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

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.

Is acupuncture good for pregnancy?

Yes, treatment by a licensed acupuncturist during pregnancy is safe and effective.

Can acupuncture ease sinus problems?

Yes, there are points locally and distally that help clear the sinuses, break up congestion, and ease associated headaches.

What should I do after acupuncture?

I always recommend drinking plenty of water after a session, along with a nourishing meal. Try to take it easy and relax, especially if it is your 1st session. Everyone's reaction READ MORE
I always recommend drinking plenty of water after a session, along with a nourishing meal. Try to take it easy and relax, especially if it is your 1st session. Everyone's reaction to acupuncture is different, so for your first visit try not to do anything too strenuous afterward.

How many acupuncture sessions does it take to see results?

If you have had headaches for a long time, the time it takes to notice a difference will vary. You may start to feel some difference within 5-7 sessions or so, whether they are READ MORE
If you have had headaches for a long time, the time it takes to notice a difference will vary. You may start to feel some difference within 5-7 sessions or so, whether they are subtle or more drastic.

Is acupuncture a placebo?

There are many studies that say that, but there are also studies that prove on a cellular or physiological level that acupuncture is effective in targeting the brain to release READ MORE
There are many studies that say that, but there are also studies that prove on a cellular or physiological level that acupuncture is effective in targeting the brain to release chemicals to aid in increased circulation, relaxation, and muscle recovery while decreasing pain and sensitivity. The placement of needles enhance the healing process and for internal disorders, it helps re-calibrate the system to function at a better level.

Does acupuncture help with spinal stenosis?

Along with PT and corrective exercise, acupuncture can help relieve the tension from the spine by loosening tight muscles in the back around the site of the stenosis, allowing READ MORE
Along with PT and corrective exercise, acupuncture can help relieve the tension from the spine by loosening tight muscles in the back around the site of the stenosis, allowing the nerve fibers to unwind and not be compressed under tight tissues. If you are also doing physical rehab, acupuncture can help with tissue and muscle recovery and pain relief, ensuring you get the most out of your PT/chiro regimen.

Is acupuncture good for sciatica?

Yes, acupuncture can target the muscles around the nerve that may be compressing the fibers and giving you pain/radiating symptoms. Relieving some of the tension will allow the READ MORE
Yes, acupuncture can target the muscles around the nerve that may be compressing the fibers and giving you pain/radiating symptoms. Relieving some of the tension will allow the nerve to glide better. If the pain is also coming from the back, muscle work can help relieve tightness in those muscles as well.

Can acupuncture help with migraines?

Based on your signs and symptoms after the initial intake, a practitioner can plan a treatment protocol to target the source or cause. There are also muscular trigger points that READ MORE
Based on your signs and symptoms after the initial intake, a practitioner can plan a treatment protocol to target the source or cause. There are also muscular trigger points that can resemble migraine or headache pain, so releasing those tight muscle fibers can also help subside the symptoms.