Acupuncture for Athletes: Recovery and Injury Care
How acupuncture may help you recover between sessions, settle pain and keep training, explained by licensed acupuncturists who treat athletes every day.
Rated 5.0 on GoogleLicensed acupuncturists
- Who it's for
- Athletes and anyone who trains hard
- What it may help
- Recovery, muscle pain, range of motion and sleep
- How it feels
- Hair-thin needles, a dull ache or a brief twitch
- First visit
- 60 minutes: assessment and treatment
What our patients say
5.0 on Google from 92 reviews
I could not recommend Andrew enough! He has so much knowledge on the human body and can figure out quickly what areas need work. I went in with major back pain that kept me from lifting weights or running, and after a few sessions I am pain free.
Andrew applies his knowledge of the body and expert techniques to address affected muscles both for maintenance during training and related to injury. His combination of acupuncture and massage helps to open up areas and find the place to target. I have seen Andrew in the past for recovery post concussion and most recently for routine maintenance while training at a high level for my next marathon. I highly recommend Andrew and am lucky to have him as a part of my support team to stay healthy! - Katie Hynes, competitive runner -
As an avid runner who is always training for an endurance race my body has a tendency to break down. Andrew is a legit magician. He’s able to get to the root off the problem quickly and I often don’t miss a beat with regards to my training. Marathon prep would not be possible otherwise.
Andrew is the best. I’m a professional ballerina and his treatments helped me come back from a broken foot. When you see Andrew - you’re comforted by his knowledge, expertise, & strategy based treatment. Plus the clinic is so relaxing and warm. I have complete trust that he will help my aches and pains and keep me dancing for a long time.
Andrew introduced me to a form of healing which, after years of competitive long distance running and many injuries, I am more than thankful to have discovered! My latest injury, a small tear in my left hamstring, sidelined me for a number of months. After trying rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatories with little results, I finally met Andrew. His approach from the very beginning was completely methodical, precise and extremely professional. Right away the pain eased, and I felt my body finally respond to treatment. Andrew was instrumental in healing my hamstring, and I trust that his acupuncture/massage techniques will keep me healthy and, importantly, keep me running for many decades and miles.
I’ve always wanted to be able to demonstrate clearly to professional dancers when giving them corrections or setting ballets. However, without the level of daily physical preparation that my body was used to when I danced, my body now has moments of rebellion that, however careful I am, need the assistance of experts to ensure I can do my job fully. Andrew’s combination of acupuncture and soft tissue work always made a significant difference to my mobility, helping me undertake my role in the studio at a level of physicality such that I’m not confined to the minimum level of demonstration. With his level of experience with dancers it was always easy to discuss problematic muscles and joints, and reassuring that he ‘got’ what was going on and what was required to improve the situation efficiently and effectively.
As a professional dancer, I rely heavily on Andrew throughout the performance season to literally fix me in order to get me back onstage. I have chronic problems with my knee and my shoulder, and the combination of acupuncture with electric stimulation and heat has been tremendously helpful. Andrew only needs five minutes to find exactly where he needs to work, and the results are fantastic. His acupuncture work is also gentle, and doesn’t leave me sore the next day — in fact, it’s one of the only therapies I feel comfortable receiving right before a show. Andrew does great deep tissue work as well, and he is very responsive and attentive as a therapist. I’d highly recommend him to dancers, athletes and non-dancers alike.
