Trigger point dry needling and orthopedic acupuncture performed by California-licensed acupuncturists trained in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern orthopedic anatomy.
Orthopedic acupuncture is a focused style that targets musculoskeletal pain, injury recovery, and movement dysfunction. Treatments combine needling of trigger points, motor points, and meridian channels with cupping, electroacupuncture, and movement assessment.
Unlike dry needling performed in short weekend courses, our work is delivered by licensed acupuncturists with master's-level training and thousands of supervised clinical hours, in addition to specialty orthopedic education.
Orthopedic acupuncture is highly effective for both acute injuries and chronic pain patterns. Common reasons patients see us:
Orthopedic sessions are direct and outcome-focused. Expect a thorough movement and posture assessment followed by precise needling and recovery work.
We assess range of motion, pain location, trigger point patterns, and contributing factors like posture, training load, or work setup.
Fine acupuncture needles release tight muscle bands. The needle creates a brief involuntary twitch, which resets the muscle and reduces tension.
Cupping, electroacupuncture, or gua sha may be added based on what your tissue needs that day. Cupping is especially helpful for stubborn fascia.
We coordinate with your training cycles, races, or recovery windows. Some soreness for 24 to 48 hours is normal and usually followed by improved mobility.
Our team is currently completing a year-long advanced orthopedic acupuncture certification with Whitfield Reaves and Jenny Neiter, internationally recognized leaders in sports and pain acupuncture. This advanced training equips us with specialized skills to assess and treat orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical recovery using evidence-informed techniques. The result is more precise diagnosis, targeted treatment plans, and better outcomes for patients seeking lasting pain relief and improved mobility.
Our practitioners completed a graduate-level program with thousands of supervised clinical hours and passed a national board exam. That depth matters for safety and precision.
We work with athletes training at Equinox, Barry's, BODYROK, and Running Wylder. Treatments are timed around training and recovery windows.
Trigger point dry needling, cupping, electroacupuncture, and gua sha together. Most clinics offer one. We use whichever serves your tissue that session.
Licensed acupuncturists in California complete a master's-level program with thousands of supervised clinical hours and pass a national board exam. Dry needling performed by physical therapists or chiropractors in some states is typically a much shorter weekend or short-course training. At AKARA, trigger point dry needling is performed by California-licensed acupuncturists trained in both TCM and orthopedic anatomy.
Some patients feel a deep-massage-like soreness for 24 to 48 hours after a trigger point release. This is normal and usually followed by improved mobility and reduced pain. Hydrating and gentle movement help the muscles recover faster.
Yes. We work with runners, cyclists, lifters, dancers, and patients training with Equinox, Barry's, BODYROK, and other partners around the city. Treatments are timed around training cycles, races, and recovery windows.
Back, neck, and shoulder pain, sciatica, hip and knee pain, sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer's elbow, TMJ, and athletic performance optimization.
Acute injuries may resolve in three to six sessions. Chronic patterns typically require a longer plan with progressive spacing as you improve. We assess and adjust at each visit.
More questions? See our full FAQ or contact us.
Keep Reading
Explore all our wellness guides, or view memberships & packages and fees.
977 Valencia Street, in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission. Easy walking distance from 24th Street BART, Dolores Park, and the Castro.
Schedule your appointment online or book a discovery call if you'd like to learn more.
Schedule Online