the second floor, up a flight of stairs, and is not wheelchair accessible. For step-free massage, book at our Kirschner clinic; acupuncture is at Glenmore only.
Appointments run from 6:30am, Monday to Saturday; hours vary by practitioner, so see open times in Jane, or call 250-762-4748. No referral is needed for either.
Before acupuncture, mention blood thinners, a bleeding disorder, pregnancy or trying to conceive, a pacemaker, a needle phobia, or a history of fainting with needles, and eat something light beforehand.
Common questions
Can I have acupuncture and massage on the same day?
Yes. Our acupuncturist is also a Registered Massage Therapist, and the extended 90-minute session, $195, combines needling with cupping and massage in one appointment at Glenmore.
Is acupuncture or massage covered by insurance?
Many BC extended health plans cover both, sometimes under separate allowances and sometimes under one shared amount. Back in Health direct bills most major insurers; check your own policy first.
Does ICBC cover acupuncture or massage at Back in Health?
ICBC massage claims are taken at Glenmore by Cassie Poch, RMT. Acupuncture is not billed to ICBC. WCB and WorkSafeBC claims are not accepted.
Which should I try if I do not like needles?
Massage therapy is entirely hands-on, so it is a natural place to start. If you later want to try acupuncture, say you are nervous when you book; fewer points and a gentler start are both reasonable requests.
Where can I book acupuncture and massage in Kelowna at Back in Health?
Both are at our Glenmore clinic, #201-1014 Glenmore Dr. Massage therapy is also offered at our Kirschner clinic. Book online in Jane or call Glenmore at 250-762-4748.
Book registered acupuncture in Kelowna at our Glenmore clinic.
General information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. If something is getting worse, or you are unsure whether it is right for you, speak to a clinician.