expert type icon EXPERT

Alyssa Risi

Acupuncturist

Alyssa is a board certified, Licensed Acupuncturist accepting new patients in Tinton Falls NJ. Alyssa evaluates and treats patients based on the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncturists complete their evaluations by getting a patient history and looking at and touching the body. Then, they place very fine sterile acupuncture needles into specific points on the body. Stimulating these points is how she treats the patients' conditions. Many of the body's systems respond to acupuncture on a physiological level, treating physical pain as well as emotional stress. Alyssa is trained in three forms of acupuncture, allowing her to provide well rounded and integrated treatments specific to each patient.
6 years Experience
Alyssa Risi
Specializes in:
  • Acupuncture
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Pain Management
  • Tinton Falls, New Jersey
  • TriStateCollege of Acupuncture
  • Accepting new patients

Is acupressure good for neck pain?

Yes, neck pain can be helped with acupressure or acupuncture

Fatigue after acupuncture?

I would talk to your practitioner, as they need to know how long you feel the side effects. Fatigue and being very relaxed is usually normal after treatments, but if it is of concern, READ MORE
I would talk to your practitioner, as they need to know how long you feel the side effects. Fatigue and being very relaxed is usually normal after treatments, but if it is of concern, be sure to discuss it with your acupuncturist. Often it is recommended to eat a small meal before, and drink plenty of water before and after treatment. Your acupuncturist may have other specific suggestions based on what they know of you and your case.

How long are acupuncture needles left in?

The length of time you are given to relax depends on the practitioner. On average, needles can be left in between 15 & 30 minutes. Some can even extend that toward 40 minutes. READ MORE
The length of time you are given to relax depends on the practitioner. On average, needles can be left in between 15 & 30 minutes. Some can even extend that toward 40 minutes. Again, it is dependent on the individual rendering treatment. If you are uncomfortable at any time, you should alert the practitioner.

Pain from acupuncture slippers?

I am unaware of what acupuncture slippers entail and what they are meant for, but you should consult a licensed professional along with your PCP. If the slippers were uncomfortable, READ MORE
I am unaware of what acupuncture slippers entail and what they are meant for, but you should consult a licensed professional along with your PCP. If the slippers were uncomfortable, there could be a chance your gait shifted, causing residual pain in your back from trying to walk comfortably.

Can you feel the needles in acupuncture?

Acupuncture is minimally invasive and the needles are about the size of a hair, so the insertion of the needles is virtually painless.

How long does acupuncture take to work for leg pain?

Depending on your ailment and how long you've experienced this pain, typically, you may begin to feel changes in your treatment within 5-6 sessions. Each patient and case is different, READ MORE
Depending on your ailment and how long you've experienced this pain, typically, you may begin to feel changes in your treatment within 5-6 sessions. Each patient and case is different, but usually within that amount of time, you will feel some changes in pain, frequency, location and/or intensity.

How many acupuncture treatments are needed for sciatica?

Usually, treatment effects begin to be noticed between 6-8 sessions if you get treatment 1-2 times per week. However, this is all dependent on the intensity of the pain and how READ MORE
Usually, treatment effects begin to be noticed between 6-8 sessions if you get treatment 1-2 times per week. However, this is all dependent on the intensity of the pain and how long you have had sciatica. For more chronic pain that you've had for years, it may take a bit longer to feel results from acupuncture.

How do you acupressure your feet?

After consulting a licensed acupuncturist, they can show you some acupuncture points on the feet and ankles that you can stimulate with pressure from your thumb or finger. Depending READ MORE
After consulting a licensed acupuncturist, they can show you some acupuncture points on the feet and ankles that you can stimulate with pressure from your thumb or finger. Depending on what you are looking to achieve from treatment, they can give you a few points to perform acupressure on your own that can be done safely at home.

How many sessions of acupuncture do you need for neck pain?

