Sally Monaghan Acupuncture in Baltimore: Treatment Scope and Needle Retention Approach

Sally Monaghan Acupuncture is a solo practitioner clinic offering traditional Chinese medicine treatments in Baltimore, with a clinical focus on needle retention, herbal support, and pain management across musculoskeletal and chronic conditions. The practice operates in a medical model rather than a spa-relaxation model, using acupuncture alongside adjunct therapies.

What Sally Monaghan Acupuncture actually is

The clinic is a single-practitioner acupuncture practice, not part of a larger medical group or wellness spa chain. Monaghan's training centers on traditional needle placement and retention techniques, applied to conditions including joint pain, post-injury recovery, and chronic conditions. The approach is clinical and results-focused rather than centered on ambiance or package deals. The practice maintains an established patient base in Baltimore and accepts appointments by scheduling.

Services and pricing

Acupuncture sessions run 45 to 60 minutes and typically cost $75 to $90 per appointment. Initial consultations, which include a longer intake and assessment, fall at the higher end of that range or may carry a separate fee; call ahead to confirm the current structure, as new-patient consultation fees occasionally adjust. Follow-up appointments are charged at the standard rate.

Treatment plans vary by condition. Acute injuries may resolve in 4 to 8 sessions; chronic pain management often requires a longer commitment, typically 10 to 12 sessions over two to three months, with spacing adjusted as improvement appears. Herbal supplements recommended as part of treatment are charged separately and vary in cost.

Most insurance plans do not cover acupuncture in Maryland unless a physician has ordered it for a specific diagnosis and the provider is licensed to bill. Verify with your insurer and provide Monaghan's credentials before the first visit to confirm coverage eligibility.

How it compares to other Baltimore acupuncture options

Baltimore hosts a mix of acupuncture practices: medical acupuncturists embedded in hospital networks (Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland medical centers both employ MDs trained in acupuncture), traditional Chinese medicine clinics offering multiple practitioners and herbal dispensaries, and independent practitioners like Monaghan. Medical acupuncturists typically have longer waitlists and higher fees ($120 to $150 per session) but operate within insured hospital systems. Larger clinics often offer same-day or next-day appointments and sell herbal products on-site, whereas independent practitioners like Monaghan offer continuity with a single provider and often more flexible scheduling. Choose Monaghan if you prefer working with one acupuncturist over time and want a clinical focus without add-on spa services; choose a larger clinic if you need immediate availability or want integrated herbal dispensary services on-site.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Sally Monaghan Acupuncture works well for patients with established diagnoses (recent injury, chronic joint pain, post-surgical recovery) who are willing to commit to a course of treatment over several weeks. It suits people who want focused, medical-model acupuncture without extras and who value continuity with the same practitioner. It does not suit patients seeking same-day drop-in treatment, those looking for a relaxation-centered experience, or people who need acupuncture as part of a broader integrative health facility with massage, herbal consultations, and supplements all housed together.

What the first visit involves

Expect a 60 to 90 minute appointment if this is your first visit. Monaghan will take a detailed history covering your chief complaint, relevant medical history, current medications, and how the condition affects daily function. Physical examination may include palpation, range-of-motion testing, and assessment specific to your symptoms. If acupuncture is appropriate, treatment will often begin at that first session. Bring your insurance card and any referral documentation from your physician if one was issued. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to arms and legs.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The practice operates Monday through Friday during business hours; call to confirm the exact schedule, as independent practitioners sometimes adjust availability seasonally. Parking depends on the clinic's location within Baltimore; on-street parking is typical for many Baltimore medical offices, though some have dedicated lots. Confirm parking options and street accessibility when you book your appointment.

Sally Monaghan Acupuncture fills a gap in Baltimore's acupuncture landscape for patients who want clinical expertise and consistent care from a single practitioner without the institutional overhead or waitlists of larger medical centers.