Sports Medicine Acupuncture

Mr. John Rybak Acupuncturist Portland, OR

John Rybak is an acupuncturist practicing in Portland, OR. Dr. Rybak evaluates and treats patients based on the concepts of oriental medicine. Acupuncturists complete their evaluations by getting a patient history and looking at and touching the body. Then, they place very fine acupuncture needles into specific points... more

Acupuncture for sports injuries offers pain relief from acute injury as well as chronic conditions. Research has shown that acupuncture increases the level of endorphins and anti-inflammatory compounds in your cerebrospinal fluid. Inflammation is very common after sports injuries, so controlling that is key. Acupuncture also increases blood, nerve, and bio electric circulation to relieve pain, correct underlying tension, and promote healing. As a bonus, acupuncture helps with our ‘head game’ by reducing feelings of stress and anxiety through several mechanisms including impacting the vagus nerve, hormonal and endocrine changes, and diaphragmatic relaxation so we breathe more deeply. There is even a simplified style of acupuncture called “Battlefield Acupuncture” that is taught to active military combat personnel to help reduce the effects of extremely stressful experiences. A final major benefit of acupuncture for sports injuries is that it can help athletes of all kinds avoid unnecessary surgery or prescription pain medications. Ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, tylenol, can be harmful in the body when used regularly. With opioid prescriptions still on the rise, an acupuncture treatment with no side effects or interactions is a great place to start if you’re suffering after an injury or when recovering from a surgery.

What types of sports injuries can acupuncture help with?

We believe that your health depends on teamwork between all of your doctors. Sometimes surgery is the best choice and acupuncture can help improve your post-surgery recovery. Whether you practice on the blacktop, run our beautiful trails, or spend time on the putting green, these are some of the more common sports injuries that acupuncture can help with.

Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a tendon that connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. When injured or torn, the pain can be intense and make it impossible to even take one step. Injuries to the plantar fascia are common in sports that are played on hard or uneven surfaces, when people ramp up their exercise routines, or when athletes wear unsupportive shoes.

Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis relieves the acute pain of plantar fasciitis so you can avoid medications and find relief. Tendons can take a long time to heal; our team uses acupuncture and functional medicine to correct the underlying issue and speed healing. Don’t worry, most acupuncturists do NOT have to put needles into the bottom of the feet. We will work on the feet from a more comfortable angle, but most importantly we are looking at how the low back, hips, knees, lower legs, and achilles are affecting our feet. A great first step will be to check your shoes. Perhaps buy an affordable arch support insert for your shoes, and try rolling and stretching your feet.

Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is found most frequently in sports that feature repetitive motions anywhere along the hands, arms, neck, or upper back. When the nerve pathway from your neck to your hand is injured or inflamed, athletes can experience pain, weakness, and other symptoms. Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome helps 90% of participants achieve pain relief and improved function. Another study noted not only pain relief but also improved grip strength and better nerve signaling after acupuncture.

Acupuncture for tennis elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a specific form of tendonitis. It occurs when the repetitive motion of swinging a racket (or any similar motion, such as a golf club) damages or inflames the tendons on the outside of the elbow joint. This can cause pain and weakness in the wrist and elbow when lifting or twisting the arm. Acupuncture for tennis elbow focuses on pain relief and better mobility, and research is proving its effectiveness. In 2016, a study of acupuncture for tennis elbow found that acupuncture combined with massage of the affected area resulted in complete healing of tennis elbow in just 20 days for the majority of patients.

Acupuncture for tendonitis

Tendonitis is a blanket term for inflamed or injured tendons in any part of the body. This can occur in the knees, shoulders, or wrists. Anywhere a tendon helps to support and stabilize movement can become injured. One of the crucial aspects of healing any tendon injury is blood flow. Acupuncture for tendonitis increases blood flow to the area and improves circulation. Another way acupuncture helps heal tendon injuries is by setting off a chain reaction in the tissues and nerves close to the acupuncture pin to decrease pain and inflammation. For a hard-to-treat condition like tendonitis, this represents an essential part of managing the condition.

Our approach to acupuncture for sports injuries

At The Wellbridge Clinic we work with you on your long- and short- term goals for pain relief and improved function. Whether you are Olympics-bound or simply want to play 18 holes of golf without having to endure pain, we can help. We start by addressing any acute pain you are experiencing. Our Portland acupuncture team incorporates functional medicine to get you relief and recovery. Our comprehensive approach is shown to correct any underlying tension, dysfunction, or imbalance that may have led to injury.

Once you feel at the top of your game, our focus switches to maintaining your good health. We know that keeping you tuned up is crucial. After all, the human body is the most magnificent machine and all machines need maintenance. The rewards are so much greater when we take care of ourselves.