Typically, we would like to see some change in symptoms between 6-8 sessions. For more chronic pain, it could take a bit longer; for more acute pain, a few sessions should begin READ MORE
Typically, we would like to see some change in symptoms between 6-8 sessions. For more chronic pain, it could take a bit longer; for more acute pain, a few sessions should begin helping decrease pain and improve range of motion and mobility.

How should I feel after my first acupuncture treatment?

You should feel relaxed and a bit less tense. Many experience what we call "acu drunk" where you feel loopy and carefree. It is helpful to be able to go home and relax for the READ MORE
You should feel relaxed and a bit less tense. Many experience what we call "acu drunk" where you feel loopy and carefree. It is helpful to be able to go home and relax for the day, and not perform strenuous activity until your body has adjusted to the effects of acupuncture.

Can acupuncture cause muscle spasms?

Usually acupuncture's aim is to decrease spasm & tightness in the muscles. If the muscles are not fully released, sometimes they can feel tighter and more locked up. This can be READ MORE
Usually acupuncture's aim is to decrease spasm & tightness in the muscles. If the muscles are not fully released, sometimes they can feel tighter and more locked up. This can be fixed by getting them released again so the fibers on a whole can relax, while adding in some cupping or guasha in conjunction to needles.

How do you know if acupuncture is working?

The pain may be less severe, you're able to do more activity, you can perform activity for longer periods of time. You may also be sleeping better, not waking up with as much pain, READ MORE
The pain may be less severe, you're able to do more activity, you can perform activity for longer periods of time. You may also be sleeping better, not waking up with as much pain, etc. Sometimes the effects are subtle, so it can be harder to tell right away as acupuncture does not work overnight, much like any other medial modality.

Can acupuncture help you to stop smoking?

Yes, there are protocols used to help detox the body, curb cravings, and regulate the system, while also addressing emotional components, if any.

Is acupuncture good for sprained ankles?

Yes, it is useful to help decrease swelling and inflammation as well as muscle recovery and increasing circulation to the area; this aids in the healing process.

Is acupuncture good for wrist pain?

Yes, it is useful to help decrease swelling and inflammation as well as muscle recovery and increasing circulation to the area; this aids in the healing process.

How long does acupuncture take to work for depression?

It varies, as the effects of treatment will depend on the severity of the depression and how long you have lived with it. Typically after 5-6 sessions you may begin to feel some READ MORE
It varies, as the effects of treatment will depend on the severity of the depression and how long you have lived with it. Typically after 5-6 sessions you may begin to feel some difference, however, it is difficult to predict an exact answer as there are many variables surrounding this condition.

Can acupuncture prevent the flu?

Yes, there are points that can be used to boost immunity and keep circulation regular; acupuncture works to re-establish homeostasis in the body so immunity is included.

What should I do after my first acupuncture session?

I try to recommend that after acupuncture, especially it being your first treatment, to try and not do anything rigorous or physically demanding. Let your practitioner know how READ MORE
I try to recommend that after acupuncture, especially it being your first treatment, to try and not do anything rigorous or physically demanding. Let your practitioner know how you feel right after, and he/she will let you know what you may expect within the next 24-48 hours, depending on what was treated and modalities used.

Should you rest after acupuncture?

It is usually recommended to try and avoid performing any rigorous activity after receiving acupuncture, especially if it is your first time. You may return to your daily life, READ MORE
It is usually recommended to try and avoid performing any rigorous activity after receiving acupuncture, especially if it is your first time. You may return to your daily life, but try to avoid anything very strenuous. Be sure to hydrate well and eat nourishing meals that day. We just want to be sure you are able to recover well.

How quickly does acupuncture work?

Results are subjective and the experience varies on a case by case basis. Typically, you may begin to feel some change occur within 5-7 regular visits, i.e., frequency of migraines, READ MORE
Results are subjective and the experience varies on a case by case basis. Typically, you may begin to feel some change occur within 5-7 regular visits, i.e., frequency of migraines, intensity of pain, time of day they begin, sleeping patterns, etc.