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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
  • Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Hydrodissection
  • MSK Ultrasound

Functional Medicine

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

Aesthetics

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

Schedule Your Appointment Today

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Celebrating today’s #selfcaresunday event @formh Celebrating today’s #selfcaresunday event @formhealthpdx @form_health_aesthetics.
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Today we featured IPL photorejuvenation for a brighter, more even complexion and Neurotoxin injections with #xeomin® or #botox.
This event filled up fast so we barely got a chance to promote it on IG. But there will be another one! DM us if you would like to be added to our newsletter to stay in the know for our popular pop-ups before all the spots are snagged.

Next event...Microneedling + LED facial April 11th $240 for both (a $360 value).
A couple spots remain, DM if you’re interested.
We have an exciting announcement for you! Please R We have an exciting announcement for you! Please Read!😃
Elixia Wellness Group and FoRM Health are merging!!
Repost from our aesthetics [email protected]_health_ae Repost from our aesthetics team....@form_health_aesthetics
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Get your glow on with our Super Bowl Day Self-Care Sunday Event! We have a couple spots left for Chemical Peels and one spot left for Botox or Xeomin injections. Call 503.232.5653 option 2 or DM to snag your spot. 
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Words are powerful and, when articulated so beauti Words are powerful and, when articulated so beautifully and with such profound thought, can be very healing.
Thank you @amandascgorman for sharing your words with us today
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“We will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one…There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it—if only we’re brave enough to be it.” @amandascgorman 

Amanda Gorman made history as youngest poet in recent history to read at a presidential inauguration

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Repost from @constant_balance_acupuncture • Spri Repost from @constant_balance_acupuncture
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Spring is on its way...but it’s not here yet!  Here are my top 3 recommendations for supporting yourself with food during the last weeks of winter:

🔥Supplement Spleen and Kidney Yang with nutrient dense and warming foods such lamb, beef, winter squash, and rice congees.  

🔥Add warm and acrid herbs/spices such as fresh ginger, black pepper, and green onions to your meals to help support digestion.  Pu-erh tea or a cinnamon and dried ginger combo are great warming drinks.

🔥Avoid cold food and iced drinks- they put out the digestive fire we need to fully transform and transport nutrients from our food.  Cold in the digestive system can lead to bloating, loose stool, tiredness, and foggy brain.

Read more on my blog - link in bio!
Need help navigating the wacky world of nutrition?  Hit up my favorite nutritionist @theholisticearthling for customized dietary advice and meal plans- she’s the best!
🍓🍊🍋🥦🥣🍆
Repost from @form_health_aesthetics • 🥰Announ Repost from @form_health_aesthetics
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🥰Announcing our Self-care Sunday Events for Winter 2021🥳

We’re doubling up on our services for each event to give you the best results in as little time as possible. You can sign up for one or both services.

February 7th: Botox + Chemical Peels 

March 7th: Botox + Laser Photorejuvenation

April (exact date TBD): Microneedling + LED (light) Facials

Our events typically fill up, you can grab an early bird spot with a DM or email to info@formhealthpdx.com. 

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Dr. Kai’s Dry January Mocktail ideas: 1. CBD + Dr. Kai’s Dry January Mocktail ideas:

1. CBD + Kombucha: combine 10-50mg CBD tincture from @select_cbd with your favorite “dry” (ie low sugar) kombucha (try locally made @hmkpnw)...gives you a much-needed chill-out vibe

2. Ginger + Turmeric tonic: served warm or cold, @drinkrhizome, is an excellent replacement for your evening cocktail. Good for your gut, skin, and overall health.

3. Delicious mixers from @silverjulep - homemade blends of aromatic herbs + fruit juices...just skip the booze.

Start 2021 with your best self!

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Any and all-of-the-above will help boost your resiliency in 2021.
Dr. Kai is starting off with a 5-day fasting mimicking diet from @prolonfmd, a simple and quick dietary program with big metabolic and cellular benefits.

Let us know if we can help with your reset! Schedule online using the link in our bio.

#fastingforhealth #intermittentfasting #foodasmedicine #fastingmimickingdiet #naturopathicmedicine #prolonfmd
👋Bye-bye 2020! 👋
🤗Hello 2021!!🎉🎊🥳

Here’s to wishing everyone a Hapoy New Year...with hopes for healthier and happier next year for all!

Photos courtesy of the talented @photogafar 🥰
Have you heard?! Starting January 2021, we are i Have you heard?! 

Starting January 2021, we are introducing Wellness Wednesdays! We are kicking off our Wellness Wednesdays by focusing on mental health. If you have been interested in trying neurofeedback, but wanting to learn more about it or see if it is right for you, Wellness Wednesday are the days for you! 

For more information, head to our website or call directly. We look forward to seeing you there and starting the new year off in a great state of mind! 🧠
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