In our career it is very important to stay physically healthy, because our dance career is very short. We rehearse, work out every single day, and very often, because of the physical pressure from practicing so hard, we get injuries and surgery. My story is about my back, foot and wrist. I joined San Francisco Ballet a year ago. The first day of work, during ballet class, I hurt my back. I have had problems before with my wrist, and sadly, later on with the tough season, my foot got hurt. Luckily, I was recommended to Andrew Castellanos. I started with a few visits a month, and quickly saw results, so I made sure I finished my treatments. Thanks to Andrew, I was able to finish my successful season here. Now I have to spread the word…
Gosh, I'm so happy I found Andrew! Thanks to him, I avoided going down a surgery route for my injury! In June 2022, my left knee started acting up (my best guess is overcompensation for gluteal tendonitis I was treating) but I pushed through to backpack 264 miles on the John Muir Trail. When I finished my trek, my left knee was pretty unhappy and I couldn't even get in and out of my car without feeling like a jigsaw puzzle. I tirelessly saw dozens of providers over the next year - chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedists, massage therapists, etc. All had their own theories - soleus muscle, calf strain, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, etc. The complexity in my case was that my pain was not in my knee itself - it was on the left side in between my knee cap and calf. Despite my knee MRI showing meniscus tears, inflammation, tendonosis, etc. the doctors insisted we treat the symptoms, not the MRIs. So, I got a calf MRI, hip MRI, and an EMG, all of which were negative. Then, one doctor recommended oral Prednisone, and he told me I should see results better than Advil for pain management. It did nothing. It wasn't until I was finally referred to one doctor who noticed something in my knee MRI and caught that there is excess fluid in my proximal tibiofibular joint (PBTJ), and that area tracks with where I feel my pain. To test his suspicion diagnostically, he recommended an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection in my PBTJ to see if that reduced my pain. The pain did decrease (which was good), but it wasn't gone. The doctors informed me issues concerning the PBTJ are rare, and that they needed to refer me to one of the only specialists in the country for this. That specialist happened to be in Minnesota, and when I checked his website, he was only seeing patients for surgery. I did not want surgery. I felt completely defeated, unsure where to go next. In May, I was recommended by someone who also had a challenging journey with injuries (and was able to return to running and hiking) to try acupuncture. I was surprised, since I had not considered Eastern Medicine before for a sports injury. The person specifically recommended I search for an acupuncturist who specializes in athletes, and that led me to find "Acupuncture for Athletics." :) My first appointment with Andrew was May 30, and he patiently listened to my whole ordeal and reviewed all of the documentation I brought (MRIs, doctor's notes, etc). He assured me he treats the root cause, which I appreciated because I did not want to do a band-aid fix only for this to return again, and that he has hope I can feel better. We started off with cupping along my left leg to encourage the inflammation to dissipate, and then we did needles in my leg. Oof, I remember one session when Andrew placed a needle near my PBTJ - I screamed SO loudly lol. But once all of the needles were in, it slowly felt like a meditative experience, and I was able to relax into it. Over my 7 sessions with Andrew, I began to notice the needles felt less painful. In the beginning, I remember feeling the pain just in walking over to Andrew's office. By the 6th session, I realized I wasn't thinking about my pain anymore. I did one more session to be sure, and I was in disbelief that I actually felt pain-free! We decided to go a month testing how the pain fared without regular sessions, and so far so good! The pain flares here and there, but in a MUCH less capacity than before. Throughout this whole process, Andrew was kind, patient, and determined. He was committed to solving the underlying issue, and he was flexible and accommodating to me - whether I wanted to address my left knee or start tackling similar pain that was creeping up on my right knee. Had it not been for Andrew, I would have likely chased surgery because I was running out of ideas. I appreciate you, Andrew! If you're nearing your wits' end with a chronic injury, please go see Andrew and give it a good ~5 sessions if you can. Wishing everyone out there good luck on their chronic pain journeys! You got this!
I would strongly (strongly!) recommend Acupuncture for Athletics for both athletes and non-athletes alike. Not only does Andrew help with injury recovery, pain management, and stress relief, but he creates a relaxing and positive environment that enhances the work that he does and leads you to feel better both physically and mentally after each visit. And beyond acupuncture and massage, Andrew goes the extra mile to provide guidance on how to address specific pain-points and injuries, or to simply ensure that you are feeling and performing your best. Again, I can't recommend Acupuncture for Athletics enough!
