If you suffer a sports or musculoskeletal injury, general acupuncture may not be enough. The acupuncturists at FoRM Health in Portland, OR, have experience treating high-level athletes with dry needling, including professional acrobats, USA track and field runners, and even multiple Olympic medalists. You don’t have to be a professional, or even call yourself an athlete, to feel like one with our advanced treatments!
Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling
Both acupuncture and dry needling use small needles inserted through the skin, but they differ in philosophy, needle placement, and technique. Acupuncture is rooted in 2,000+ years of Chinese medicine and uses meridian-based points to address energetic imbalances throughout the body. It can be highly effective for a wide range of conditions and is often a deeply relaxing experience.
Dry needling takes a strictly Western, anatomical approach. Practitioners target tight muscles at motor or trigger points, manipulating the needle to elicit a twitch response — a brief contraction that prompts the muscle to reflexively relax and reset. While the tools are similar, the two methods serve distinct purposes and are often used together for optimal results.
Conditions Dry Needling Can Treat
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Muscle spasms and cramps
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Tension or strain headaches
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Sprains and strains
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Low back and spine-related pain
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Tennis elbow
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Achilles tendonitis
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Plantar fasciitis
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Gluteal tendinopathy
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Shin splints
FAQ
Acupuncture typically does not hurt, except for 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. Muscle twitches are not as painful, as the often strong contractions are more involuntary and uncomfortable. A strong twitch, however, is often a good sign, as overly tight muscles may need 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.
In general, no. Movement can actually help reduce any lingering soreness from dry needling. At the same time, we recommend avoiding intense exercise within 24 hours of a dry needling session.
While our office is located in SE Portland, Oregon, many of our patients travel from the greater Portland area, including Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, and Oregon City, for in-office visits and procedures. We also offer virtual office visits, which allow us to provide care to anyone seeking care in Oregon, except for procedures, which must be performed in-office.
Why Choose FoRM Health for Sports Acupuncture & Dry Needling in Portland, OR?
FoRM Health’s licensed acupuncturists bring a high level of clinical expertise to every session, with a track record of treating professional acrobats, Olympic medalists, and USA track and field athletes. Our integrative approach combines dry needling, traditional acupuncture, and complementary modalities, all tailored to your specific condition and goals. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to optimize performance, we treat you as an individual, not a diagnosis.
Located in Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, FoRM Health offers a team-based environment where sports acupuncture works alongside our orthopedic, functional medicine, and physical therapy specialists. That means more coordinated care and better outcomes.
Schedule with FoRM’s Sports Acupuncture Specialists in Portland, OR
Ready to move better and feel stronger? Contact FoRM Health at (503) 232-5653 to schedule with one of our sports acupuncture specialists
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Sharon Blaney, LAc (Manual therapy + Sports Acupuncture)
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Hilary Constant LAc (cupping + sports acupuncture)
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Laura Goff LAc (cupping + sports acupuncture)
