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Sports Acupuncture & Dry Needling

If you suffer a sports or musculoskeletal injury, a general acupuncture approach may not be sufficient. The acupuncturists at FoRM Health in Portland, Oregon offer athletes and lay people alike a more specialized approach.

Sports acupuncture and dry needling provide more effective, direct care for your injury by specifically helping reduce muscle and connective tissue (fascia) tension to decrease pain, increase circulation, and support healing. Sessions are tailored to the patient’s condition, and typically involve a mix of dry needling, standard acupuncture techniques, and complementary modalities (cupping, GuaSha, electric stimulation, infrared, and more).

FoRM acupuncturists have experience treating high level athletes with dry needling, including professional acrobats, USA track and field runners, and even multiple Olympic medalists. You definitely don’t have to be a professional, or even call yourself an athlete, but we can help you feel like one! Call us today or schedule online to get started.

What Conditions is Dry Needling used for?

  • Muscle spasms and cramps
  • Tension or strain headaches
  • Sprains and strains
  • Low back and spinal related pain
  • Tennis elbow
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Gluteal tendinopathy
  • Shin splints

 

Schedule with FoRM’s Sports Acupuncture specialist:

Dr. Ryan Minarik ND, LAc

FAQ

What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

In a broad sense, acupuncture and dry needling are essentially the same; both techniques utilize small needles that are inserted through the skin. Beyond that, however, there is typically a difference in both the decision as to where to apply the needles and how they are used or manipulated. While some acupuncturists essentially use a style basically identical to dry needling, for many patients the experience can be quite different.

Acupuncture is based on a 2000+ year old system of Chinese philosophy which at a very basic level looks at the human body as essentially an energetic system existing in a state of fluctuating balance/imbalance. Meridians, or channels, in the body related to an organ network (similar, but not synonymous with anatomic organs) help identify sites of blockage or imbalance where needles can be inserted. Systemic imbalances, again related to the organs and the overall state of the person, are further treated with medications, herbs, food/nutrient choices etc that aim to restore the imbalance. This Chinese Medicine view is complex, needing extensive training in the philosophy to fully understand it, or at least its application from a health standpoint. Attempts to prove or understand it from a Western medical or anatomical view are difficult as basically it is like speaking two different languages or religions, i.e. intermixing French and Japanese when speaking, or trying to explain Christianity through Buddhist terms. Acupuncture applied from within its own context can be very effective for a variety of conditions, as proven both in studies and by its presence in medical care for over 2 millennia.

Dry needling, in contrast, is based on a strict Western anatomical basis. Regions of tight, constricted muscles are identified. Needles are inserted into (often) predictable sites of the muscles, usually motor or trigger points, and manipulated until a twitch in the muscles is elicited. This twitch is basically a quick contraction of the muscle. The twitch is essential; when a muscle contracts it typically then causes a reflexive relaxation of that muscle, thereby calming or re-setting the tone of the muscle.

Interestingly, and where the debate often comes in across different practitioners, is that acupuncture points often coincide or overlap with the points used in dry needling. This is of no surprise, however, and helps prove both therapies when you consider that two different viewpoints or philosophies end up with the same therapeutic site.

Does acupuncture or dry needling hurt?

Acupuncture typically does not hurt at all, other than an occasional very slight poke when a needle is inserted. Treatments are often very relaxing, and patients may experience immediate pain reduction or increasing pain relief over the course of treatments. Dry needling also has minimal if any discomfort with needle insertion. The twitch of muscles is not as much painful, as much as the often strong contractions are more involuntary and more uncomfortable. A strong twitch, however, is often a good sign, as the overly tight muscles needed an intense contraction to release. Without any contractions, dry needling is often not needed. After a dry needling session, muscles are typically sore for 12-24 hours.

Do I have to rest or limit activity after a dry needling treatment?

In general, no. Movement can actually help reduce any lingering soreness from dry needling. At the same time, it is recommended to avoid intense exercise within 24 hours of a dry needling session.