There’s no one I trust more than Andrew to support my kids in their healing process if they’ve had a sports-related injury. As elite athletes, it’s so important that their knees, ankles and shoulders are well taken care of, and Andrew is our go-to for treatment of pain or injury and also guidance for best practices outside the treatment room to further help healing along. My daughter recently rolled her ankle and was ready for a painfully prolonged healing process when we took her into to see Andrew for a couple treatments before a tournament weekend. With his help, her recovery was amazing, allowing her to feel confident on her ankle. Thanks to Andrew, she was healthy enough to play without pain or exacerbating the injury. We are very grateful to have Andrew on speed dial when these types of injuries occur!
Andrew is a fantastic alternative and addition to physical therapy. He quickly understands your condition and treats it effectively.
Acupuncture won't do your training for you. It can help you keep showing up for it.
Most athletes find us for the same reason: something hurts, and they don't want to stop. A tight calf before a race, a cranky shoulder in the middle of a lifting block, a hip that won't settle during a dance season. Acupuncture is one of the tools that can help you recover, ease pain and keep moving while the problem heals.
This guide explains how acupuncture may help athletes, what the research suggests, and how treatment changes from sport to sport. When you're ready to book, our sports acupuncture clinic in San Francisco is on Webster Street in Cow Hollow.
Why Work with Us
We're not just for athletes, but for everyone wanting more movement and less pain in their life.
Built around your life
We start with how you move, then treat the injury with a plan to get you back to training, work and everyday life.
Excellence in one visit
Acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, cold laser and sports massage from the same licensed team, so you're not bouncing between clinics.
Trusted by professionals
Andrew and team have treated athletes for USF, the San Francisco Ballet, LINES Ballet and MLB spring training. Our patients rate us 5.0 on Google.
What is acupuncture for athletes?
Acupuncture for athletes, often called sports acupuncture, uses the same fine, sterile needles as traditional acupuncture. The difference is the starting point. Instead of working from a chart alone, we begin with how you move: the squat that pinches, the stride that tightens, the overhead reach that hurts.
From there we treat the tissue that's driving the problem. That can mean acupuncture points that calm pain and support recovery, trigger points in a tight muscle, and the area around an irritated tendon or joint. Most sessions also include hands-on work.
Because one licensed acupuncturist can do all of it, a single visit might combine needling with dry needling for stubborn trigger points, cupping for tight, overworked tissue, cold laser therapy or sports massage after a hard training block. You can see everything we offer on our services page.
How acupuncture may help athletes
Here's what studies suggest in the four areas athletes ask us about most.
Recovery and muscle soreness
A 2020 meta-analysis of six randomized trials found that acupuncture after hard exercise reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness, with the biggest difference around 72 hours. We use it as one part of a recovery plan.
Pain
The evidence is strongest for musculoskeletal pain. A 2018 analysis of 39 trials and more than 20,000 patients found acupuncture beat both sham and no acupuncture for chronic musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis and headache, and most of the benefit was still there a year later. For athletes specifically, a 2020 review of 22 case reports covering 211 athletes found most reported short-term pain relief and a return to function.
Range of motion
A 2023 review of acupuncture in sports medicine by Mayo Clinic physicians reported improvements in joint mobility, swelling and muscle soreness across many sports. In the treatment room, athletes often tell us a guarded muscle feels freer afterwards, which makes it easier to get back into a full range in training.
Sleep and stress
Sleep is where recovery happens, and many patients say they sleep better after treatment. A 2017 trial of 72 adults with insomnia found real acupuncture improved sleep more than sham. We see better sleep and a calmer head as a welcome bonus, not a promise.
What acupuncture won't do
- Replace training, sleep, food or a sensible plan
- Fix a structural problem like a full tear or a fracture
- Make you faster on its own
- Work the same way for everyone
If we think you need imaging or a doctor first, we'll tell you, and we're happy to work alongside your physician or physical therapist.
Who it's for
Competitive athletes, weekend warriors and anyone who trains regularly. We screen every patient before treatment.
