San Francisco Acupuncture Group - two adults running up stairs

What is sports medicine acupuncture?

Sports medicine acupuncture is a unique and effective approach to treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions commonly seen in athletes and active individuals. It combines traditional acupuncture techniques with modern sports medicine and orthopedic assessments to create personalized treatment plans that help athletes and active individuals achieve optimal performance, prevent injury, and promote faster recovery from injuries.

Schedule Online

Michael Volk, L.Ac., CSMA – expert in sports medicine acupuncture and dry needling

At San Francisco Acupuncture Group, we are proud to have Michael Volk, L.Ac., CSMA as part of our team. With over 30 years of experience and with certifications in both sports medicine acupuncture and dry needling, Michael is highly respected among colleagues and athletes.

“I have a long history of neck and shoulder pain (lots of rugby, couple of car crashes, work all day at a computer). Over the years I have tried a lot of treatments: massage, chiropractic, cortisone shots, etc.

Michael’s acupuncture technique has by far made the biggest difference. He has been able to smooth out muscles that have been knotted for as long as I can remember. Sleeping is now easier. I have way less discomfort.”
– Jason H., San Francisco

Our Approach

Our treatments are designed to address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction and restore full strength and function. We utilize an integrative approach, employing a combination of traditional acupuncture along with modern acupuncture, dry needling, and other techniques including electrical stimulation, cupping, and manual therapy, and collaborating with coaches, trainers, and other providers in order to achieve the best outcomes help our clients optimize their performance and reach their goals.

LeBron James with the San Francisco Acupuncture team

What conditions can be treated with sports medicine acupuncture?

Dry needling can be an effective technique to manage chronic pain conditions that impact the body’s muscles and fascia, including fibromyalgia, hypermobility spectrum disorders including EDS, chronic headaches or migraines, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

It can also be used to treat injuries and any residual pain from historic injuries. Some of the common injuries we treat are:

Tendon and musculotendinous syndromes

Elbow–lateral/medial epicondylitis (tennis/golfer’s elbow)
Knee–patellar tendonitis
Shoulder–rotator cuff injury, impingement
Ankle–Achilles tendonitis
Wrist–De Quervain’s tendinosis/tenosynovitis, ulnar tendonitis
Hip–deep gluteal tendonopathy

Muscle strain

Hamstring, calf, neck, back, etc.

Knee injuries

Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL tears)
Meniscus tears
Chondromalacia patella (runner’s knee)
Iliotibial band syndrome

Runner’s stitch syndrome

Shin splints (tibial stress syndrome)

And more…

Our commitment

At San Francisco Acupuncture Group, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality care and the best possible outcomes. Our sports medicine acupuncture treatments are designed to help you achieve your goals, whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior.

Ready to get started?

Whether you’re new to dry needling or you have prior experience, we look forward to working with you to treat your pain and achieve your goals.

Schedule Online

Ann S.

2022-07-27

I have major pain issues due to Lyme. Jonah made a huge difference in my level of pain. I appreciate that before he begins, he explains his approach. Jonah is thoughtful, precise, and gentle. I was pleased and surprised by how much better I felt after every session with Jonah.

Julie M.

2022-06-03

Jonah has helped me for so many years with everything from sports injuries, stress, to a spiritual awakening -- from the physical to the spiritual. He's truly a gifted healer and friend. I will always hold Jonah, Franco, and everyone at SF Acupuncture Group close to my heart for their incredible knowledge, skill, and kindness.

Sabrina M.

2022-04-13

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST OF THE BEST! I have been a client of San Francisco Acupuncture Group for many years now. I first found them when they hired me on as an administrative assistant years ago. I absolutely adore the entire team. I worked with Franco and Jeannie with back problems, nausea (pregnancy), neck isssues and more back problems after kids. They are super down to earth and really take pride in patient care and results. I have continued to refer anyone who needs help, my husband who injured his shoulder in the past after a sports injury, Has seen Franco and Jonah a few times and raves about his experience and completely changed his posture due to Franco and Jonah's suggestions.

During pregnancy I experienced severe nausea and back pain. Jeannie helped me tremendously through all those fun preganacy surprises. If you are looking for help with aches and pains, overall stress and well being look no further! They make everyone feel super welcome and comfortable while sticking you with needles. Haha

Super convenient location with Bart being steps away and target across the street. While I know it can be pricey, just know the price correlates with the experience, technique and amazing treatment you are getting every session. I promise your body will thank you!

Meg H.

2022-03-17

Franco was one of the most skilled medical professionals I have ever worked with. For months, I had been struggling with an Achilles injury that no amount of physical therapy, Graston, or other treatments could fix. Desperate to return to running again, I arrived at Franco's acupuncture table (somewhat skeptical) at the recommendation of a friend. Within three sessions, Franco had me running again. I would call it magic, but as an M.D. myself, I can recognize a skilled practitioner. Franco possesses a profound understanding of the intricacies of the human neuromuscular system and it is this knowledge and skill that healed me; what's more: he is incredibly professional and kind, as is his staff member Joi. Both of them went out of their way to call and check in on me after a bike accident en route to an appointment.

Unfortunately, I have moved away and am no longer able to make it into SF for his healing powers. Since our treatments, I have tried other acupuncturists closer to my home, and no one compares. I just wish he would open an office closer to me in Marin!

Lena K.

