Goals for treatment with Acupuncture Orthopedics & Sports Medicine:

• To relieve pain and suffering and to restore function as quickly and completely as possible, so that you can enjoy your work, play and quality of life.
• To activate self-healing abilities through health education, dietary and lifestyle strategies, so that you can self-manage conditions and reduce the risks of relapses and new injuries.

What is Acupuncture Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for?

• Acute out-patient pain and injuries (patients with medical emergencies should call 911 or seek urgent care prior to acupuncture treatment).
• Sub-acute injury rehabilitation
• Pre- and post-surgical care
• Chronic and recurrent pain management

I am experienced at treating a wide variety of common conditions with Acupuncture Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, including:

• Ankle injuries
• Arthritis & degenerative joint disease
• Back pain
• Bursitis and apophysitis: calcaneal, hip, knee, shoulder
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Elbow pain, tennis and golfer's elbow
• Facial pain
• Migraine and tension headaches
• Knee & IT band pain
• Muscle tension, pain, stiffness and spasms
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Neck pain
• Overuse/overtraining and repetitive strain injuries
• Patellofemoral and Iliotibial band pain syndromes
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff syndrome
• Sciatica, radiculitis and piriformis syndrome
• Spinal disc and nerve root injuries
• Shoulder pain
• Tendonitis (ankle, elbow, foot, forearm, hand, knee, shoulder)
• TMJ syndrome
• Whiplash syndrome
• Wrist and hand pain

(see full list of conditions treated).

What treatment methods does Acupuncture Orthopedics & Sports Medicine use?

Acupuncture Orthopedics & Sports Medicine:

• Addresses root causes of pain and disability
• Uses minimally-invasive acupuncture modalities to provide comprehensive and holistic treatment
• Complements clinical treatment with home exercise and self-care to empower patients to maintain health

In addition to traditional, merdian-based acupuncture ("Traditional Chinese Medicine"), I employ modern science-based acupuncture orthopedics & sports medicine techniques and modalities, including:

• Neuro-anatomical, dry needling and trigger-point acupuncture
• Electroacupuncture
• Manual therapies (acupressure, sports massage, tui na)
• Suction cupping and gua sha friction therapy
• Facilitated stretching, gentle joint mobilization, kinesio-taping, and neuromuscular re-training
• Dietary and nutritional supplement prescription
• Electro-therapy (alpha-stimulation microcurrent)

What's different about Acupuncture Orthopedics and Sports Medicine?

Acupuncture Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are specializations within the field of acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine. AOSM focuses on neuro-musculoskeletal pain and injuries, and requires advanced training in and integration of traditional and contemporary Chinese Medicine with modern Western Medicine, for optimal patient care and outcomes.

My training and experience in Acupuncture Orthopedics and Sports Medicine includes:

• First graduate of the Integrative Sports Medicine Certification program at the Five Branches University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2003
• Clinical Instructor in Five Branches' Sports Medicine program 2005-2019
• Diplomate of the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics in 2006
• Fellowship, American Academy of Pain Management 2014
• Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, with specialization in Orthopedics and Pain Management, Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, 2020
• Doctoral Instructor in orthopedics and pain management, Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, 2017-present; American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2018-2020; Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, 2020.
• Continuing Education provider, California Acupuncture Board (2014-present) and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (2021-present)
• Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (dry needling), Myopain Seminars, 2017
• Practice as massage therapist and acupuncturist in physical rehabilitation, pain management and sports medicine clinics in San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Oakland and Berkeley, CA since 1998

My treatment goals go beyond short-term pain relief to re-training regarding posture, work ergonomics, and sports activities, and health education regarding nutrition and lifestyle choices, in order to restore and support full function--so that you are empowered to maintain health and prevent re-injury.