Orthopedics

  • PRP Injections
  • Prolotherapy
  • Sports Acupuncture & Dry Needling
  • Chiropractic
  • Massage Therapy
  • Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Hydrodissection
  • MSK Ultrasound

Functional Medicine

  • IV Nutritional Therapy
  • Neurofeedback
  • Acupuncture
  • Nutrition
  • Hormone testing & Functional Labs
  • Massage Therapy

Aesthetics

  • PRP Skin Rejuvenation
  • PRP Hair Restoration
  • Injectables
  • Cosmetic Laser
  • Advanced Aesthetics & Clinical Skincare

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Feel better. Move better. Look better.

Schedule Appointment

Summer pop-up events hosted by FoRM's Aesthetic te Summer pop-up events hosted by FoRM's Aesthetic team. Featuring: Xeomin anti-wrinkle injections + Microcurrent facial sculpting with collagen mask! Put a fresh face forward with this dynamic duo. Schedule by calling the clinic or emailing dr.herman@formhealthpdx.com

#epionce #microcurrentfacial #facialsculpting #xeomin #antiwrinkletreatment #injectables #merzaesthetics
Seen here…our hard-working, yet endlessly upbeat Seen here…our hard-working, yet endlessly upbeat office manager and functional nutritionist, Ellina, getting a pick me up with #ivnutrienttherapy .

IV nutritional therapy is one of our more popular treatments this time of year, with it’s ability to put the pep back in your step if you’ve been dragging.

Our popular formulas include:
🏃‍♀️Energy Boost
🧠Brain Boost
💧Hydrate
🥵Recover
(🚴🏽‍♂️Sports) Performance
🥴Immune Boost

Schedule a wellness-boosting IV today! Scheduling link in bio. Schedule with either Dr. Kai or Dr. Caitlan.

#ivtherapy #ivwellness #sportsrecovery #sportsperformance #beyourbest #functionalnutrition #wellnessjourney
📢Testimonial Tuesday📢 We love bragging about 📢Testimonial Tuesday📢
We love bragging about our amazing @formhealthpdx providers…
Hilary @constant_balance_acupuncture is compassionate, wise and a master of needles 🪡 .
Her specialties include hormones, fertility, muscle tension/pain and skin rejuvenation.

Her calming demeanor and gentle touch creates a zen-vibe and healing space for patients!

Schedule with Hilz to get your zen on using link in bio!

#acupuncture #acupunctureworks #chinesemedicine #skinrejuvenation #herbalmedicine #testimonialtuesday #formhealth #formhealthpdx #naturalmedicine #feelbetter #feelbettermovebetter #feelbetterlookbetter #sellwoodpdx #sellwoodmoreland
➕🟰These guys have the Championship formula do ➕🟰These guys have the Championship formula down!

Resilient mind-set + 
commitment to rehab/self-care = perseverance through all obstacles

Be your own Warrior!

#neurofeedback #flowstate #functionalnutrition #softtissuetherapy #chiropractic #sportsacupuncture #sportsrehab #massagetherapy #ivnutrition #redlight #mindset #dailymantra 
#movebetterfeelbetter 

Congratulations to an inspirational duo @klaythompson @stephencurry30 and all @warriors
“Celebrate we will…cause life is short but swe “Celebrate we will…cause life is short but sweet for certain…”

So much to celebrate these days…#happyfathersday #juneteenth #pridemonth 

Celebrating is good for the mind, body & soul.
Feel + Move Better with our favorite kind of nutri Feel + Move Better with our favorite kind of nutritional shots at FoRM.. Energy shots⚡️

#energyshots blend energizing vitamins with function-optimizing amino acids to pump you up for your next work out or get you through the day. 

Schedule with Dr. Caitlan to get boosted in 5 min or less!

#ivnutrition #energyboost #movebetterfeelbetter #movebetter #feelbetter #b12injections #beyourbestself
It’s the season of adventuring and outdoor sport It’s the season of adventuring and outdoor sports!! Hiking, swimming, paddle-boarding, running, climbing and we say “Bring it on!”

