Pain Management Acupuncture in San Francisco
Back, knee, neck, shoulder and tendon pain treated at the source by licensed sports acupuncturists, so you can get back to training, work and the things you enjoy.
Rated 5.0 on GoogleLicensed acupuncturists
- Common reasons
- Back, knee, neck, shoulder and tendon pain
- What we use
- Acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, laser and massage
- First visit
- 60 minutes, with a full assessment
- Our approach
- Assess, treat, then retest before you leave
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 is a fantastic alternative and addition to physical therapy. He quickly understands your condition and treats it effectively.
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!
Andrew is a cornerstone of my care team. He successfully unwinds my ills before they can become chronic problems.
Andrew is fantastic! He is knowledgeable and provides specialized treatment for my chronic nerve pain. I highly recommend him.
Andrew is terrific. I saw him post shoulder surgery and it was very beneficial in getting pain free and full range of motion.
Andrew treated me over a period of about two years for hip and shoulder problems, and he was tremendously helpful. I was impressed with his knowledge and skill, not to mention wonderful “bedside manner” and especially his enthusiasm for staying current in his field.
I loved coming to Andrew. He was a lifesaver in helping me through some back issues when I was pregnant with my first child. A lovely, warm place and Andrew is amazing!!!!
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…
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.
I was introduced to Andrew by a friend who dubbed him as nothing short of magical. After experiencing his expertise firsthand, I couldn't agree more. Andrew's mastery of the human body and its intricacies truly feels like a kind of magic. I've been to other specialists for my chronic upper back and neck pain, but Andrew is different. He focuses on treating the actual problem, not just masking the symptoms. For the first time, I walked out of an acupuncture session and went back to exercising without feeling any pain. It was a game-changer. I feel as if I've been given a brand new back. Honestly, I never thought a life without back pain was possible until now. While I was also working with Andew some other health issues came up that couldn’t be diagnosed by western medicine. His thoughtful and holistic approach immediately made me feel understood and valued. Throughout our sessions, he would patiently explain the various points he was working on or the sensations I was experiencing, shedding light on what was going on internally within my body. Thanks to him, I now have a deeper appreciation for how imbalances in one area can send ripples throughout the entire system. He was able to find the root cause, guiding me slowly but surely on the path to recovery. I feel blessed to have met Andrew, he really has changed my life and I’m grateful for that.
Pain that keeps coming back usually has a pattern behind it.
A tight hip loading the low back. A weak glute driving knee pain. A shoulder working overtime for a stiff neck. Pain management at Acupuncture for Athletics starts by finding that pattern, not just chasing the spot that hurts.
Our licensed acupuncturists assess how you move, test the muscles involved, then treat with acupuncture and whatever else your body needs in the same session. You don't have to be an athlete. If pain is getting between you and something you want to do, we can help you work out why.
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.
How acupuncture helps with pain
Fine needles placed in muscle and around nerves change the signals your body sends about pain. They can help a guarded muscle relax, improve local blood flow and prompt the release of the body's own pain-relieving chemicals. The result many people notice is less pain and easier movement, sometimes on the table.
The research is stronger than most people expect. A 2018 analysis of 39 trials and 20,827 patients with chronic back, neck, shoulder, arthritis and headache pain found acupuncture worked better than both sham needling and no acupuncture, and most of the benefit was still present a year after treatment.
Results vary from person to person, so we measure them. Before you leave, we repeat the movement that hurt so we both know whether the session changed anything.
Pain we commonly treat
The conditions we see most often, what we do for each, and what the evidence says.
Back pain and sciatica
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people book with us, from runners and lifters to people who sit all day. The American College of Physicians recommends trying non-drug treatments first, and acupuncture is on its list for both recent and chronic low back pain. We needle the back, glutes and hip flexors that load the spine, often add cupping, then retest how you bend. Pain running down the leg? See our page on acupuncture for sciatica.