Athletes we see
Wherever you are in your season
- Recovery between hard sessions
- A new strain, sprain or tweak
- Pain that keeps coming back
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
- Recovery after surgery, alongside your surgeon's plan
- Tapering for a race or event
- Staying healthy through a long season
Acupuncture by sport
Every sport loads the body differently. Here's what we commonly look at, and how treatment usually adapts.
- RunnersCalves, Achilles, shins, the IT band and the sole of the foot take the pounding. We combine needling of tight calves and hips with cupping and soft-tissue work, and help you adjust your mileage rather than stop.
- CyclistsLong hours in one position load the front of the knee, the hip flexors, the low back and the neck. Needling the quads and hip flexors and massage along the back are common, and we'll tell you if your bike fit looks like part of the problem.
- CrossFit and liftersOverhead work and heavy pulls stress the shoulders, elbows, wrists and low back. Trigger-point needling of the rotator cuff, forearms and back muscles is typical, along with an honest conversation about training volume.
- ClimbersFingers, forearms, elbows and shoulders do most of the work. We treat the forearm and shoulder muscles with needling, cupping and laser, and many climbers keep climbing at an easier grade while things settle.
- DancersFeet, ankles, the Achilles, hips and the low back carry a heavy rehearsal load, often with no room to stop. Andrew has been on call for the San Francisco Ballet and Alonzo King LINES Ballet, so he's used to treating around a performance schedule.
- GolfersGolfer's elbow, rotational low back pain and stiff hips or upper back are the usual complaints. Needling, cupping and mobility work aim to settle the pain and protect your swing.
- SwimmersThousands of strokes a week load the shoulders and neck. Treatment focuses on the rotator cuff, upper back and neck, plus the chest muscles that pull the shoulder forward.
- TriathletesThree sports means three sets of overuse risks, often stacked into one training week. We help you deal with the niggle that threatens race day first, and plan treatment around your taper.
Your first visit
Plan on about an hour. Wear shorts and a tank top, or loose layers you can roll up.
Talk it through
We ask about your sport, training load, upcoming events and the history of the problem. Bring any imaging or notes from your doctor or physical therapist.
Assessment
We watch you move, whether that's a squat, a lunge, a reach or whatever brings the pain on, then feel for the tissue that's involved.
Treatment
Usually acupuncture or dry needling, with cupping, laser or hands-on work as needed. You may feel a dull ache or a quick twitch, which fades fast.
Your plan
Mild soreness for a day or so is common. We'll suggest how to train around treatment and estimate how many sessions you may need, which varies from person to person.
Why athletes choose Acupuncture for Athletics
We're a sports-focused clinic. The owner, Andrew Castellanos, L.Ac, CST, has more than 25 years of experience treating injuries, swelling, spasm and pain, and helping athletes recover after surgery and get back to performing.
He's done that work at a professional level, from the training room at USF to MLB spring training. You can read more about his background in Andrew's full bio.
Suzanne Lange, DACM, L.Ac, CMT, brings more than 20 years of experience in orthopedics and sports medicine and is also a certified massage therapist. Ali Hakimi, L.Ac, focuses on injury recovery and pain, with scalp and ear acupuncture and herbal medicine. All three are California-licensed, and we're open from 7:30am to 9pm, seven days a week.
Andrew has worked with
- The University of San Francisco Sports Department, as its acupuncturist
- The San Francisco Ballet, on call
- Alonzo King LINES Ballet, on call
- The Impala Racing Team, on call
- The Giants, Phillies, Red Sox, Pirates and Padres at 2018 spring training
Andrew Castellanos
L.Ac, CST · Clinic owner
Sports injuries, performance and post-surgical recovery.
Read Andrew's bio
Pricing and booking
Your first visit is a 60-minute assessment and treatment. Follow-ups are 45 minutes, or 60 minutes if you'd like acupuncture combined with massage. Book online with the practitioner of your choice, or call and we'll help you choose.
We accept HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards. We don't bill insurance, but we'll give you a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
We're an easy trip from the Marina District, Crissy Field and the Presidio. Not here for sport? We also offer general acupuncture in San Francisco for stress, sleep and everyday aches. Professional athletes and performers can also ask about on-site performance care at home, in a hotel or at the team facility.
