Pittsburgh Physical Medicine now offers acupuncture with Dr. Zhisheng (Rose) Yu, Dipl. Ac., a licensed acupuncturist with over ten years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine. If you're wondering what acupuncture actually treats, whether it's right for you, and how it fits alongside the chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage care we already offer — this guide covers it.
Meet Dr. Zhisheng (Rose) Yu, Dipl. Ac.
Dr. Yu received her M.D. and O.M.D. (Doctor of Oriental Medicine) in China, giving her a foundation in both Western and Eastern medical traditions. She's certified through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and licensed by the Pennsylvania Medical Board, and she's practiced acupuncture for more than a decade. At Pittsburgh Physical Medicine, she works alongside our chiropractic and physical therapy team rather than in isolation — more on why that matters below.
What Is Acupuncture, Exactly?
Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting very thin, sterile, single-use needles into specific points on the body. Traditionally, it's described as a way to balance the body's yin and yang and restore proper flow of Qi (vital energy). In a modern clinical setting, it's typically paired with related techniques — cupping, acupressure, herbology, nutrition guidance, and qigong — all recognized modalities under the World Health Organization's framework for traditional medicine.
Every needle Dr. Yu uses is sterile and single-use, opened in front of you and disposed of after your session — the same standard you'd expect from any licensed medical provider.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help With?
Patients seek out acupuncture for a wide range of concerns. Dr. Yu commonly works with patients on:
Pain & Musculoskeletal Issues
- Muscle and joint pain, including shoulder, hip, knee, and elbow pain
- Arthritis-related discomfort
- Headaches and migraines
Stress, Sleep & Energy
- Stress, and symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue and low energy
Digestive & Metabolic Health
- Digestive issues and constipation
- Weight management support
- Smoking cessation support
Women's Health & Other Concerns
- Menopausal symptoms and PMS
- Infertility support
- Urinary incontinence
- Hypertension and asthma symptom support
A note on expectations: Acupuncture is best thought of as a complementary approach that many patients find helpful alongside conventional medical care — not a replacement for it. Results vary from person to person, and conditions like hypertension, asthma, or infertility should always continue to be managed with your primary care physician or specialist. Dr. Yu will talk through your goals and history at your first visit to determine whether acupuncture is a good fit.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is a full hour and includes an exam plus treatment, which may include acupuncture, cupping, and some massage depending on what you're being treated for. Follow-up visits are also 60 minutes. Dr. Yu accepts both insurance and self-pay patients:
- New patient (insurance): $135 — 60 minutes, exam plus treatment
- Existing patient (insurance): $100 — 60 minutes
- New patient (self-pay): $135 — 60 minutes
- Existing patient (self-pay): $100 — 60 minutes
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing if you can, and let Dr. Yu know about any medications, health conditions, or concerns before your session begins.
Part of a One-Stop Approach to Musculoskeletal Care
Most clinics make you choose: a chiropractor here, a physical therapist there, an acupuncturist somewhere else entirely — with no one comparing notes. Pittsburgh Physical Medicine was built differently. Dr. Justin Foltz, DC and Dr. Patrick O'Mara, DC handle chiropractic care, Dr. Charlie Crockatt, DPT leads physical therapy, our licensed massage therapists Claire Sobek and Sean Nolan handle soft tissue work, and now Dr. Yu adds acupuncture to that same coordinated team — all under one roof at 5916 Penn Ave in East Liberty.
That matters because musculoskeletal pain is rarely one-dimensional. A patient with chronic back pain might benefit from spinal adjustment and targeted rehab exercise and acupuncture for pain and stress management — and at most practices, coordinating that would mean three separate offices, three separate intake forms, and three providers who never speak to each other. Here, it means one shared understanding of your case and one team working toward the same goal: getting you better.
Book Your Acupuncture Appointment
If you're curious whether acupuncture could help with pain, stress, sleep, or another concern, Dr. Yu is currently accepting new patients at Pittsburgh Physical Medicine. Call us at (412) 404-8337 or book online with Dr. Yu directly.
Note: This article is for general education and isn't medical advice. Acupuncture affects people differently, and it isn't a substitute for evaluation and treatment of serious or ongoing medical conditions. Talk with Dr. Yu and your other healthcare providers about whether it's appropriate for your specific situation.