Prep yourself for the long days, activity and exertion!

#ivhydration #ivnutrition #chiropractic #energyshots #massagetherapy #acupuncture #dryneedling #kinesiotaping #guasha #cupping #physicaltherapy
Repost from @constant_balance_acupuncture • In h Repost from @constant_balance_acupuncture
•
In honor of all the roses blooming in Portland right now…

Mei Gui Hua (Rosa rugosa/ Chinese rosebud) is used in Chinese Medicine to move Liver Qi Stagnation (think stress, tension and irritability), smooth digestion, and improve the complexion.  It can also gently move stagnant blood and is often used in formulas for PMS, breast tenderness, and menstrual cramps. 

The second picture shows Mei Gui Hua in a formula with Wu Wei Zi (schizandra), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry), Bai Mu Er (white wood ear mushroom), Shan Yao (Dioscorea) and Huang Qi (Astragalus). I call it my "skin and yin" formula. By tonifying Qi, Blood and Yin, nourishing Fluids, and gently invigorating the Blood, the formula can be used for a wide range of issues, including dry, lackluster skin, fatigue, and hormone imbalance postpartum or post-pregnancy loss. 

Mei Gui Hua is a relatively safe herb, but as always, be sure to check in with your friendly neighborhood herbalist to make sure any herbs you want to take are right for you!

#chinesemedicine #acupuncture #chineseherbalmedicine #herbalmedicine #hormonebalance #naturalhormonebalance #feelbetter #feelbetterlookbetter #digestivesupport
Prep your body for the season of outdoor activitie Prep your body for the season of outdoor activities! 🏃Move Better with...Sports Acupuncture, Chiropractic care + Massage therapy! #sportschiropractic #sportsmassage #massagetherapy #movebetterfeelbetter #dryneedling #sportsacupuncture #guasha #cupping #ktaping
Portland…we’ve got some catching up to do when Portland…we’ve got some catching up to do when it comes to getting a daily dose of sunshine ☀️ and outdoor activities 🏃‍♀️🧗‍♂️🚴🏽‍♂️…
Grab friend, family or neighbor and get outside! The combination of sun, fresh air, companionship, and fitness is the ultimate mental health boost!

#runningbuddies #fitnessmotivation #fitnesswithfriends #emotionalwellbeing #mentalhealth
😊Feel Better😃 While May is officially #menta 😊Feel Better😃
While May is officially #mentalhealthawareness month, mental wellness is a priority EVERY month at FoRM. 

We know that the journey towards better health overall requires ongoing care for one’s mental and emotional well-being.

At FoRM, we offer services that can provide an immediate boost to your mood and brain function, while integrating long-term strategies to sustain benefits and prevent illness.

We also encourage at-home practices for our patients to incorporate into their daily and weekly routines to better mental health.

Services for that immediate mood boost:
#acupuncture #ivtherapy #craniosacraltherapy #massagetherapy #reiki 

Long-term strategies for mental well-being:
#nutrition #supplements #nootropics #herbalmedicine #adaptogens #nervines #hormonebalance #hormonetherapy #neurofeedbacktherapy #neurofeedback #braintraining 

At-home practices:
#mindfulness #gratitude #meditation #exerciseformentalhealth #actsofkindness #arttherapy #naturetherapy and more!

Schedule with a Naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, or massage therapist to care for your mental health! Link in Bio!
📢Testimonial Tuesday📢 There’s few things i 📢Testimonial Tuesday📢
There’s few things in this world that can turn around a day like a good massage! MaryJane delivers high quality therapeutic soft tissue work within a calming and rejuvenating environment that helps your whole body reset! Good for mind, body and soul!

#massagetherapy #softtissuetherapy #triggerpointtherapy #reiki #healingtouch #movebetterfeelbetter

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Phone

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Monday–Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 10am-2pm

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Portland, Oregon, 97202

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