Appointments
- 60-min initial acupuncture & assessment
- $225
- 45-min acupuncture follow-up
- $195
- 60-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $225
- 75-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $265
- 90-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $300
Acupuncture for athletes FAQ
Is acupuncture good for athletes?
Research suggests acupuncture may ease muscle soreness after hard exercise and help with musculoskeletal pain, and many athletes use it alongside physical therapy, strength work and good sleep. Results differ from person to person, and we'll estimate how many sessions you may need after your assessment.
How often should athletes get acupuncture?
It depends on what you're treating. A new injury is often treated more frequently at first, then spaced out as it settles, while some athletes book regular sessions during a heavy training block. We'll suggest a schedule after your first visit and adjust it as you respond.
Should I get acupuncture before or after a workout?
After training is usually best for recovery work, because you may feel loose or a little tired afterwards. Avoid booking your first ever session right before a race or a max-effort day. Tell us your competition dates and we'll time treatment around them.
Can acupuncture improve athletic performance?
Indirectly. If acupuncture reduces pain, eases soreness and helps you sleep, you may train more consistently, and consistent training is what improves performance. Some studies have reported gains in measures like muscle strength, though acupuncture is never a substitute for training.
Does acupuncture help sports injuries like strains and tendinitis?
Acupuncture is commonly used for strains, sprains and tendon pain to help manage pain and support recovery, usually combined with cupping, laser and hands-on work. If we suspect something structural, like a tear or a fracture, we'll refer you to a physician for imaging first.
What's the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Dry needling targets trigger points in tight muscle, while acupuncture works with points across the body and a wider assessment. In California, dry needling is performed by licensed acupuncturists. Physical therapists in California are not currently authorized to perform dry needling. Our practitioners use both, often in the same session. (Last reviewed October 2026.)
Does it hurt, and will I be sore afterwards?
The needles are hair-thin. You may feel a brief pinch, a dull ache or a quick muscle twitch, which usually fades within seconds. Mild soreness for a day or so is common, and cupping can leave round marks that fade over several days.
Do you work with physical therapists and coaches?
Yes. Many athletes see us alongside a physical therapist, coach or surgeon. Bring your rehab plan or imaging and we'll fit our treatment around it.
Do you take insurance?
We accept HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards. We don't bill insurance directly, but we'll give you a superbill you can submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Is there an acupuncturist for athletes near the Marina?
Yes. Andrew Castellanos, L.Ac, leads our sports care at 2920 Webster Street, one block north of Union Street on the Cow Hollow side of the Marina. He has more than 25 years of experience with athletes, from USF Athletics to MLB spring training, and is used to treating around a training and performance schedule.
Which neighborhoods do your athletes come from?
We see athletes from Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, Russian Hill, North Beach and the Richmond District, and most of our patients are based within a mile or two. Others come from the Mission, SoMa, the Financial District and the Inner Sunset near UCSF, and some cross the Bay from Marin, Oakland and Berkeley. If your training runs take you along the Marina Green or Crissy Field, you'll find us on the Cow Hollow side of the Marina.
References
- Huang C, et al. Does acupuncture benefit delayed-onset muscle soreness after strenuous exercise? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Physiol. 2020.
- Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. J Pain. 2018.
- Lee JW, Lee JH, Kim SY. Use of acupuncture for the treatment of sports-related injuries in athletes: a systematic review of case reports. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020.
- Pujalte GGA, et al. Acupuncture in sports medicine. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2023.
- Yin X, et al. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment on primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep Med. 2017.
Train hard. Recover well.
Book a first visit at our Cow Hollow clinic, or call to talk through your injury first.
Visit us in Cow Hollow
2920 Webster Street, between Union and Filbert. A short walk from the Marina, Pacific Heights and the Presidio.
Address
Acupuncture for Athletics2920 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94123 Gate code: in your booking confirmation email
Hours
- Every day
- 7:30am – 9:00pm