Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) Treatment in Clearwater, FL
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the #1 unresolved symptom across survivorship — and it's the one most patients are told to 'just live with.' NCCN now lists acupuncture as a Category 1 intervention for CRF, and randomized trials (Molassiotis JCO 2012, Mao 2014, Garcia 2013) show measurable improvement on the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and FACIT-Fatigue within 6–8 weeks. We treat patients still in chemo, on aromatase inhibitors, and survivors 1–5 years post-NED who never got their energy back.
What we treat
Symptoms of Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)
- Exhaustion that doesn't improve with sleep
- Post-exertional crashes after light activity
- 'Chemo brain' — word-finding, focus, short-term memory
- Loss of stamina at work, with kids, or at the gym
- Aromatase-inhibitor fatigue and joint stiffness
- Survivorship fatigue 6 months to 5 years post-treatment
- Sleep that no longer restores
The gap
Why Conventional Treatments Often Fall Short
Conventional oncology has very little to offer for CRF beyond 'graded exercise' and 'sleep hygiene' — both helpful, neither sufficient. Methylphenidate and modafinil are sometimes tried off-label with mixed evidence and side effects. Acupuncture is the only NCCN Category 1 non-pharmacologic intervention for cancer-related fatigue, and it's the intervention with the strongest survivorship data.
Our approach
How Acupuncture of West Florida Treats Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)
- Oncology-aware protocol — port-aware, count-aware, sterile technique
- Energy-restoration point selection (BFI-tracked at baseline, wk 4, wk 8)
- Coordinated with your oncology team's treatment and lab schedule
- Survivorship-phase protocol for patients past active treatment
- Home acupressure protocols for chemo-day and post-infusion days
The research
Evidence & Guidelines
NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines (Cancer-Related Fatigue) list acupuncture as a Category 1 recommendation. Molassiotis JCO 2012 (n=302) showed acupuncture reduced BFI scores significantly more than usual care. Mao 2014 and Garcia 2013 show sustained benefit on FACIT-Fatigue. ASCO and the Society for Integrative Oncology jointly endorse acupuncture for CRF (Mao SIO–ASCO 2022).
Real results
Patient Success Story
"I was told the fatigue was just part of survivorship. Twelve weeks with Dr. Kim, and I'm back at the gym three days a week."
Your first visit
What to Expect on Your First Visit
- 1Oncology intake — diagnosis, treatment phase, current medications, port location
- 2Baseline BFI (Brief Fatigue Inventory) and FACIT-Fatigue capture
- 3Gentle first treatment timed to your nadir or recovery window
- 4Written 8-week plan with wk-4 and wk-8 PRO check-ins
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm 18 months past treatment and still exhausted. Is it too late?+
No. The survivorship-fatigue evidence (Mao 2014, Garcia 2013) specifically studied patients 6 months to 5 years post-treatment. Most of our survivorship-phase patients see measurable BFI improvement within 6–8 weekly visits.
Will my oncologist approve?+
Ask your oncologist whether acupuncture is appropriate for your fatigue and current treatment. With your permission, we can discuss sharing a summary of the proposed supportive-care approach. Their approval or referral is not assumed.
Does acupuncture hurt?+
Most patients describe a mild dull ache or warmth at the point — nothing like a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin (about 40x thinner than a vaccine needle), and most people relax deeply during the session.
How many sessions will I need?+
Most patients feel measurable change within 3–6 sessions. Chronic or complex conditions typically follow a 6–12 session plan, after which we transition to maintenance care. Dr. Kim builds a clear, written plan during your consultation.
Do you accept insurance?+
We don't take insurance — Acupuncture of West Florida is a self-pay practice. Treatment visits are around $150; the office will confirm your fee before treatment. We can provide a superbill to submit to your insurer. Reimbursement depends on your plan and is not guaranteed.
Ready to Feel Better?
Book a consultation with Dr. Kim Windschauer, AP.
Book Consultation 727-490-6060Related Conditions
More care in Clearwater
Serving West Florida
Clearwater · Safety Harbor · Dunedin · Largo · St. Petersburg · Tampa
Start with a free consultation
How your first visit works
The initial consultation is free; treatment is separate. We do not accept insurance. A superbill is available on request for possible insurance reimbursement, which is not guaranteed.
1. Tell us what's going on
Send the form or call 727-490-6060. We'll ask a few questions about your symptoms and history.
2. Free consultation
Talk with Dr. Kim in person or by phone at no charge to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate. A consultation is not a treatment visit.
3. Your first treatment
Treatment visits are around $150. The office will confirm your fee before treatment. Your plan depends on your needs and response; benefits are not guaranteed.
These are individual experiences, not evidence of a cure or a prediction of your results.
Discuss your care options with Dr. Kim
Request a free consultation in person or by phone to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate. Treatment is separate, with visits around $150; the office will confirm fees and availability. Benefits are not guaranteed.
Start with a free consultation
How your first visit works
The initial consultation is free; treatment is separate. We do not accept insurance. A superbill is available on request for possible insurance reimbursement, which is not guaranteed.
1. Tell us what's going on
Send the form or call 727-490-6060. We'll ask a few questions about your symptoms and history.
2. Free consultation
Talk with Dr. Kim in person or by phone at no charge to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate. A consultation is not a treatment visit.
3. Your first treatment
Treatment visits are around $150. The office will confirm your fee before treatment. Your plan depends on your needs and response; benefits are not guaranteed.
These are individual experiences, not evidence of a cure or a prediction of your results.
Discuss your care options with Dr. Kim
Request a free consultation in person or by phone to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate. Treatment is separate, with visits around $150; the office will confirm fees and availability. Benefits are not guaranteed.