Acupuncture, Dry Needling, and Integrative Treatments for Pain, Sports Injuries, and Active Lifestyles
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or hoping to avoid surgery, orthopedic acupuncture offers an evidence-informed approach to restoring movement and reducing pain. We combine traditional acupuncture with modern orthopedic assessment, dry needling, electro-acupuncture, cupping, acupuncture injection therapy, and other techniques to help patients recover and stay active.
What Is Orthopedic Acupuncture?
Orthopedic acupuncture integrates traditional Chinese medicine with modern anatomy, biomechanics, and sports medicine principles. This specialized style of acupuncture focuses on treating muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints directly to improve mobility, decrease pain, and support healing.
Unlike traditional acupuncture alone, orthopedic acupuncture often incorporates movement assessment, trigger point therapy, dry needling techniques, and rehabilitative strategies to address the underlying contributors to pain and dysfunction.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
• Tennis Elbow
Pain associated with gripping, lifting, racquet sports, and repetitive use.
• Knee Arthritis
Degenerative knee pain limiting walking, hiking, pickleball, and exercise.
• Rotator Cuff Pain
Shoulder pain, weakness, and restricted movement affecting daily activities and sports.
• Plantar Fasciitis
Persistent heel pain that commonly affects runners, hikers, and active adults.
• Sciatica
Radiating leg pain, numbness, and tingling often associated with spinal or muscular dysfunction.
• Neck & Back Pain
Acute injuries, arthritis, postural strain, and chronic spinal pain.
Our Treatment Approach
Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Acupuncture, trigger point dry needling, and motor point therapy are used to improve mobility and decrease pain
Electro-acupuncture
Gentle electrical stimulation may improve circulation, reduce pain, and support tissue healing.
Injection Therapies
When clinically appropriate, acupuncture point, trigger point, PRP, or prolotherapy injections may be utilized to support recovery and optimize function.
Movement & Rehabilitation
Orthopedic testing, movement analysis, and rehabilitation recommendations help address contributing factors and reduce reinjury risk.
While the symptoms may feel similar, the underlying cause can vary significantly from person to person. This is why a thorough evaluation is important. At Common Roots Acupuncture, treatment is tailored to your specific pain pattern, movement restrictions, and contributing factors rather than applying the same treatment to everyone.
Our Treatment Approach
✓Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese medicine technique that stimulates specific points to reduce inflammation and promote healing
✓Dry Needling
Dry needling is a modern technique targeting trigger points in muscles to release tension, relieve nerve compression, and decrease pain.
✓Cupping, Gua Sha, & Bodywork
Cupping and Gua Sha are adjunct Chinese medicine therapies that assist in the healing process by aiding muscle relaxation, improving blood flow, and freeing myofascial restrictions.
✓Injection Therapies
Injections of natural substances are given where appropriate to aid in the healing process. Generally acupuncture points, trigger points, or injured areas are treated with homeopathics, lidocaine, PRP, and prolotherapy depending on the condition.
Treatment Process
- Step 1 Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of your pain or condition
- Step 2 Personalized treatment plan where we determine how best to get you feeling better
- Step 3 Targeted treatment with acupuncture, dry needling, manual bodywork, etc. We will select the most effective means to aid your recovery and give you some homework to maintain your progress.
- Step 4 Follow up sessions and integrative maintenance plan determined for lasting relief
Why Patients Choose Common Roots Acupuncture in Tucson, AZ
Expert Care
As both a Registered Nurse and Licensed Acupuncturist, Josh Whiteley combines conventional medical understanding with over 16 years of experience using acupuncture and orthopedic treatment techniques to help patients recover from painful conditions.
Immediate Relief
Many patients experience significant pain reduction after the first treatment session. Sciatica treatment with us extends beyond traditional acupuncture. Dry needling, cupping, electro-acupuncture, and movement assessment may all be incorporated depending on your specific presentation.
Individualized Care
No two cases of sciatica are exactly alike. Treatment recommendations are tailored to your symptoms, goals, lifestyle, and underlying diagnosis. Conveniently located in central Tucson near the University area, making treatment easily accessible for patients throughout Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, and Vail.
Integrative care
We address the root cause of your sciatica rather than just masking the symptoms. We use traditional methods of acupuncture and Chinese medicine within the framework of evidence-informed care and in conjunction with your primary care provider.
Best Acupuncture in Tucson
Start Your Journey to Pain Free Living
Join hundreds of patients who have found lasting relief from pain and limited mobility through our specialized orthopedic acupuncture treatments. Our natural approach helps you avoid invasive procedures and medications while addressing the underlying cause of your pain.
“Whenever my sciatic nerve or back pain flares up, acupuncture is the only thing that seems to really help. Josh has always provided me the best acupuncture in Tucson. Thank you!”– Darrin P., Tucson
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciatica Treatment
What is orthopedic acupuncture?
Orthopedic acupuncture is a specialized style of acupuncture that combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern anatomy, biomechanics, and sports medicine principles. Treatments often incorporate movement assessment, trigger point therapy, dry needling techniques, electroacupuncture, and rehabilitative strategies to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support healing.
How is orthopedic acupuncture different from traditional acupuncture?
Traditional acupuncture is often based on balancing the body’s energetic systems and addressing overall health patterns. Orthopedic acupuncture takes a more anatomical approach, focusing directly on muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves involved in pain and dysfunction. At Common Roots Acupuncture, we integrate both approaches to provide individualized treatment plans.
Is dry needling included in orthopedic acupuncture treatments?
Yes. Dry needling is frequently incorporated into orthopedic acupuncture treatments when appropriate. Dry needling targets trigger points, motor points, and dysfunctional muscle tissue to reduce pain, improve muscle activation, and restore normal movement patterns. Treatment recommendations are customized to each patient’s condition and goals.
Can orthopedic acupuncture help arthritis?
Orthopedic acupuncture may be beneficial for individuals experiencing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility associated with arthritis. Treatments aim to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, support joint function, and help patients remain active while minimizing reliance on pain medications whenever possible.
Can orthopedic acupuncture help me avoid surgery?
Yes. Treatment at Common Roots Acupuncture may include stretching recommendations, strengthening exercises, movement modifications, ergonomic suggestions, and self-care strategies designed to support long-term improvement and prevent reinjury.
What conditions do you commonly treat with orthopedic acupuncture?
Orthopedic acupuncture is commonly used to help address conditions such as sciatica, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, knee pain, neck pain, low back pain, muscle strains, tendonitis, TMJ dysfunction, and overuse injuries. Treatment plans are individualized based on each person’s symptoms, movement patterns, and recovery goals.
Ready to Move Better and Hurt Less?
Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, managing arthritis, or simply trying to stay active as you age, orthopedic acupuncture may help you return to the activities you enjoy with less pain and greater confidence.
Address
2302 E. Speedway Blvd., Suite 208B
Tucson, AZ 85719
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