Knee pain
Runner's knee, IT band pain, patellar tendon pain and stiffness after surgery rarely start in the knee alone. They usually trace back to the hip above or the ankle below, so we treat the whole chain. For osteoarthritis pain, NCCIH reports that 10 studies with 2,413 participants found acupuncture worked better than no treatment. Training through it? Our page on acupuncture for runners covers what to keep and what to cut.
Neck and shoulder pain
Rotator cuff strain, a stiff shoulder, desk neck and the tight upper traps that swimmers and climbers know well. Needling the trigger points in the neck and shoulder blade releases the muscle, and acupuncture settles the compensations that put them there. Neck and shoulder pain were both part of the large 2018 analysis above.
Tendon and overuse injuries
Achilles tendon pain, tennis and golfer's elbow, and plantar fasciitis and heel pain. These respond best to a combination: needling to unload the tendon, cold laser therapy to calm the irritated tissue, and honest advice on how much you can run, swing or climb while it heals.
Chronic pain and recurring injuries
Pain that has lasted longer than about three months often involves a nervous system that has become over-protective, still sounding the alarm after the original injury has healed. Acupuncture may help turn the volume down. What matters most is consistency: a planned series of visits, movement goals we track together, and spacing visits out once you're stable.
Headaches
Tension-type headaches often start in the neck, shoulders and jaw, and respond to the same needling and hands-on work we use for neck pain. A 2016 Cochrane review of 12 trials concluded acupuncture is effective for frequent or chronic tension-type headaches.
What a pain management session includes
One licensed acupuncturist, one room, and the right mix of treatments for your pain.
- Sports acupunctureFine needles at points chosen for your pattern, both near the pain and along the chain that loads it.
- Dry needlingNeedling directly into trigger points to release tight, overworked muscle.
- CuppingSuction cups lift tight tissue to improve glide and circulation, useful for the low back, IT band and calves.
- Cold laserLow-level laser over irritated tendons and joints, commonly used for slow-healing soft tissue.
- Sports massageHands-on work to restore range of motion and finish what the needles started.
Your first visit
Plan on 60 minutes. Wear shorts and a T-shirt or tank top so we can see and test the area that hurts.
Your story
When the pain started, what makes it better or worse, what you've tried, any imaging or medication, and what you want to get back to.
Assessment
We test range of motion, muscle strength and the movement that brings on your pain, so we can find the pattern behind it.
Treatment and retest
Treatment follows in the same visit. Then we repeat the painful movement to see what changed.
Your plan
How many sessions you need varies. We'll estimate it after your assessment, and if you need imaging or a physician, we'll say so.
Is acupuncture safe?
When it's performed by a licensed practitioner, yes. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires them to be sterile and single-use, according to NCCIH. Most people notice nothing more than brief soreness or a small bruise, and serious complications are rare.
If you take blood thinners or other medication, are pregnant, or have a pacemaker or a bleeding disorder, tell us at your first visit so we can plan around it. Keep your doctor in the loop too. Acupuncture often works well alongside physical therapy and medical care.
When to see a doctor first
Most aches and pains are safe to treat with us. But some symptoms point to something that needs a physician straight away, before acupuncture or any other hands-on care.
If any of these apply, please see your doctor or go to urgent care first. We're happy to work alongside your medical team once you're cleared.
Get medical care first if you have
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around your groin or buttocks
- Weakness or numbness in a leg or arm that's getting worse
- Pain after a fall, crash or other accident
- Fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer alongside new pain
- Severe pain that doesn't ease with rest or wakes you every night
- A sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before
Who'll treat you
Three California-licensed acupuncturists with orthopedic and sports medicine experience, who treat pain every day. Our training in Traditional Chinese Medicine means your assessment covers more than the sore spot, and may include your pulse and tongue.
Andrew Castellanos
L.Ac, CST · Clinic owner
Back, knee, neck and shoulder pain in athletes and active people.
