Frequently Asked Questions

Answers, plainly.

The questions we hear most, answered the way we would answer them in the office. If yours is not here, call us at 352-430-2720.

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910 Old Camp Road, Suite 162, The Villages Mon–Thu 7 AM–3 PM · Fri until noon

In short: Answers about acupuncture, integrative medicine, insurance, and visits at Cheshire Integrative Medicine in The Villages FL. Call 352-430-2720. The questions we hear most, answered the way we would answer them in the office. If yours is not here, call us at 352-430-2720.

Getting Started

Before your first visit.

We focus on pain and movement: chronic pain, back and neck pain, joint pain and arthritis, neuropathy, sports and overuse injuries, post procedure stiffness, and recovery and healthy aging. We also see patients for stress, sleep, and digestive concerns. If you are not sure whether we can help, ask us during a consultation.
No referral is needed to see us. The simplest way to begin is a free 20 minute consultation, where we learn what is going on and tell you honestly whether we are a fit.
We take a real history, examine the area, and assess your movement. Then we explain what we found, what we recommend, and why, before any treatment begins. You will leave understanding the plan.
Call us at 352-430-2720 or use our contact page. We recommend starting with a free 20 minute consultation.

Acupuncture & Treatment

About the care itself.

The needles are far thinner than the ones used for injections. Most patients feel a small pinch at most, and many feel nothing. Sessions are typically very relaxing.
It stimulates the nervous system and local tissue, which reduces pain signaling, increases blood flow, releases tight muscle, and lowers inflammation. For pain and movement problems, that is exactly the response the body needs.
It depends on the condition and how long it has been present. Some patients feel relief quickly, while chronic problems take a series. We give you a clear, honest estimate after your assessment.
That is what the consultation is for. We match the approach, often a combination, to your specific condition rather than fitting you to a single service.
Yes. Our providers are experienced and credentialed, we use sterile single use needles, and we review your history before recommending anything. Dr. Cheshire is NCCAOM board certified with 22 years in The Villages.

Insurance & Payment

What is covered.

A lot of insurance plans cover acupuncture. Give us a call and we will find out whether your insurance is covered with us.
Shockwave, peptides, NAD+, laser, LED, injections, microneedling, cupping, and supplements are self pay. We will explain the details before you commit to anything. See our insurance and payment page for more.
Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to 3 PM, and Friday, 7 AM to 12 PM. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.
910 Old Camp Road, Suite 162, The Villages, FL 32162. We serve The Villages and the surrounding communities.
It helps. You can download and complete the new patient intake form before your visit so we can make the most of your first appointment.
Original Medicare covers acupuncture for one diagnosis, chronic low back pain lasting twelve weeks or more: up to twelve visits in ninety days, eight more with improvement, twenty a year at most, under physician supervision, which Dr. Phipps provides. You pay the Part B deductible and then 20 percent of the approved amount. Other conditions and the other therapies here are self pay. Many Advantage plans add an acupuncture benefit and we confirm yours. Source: CMS National Coverage Determination 30.3.3.

Patient Reviews

What patients say on Google.

Read all reviews

"Dr. Cheshire is wonderful and acupuncture helps your whole body with pain."

Kathy DearmanGoogle reviewAcupuncture patient

"I had a torn meniscus. Doctors only wanted to go toward surgery. I decided to try natural treatments. One was Dr. Cheshire. Within 4 treatments it was healed, and I was able to get back to my walking exercises. Excellent."

Arlette YonGoogle reviewAvoided knee surgery

"This place was recommended. The doctors have a great establishment. The staff is very knowledgeable with other products to look into."

Clinton ThomasGoogle reviewNew patient
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Dr. Cheshire is rated 4.6 of 5 on Healthgrades from 11 patient ratings as of October 2026 (Healthgrades profile). The quotes above are from Google.

Further reading: NIH NCCIH: acupuncture, effectiveness and safety ยท Medicare.gov: acupuncture coverage.

Clinical Review

Reviewed by our clinical team

Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Cheshire, MS, AP, LAc, DOM (NCCAOM board certified). Last reviewed September 2026. Content updated November 3, 2026.

  1. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474.
  2. Dimitrova A, Murchison C, Oken B. Acupuncture for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2017;23(3):164-179.
  3. Speed C. A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions: focusing on the evidence. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2014;48(21):1538-1542.

These references describe the general body of research behind the approaches we use. They are not claims about your individual outcome, and they are not a substitute for an evaluation.

Still Have Questions?

Ask us directly.

Schedule a free 20 minute consultation, or just call. We are happy to talk it through.

Call for a free consult 352-430-2720
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