Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most about integrative pain care at Pain Alternatives.
If you don't see what you're looking for, give us a call at 616-855-0503 and we're happy to help.
What is Pain Alternatives and how is it different from a regular pain clinic?
Pain Alternatives is an integrative pain management practice in Grand Rapids that brings multiple non-invasive, evidence-informed therapies together under one roof. Rather than just masking symptoms, we focus on calming pain while identifying and addressing its root contributors for longer-term improvement. We're owned by Durell Wellness and are also home to Acupuncture of West Michigan.
What conditions do you treat?
We treat musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, inflammatory conditions, and stress-related pain patterns, along with supporting tissue healing and recovery. Our approach covers both acute injuries and chronic, long-standing pain.
Where are you located in Grand Rapids?
Pain Alternatives is located at 2815 Michigan St NE, Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. We're open Monday 9 AM–7 PM and Tuesday through Friday 9 AM–5 PM (closed Saturday and Sunday).
What is acupoint injection therapy?
Acupoint injection therapy combines traditional acupuncture principles with small injections of vitamins, saline, botanical extracts, or high-dilution products directly into acupuncture points. It's designed to enhance and speed up results compared to acupuncture alone, and can help with stubborn pain patterns that haven't responded to other treatment.
What is Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM)?
FSM uses a gentle electrical current paired with targeted frequencies to support tissue repair and calm irritated nerves. It's often used to reduce inflammation, improve scar mobility, and speed injury recovery.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is a light-based treatment that stimulates cellular repair and improves microcirculation to help reduce inflammation and support nerve recovery. It's needle-free and often used alongside our other therapies as part of an integrative treatment plan.
Is this covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by treatment and plan. Please contact our office at 616-855-0503 to discuss your specific situation.
How do I make an appointment?
Call our office at 616-855-0503, or fill out the contact form on this website and our team will follow up with you.
Do you accept referrals from other healthcare providers?
Yes. We actively welcome referral relationships with healthcare providers interested in collaborative, whole-person care, and we're always open to discussing how we can work together on a patient's treatment plan.
What is the difference between red light therapy and laser acupuncture?
Laser acupuncture applies focused light energy to specific acupuncture points, delivering needle-free acupuncture stimulation. Red light therapy is typically applied more broadly across a larger area of tissue to support healing, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. Both are non-invasive and often used together as part of our light-based therapies.
Are treatments non-invasive?
Most of our treatments — including acupuncture, red light therapy, laser acupuncture, and FSM — are non-invasive or needle-free. Acupoint injection therapy involves a minor injection and is considered minimally invasive, but is far less invasive than surgical or pharmaceutical options.