- Known for treating swelling, spasm and pain
- Cupping, shiatsu, acupressure and soft tissue work
Ali Hakimi
L.Ac
Pain with a nerve, stress or sleep side to it.
- Nerve pain and neuropathy are among his focuses
- Scalp and ear acupuncture for stress and insomnia
- Local acupuncture for injury recovery and pain
Suzanne Lange
DACM, L.Ac, CMT
Orthopedic pain care that blends acupuncture with gentle bodywork.
- Advanced study in orthopedics and sports medicine
- Trained in myofascial and trigger point therapy
- Doctorate and 20+ years of clinical experience
Pricing and booking
Your first visit is a 60-minute acupuncture appointment with a full assessment. Follow-ups are 45 minutes, or 60 minutes if you'd like acupuncture combined with massage.
We don't bill insurance, but we'll give you a superbill to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We accept HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards, and gift certificates are available.
The clinic is at 2920 Webster Street in Cow Hollow, close to the Marina, Pacific Heights and Russian Hill. See our page on acupuncture near the Marina District for directions.
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 pain FAQ
Does acupuncture work for pain?
Acupuncture is one of the most studied complementary treatments for pain. A 2018 analysis of 39 trials and more than 20,000 patients found it worked better than both sham needling and no acupuncture for chronic back, neck, shoulder, arthritis and headache pain, with most of the benefit still present a year later. Results vary from person to person, so we track your progress with movement tests.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need for pain?
It varies with the type of pain and how long you've had it. A recent injury often needs fewer visits than pain you've lived with for months. We'll give you an estimate after your first assessment and adjust it as you improve.
How soon will I feel a difference?
Some people move better the same day, while chronic pain usually eases more gradually. We retest the painful movement at every visit, so you'll be able to see whether things are changing. If they aren't, we change the plan or refer you on.
Does acupuncture for pain hurt?
The needles are very fine. You may feel a dull ache, or a brief twitch when we needle a tight muscle, which is the response we're looking for. Most people find sessions relaxing.
What's the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Dry needling targets trigger points in tight muscle using a Western anatomical model, while acupuncture uses a wider set of points to address the whole pattern. In California both are performed by licensed acupuncturists, and we often combine them in one session.
Can acupuncture help back pain?
It may. The American College of Physicians lists acupuncture among the non-drug treatments to try first for both recent and chronic low back pain. We treat the muscles involved plus the hips and core that load the spine, and often add cupping.
Can acupuncture help knee pain without surgery?
It may help reduce pain and improve function for many knee problems, including runner's knee, tendon pain and osteoarthritis. Some knees do need a surgeon, and if we think yours does, we'll tell you honestly and refer you.
Is acupuncture safe if I'm on pain medication?
Generally, yes. Tell us what you take, especially blood thinners, so we can plan around it, and keep your prescribing doctor informed. Acupuncture is often used alongside medication, physical therapy and other medical care.
Do you take insurance?
We don't bill insurance directly. We'll give you a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and we accept HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards.
Where can I get pain management acupuncture in San Francisco?
At our clinic at 2920 Webster Street in Cow Hollow, one block north of Union Street. Clinic owner Andrew Castellanos treats back, knee, neck, shoulder and tendon pain with acupuncture, dry needling and hands-on work. Patients come from Russian Hill, North Beach and the Financial District, among other neighborhoods.
Is the clinic easy to reach on public transit?
Yes. The 45 Union/Stockton has a stop on Union Street a block away, and the 22 Fillmore runs one block west on Fillmore Street. That's handy if driving or hunting for a parking space aggravates your pain. Our directions and parking page has the details.
References
- Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al.; Acupuncture Trialists' Collaboration. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2018.
- Qaseem A, et al. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety.
- Linde K, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016.
Stop managing pain. Start moving again.
Book a first visit. We'll find the pattern behind your pain, treat it the same day and give you a plan.
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