The number of treatments required will vary depending on the duration, severity, and nature of each complaint. No two conditions or people respond exactly the same. In general, acute conditions require fewer treatments and some chronic or degenerative conditions may require more treatments over time. For acute problems, an individual might need to see their acupuncturist 2-3 times a week. This is particularly true with back sprains. The reason for such short and frequent visits is to ensure that the treatment remains viable once it has ended. For other patients, a single treatment might be enough.
Ultimately, the number of treatments that you require will depend on your condition and what your practitioner decides is the best course of treatment. This should be outlined for you follow your initial appraisal and visit. Good communication during the initial sessions and visits will give you a good idea of the time and monetary investment you will need to be prepared for during the course of your treatment. Generally speaking, you will receive the most sessions in the shortest amount of time initially. Then once you begin to see benefits of your treatment, you will need them more infrequently.
Keep in mind that traditional acupuncture treatments are also useful as a preventative measure and people often schedule sessions with each changing season in order to maintain the highest levels of health and well-being in themselves.