2022-03-05

Anyone who is looking for a holistic approach to healing and/or has issues with female health should try to get a consult with Jeannie. We've been working together for the last 1.5yrs and her approach transformed my life. Thanks to Jeannie I was able to get the right care and was diagnosed with auto-immune thyroid condition that was missed by so many of my doctors in the past. Jeannie helped me with PCOS as well and now I am a fully functioning human that does not require to take hormones and painkillers every day of my life, but able to regulate my body with food, lifestyle changes and herbs. Jeannie was also so helpful in my fertility journey; thanks to her recommendation I was able to make the right choice of clinic, Dr., pre and post care. Very happy that I was able to find SFAG and Jeannie 😀

Oren L.

2022-02-07

I had suffered from foot pain for 2.5 years. At its worst, it was difficult to walk. I'd received an x-ray, MRI, ultrasound, and EMG. I'd seen several orthopedic doctors, a podiatrist, a neurologist, and a rheumatologist. No one was able to explain or help my pain. Then I met Franco, where he introduced me to dry needling and ideas from pain science. It is not an exaggeration to say this was life changing. At this point, I am nearly pain free.

Pain science is a growing field and there is a lot of research backing it up. It is very unfortunate that so many medical professionals are not aware of it or don't practice its ideas. If you are suffering from chronic pain, I highly recommend trying out the 'San Francisco Acupuncture Group'!

Louis S.

2022-01-20

"Magic is just science that we don't understand yet". By that definition, Jonah and Franco are magicians.

I have tried every bit of science to cope with an insane amount of chronic pain that have been torturing my body for years (neck, shoulder, back, hips, leg). I have tried chiropractors, acupuncturists, osteopaths, deep tissue massage therapists, orthopedic shoes... Best case scenario I have some relief for a few days (or weeks if I'm lucky). Usually it has been a pure and simple waist of time and money, and oftentimes it caused me more pain than before.
Then I discovered trigger point therapy, also named dry needling. It is extremely rare to find people using this technique. And that is how I met Jonah. Practician of this method for twenty years, Jonah changed my life. Over the course of the past year, he has brought my body back from hell.

Never heard of dry needling? Picture this: the pain you feel is like an itch you cannot scratch, too deep, inaccessible, too tensed, too tender. Acupuncture is the cute version of dry needling, only on the surface. Trigger point is deeper, acupuncture meets biomechanics meets deep tissue: it's like resetting the nerve and surrounding muscle group back to its original state. Which let's be honest, can bring a lot of discomfort during the session.

But Jonah is a magician, a musician. He is the Miles Davis of needling. He is using your body as a musical instrument, improvising and composing a symphony tailored to your body and your needs, and playing off its reactions and triggers to relief your pain. You might feel sore afterwards for a few days or you might feel like you were given a brand new body, it depends on the session. It depends on what kind of song your body needs Jonah to play. But sure enough, week after week, I saw my body morph, my posture got better, I could move around in ways my body couldn't allow for years because it was too stiff & too painful. And most of all, with the pain silenced, I was able to have a restful sleep once again.

If you are loosing hope to find pain relief, give trigger point therapy a go. It is not the faint of heart, but it might change your life.

Danny N.

2021-01-26

Several years ago I had an accident in the gym that has given me consistent flair ups in my shoulders. That injury, combined with daily life behind a laptop, travel (when that was a thing), and a desire to maintain good physical fitness has meant that I usually have some sort of shoulder pain whether I acknowledge it or not.

This ever-present pain was something I thought I had to accept but that changed when I started to get acupuncture with Franco. Quickly, I began to feel relief and I'm so grateful to him and his partner Jonah for their expertise, thoughtfulness, and authenticity.

Their service goes way beyond the dry needling that I get there. Franco studies my body, takes notes on progress, and provides recommendations for my life outside of their clinic to feel better - stretches, alignment techniques, mental/emotional tools, etc. This is just as important as their acupuncture itself, not only does it provide me instant relief they also deeply care to try and treat my pain before it arrives.

Franco is one of the best medical practitioners that I have ever worked with, easily.

Kirsten S.

I can't even begin to explain how Jonah and Franco have impacted my life. I have been working with them for over 5 years. When I first walked into the office I was in the worst pain of my life. My traps, neck, and mid back were absolutely throbbing, so much so that I would often be crying when I came in. I started to get migraines, couldn't sleep, and couldn't function. I even had to take time off of work.

But every time I walked into that office, they each took the time and did everything they could to make sure I left that office without pain.

They genuinely care about every single one of the patients. They listen, respond empathetically, and do everything in their power to make you better. They are two of the most brilliant people I have ever met. When learning many famous athletes like LeBron James came into their office (see photo!) it didn't surprise me a bit, because they are the best at acupuncture and dry needling in the world. They also do life changing electric stem through the needles. I have tried acupuncture in China, Japan, Singapore, New York, Colorado - all over the world, and no one is as good as Franco and Jonah. I have recommended them to my partner, friends and coworkers; every single person could not believe how much better they felt about their appointments - they didn't even know it was possible.

I believe we all deserve to live a life without pain, and I can honestly say Franco and Jonah gave me my life back. My body is completely different and has healed tremendously. The combination of being the most skilled, experienced acupuncturists that also fully understand how the body and brain affect pain, as well as being the kindest and most compassionate people I know, makes them so powerful. I have seen over 40 doctors and can say no one is better. Thank you Franco and Jonah - you will now forever be family.

If you are dealing with pain, stress, anxiety, or digestive issues, SF acupuncture group gets my highest recommendation.

Aaron M.

2020-12-26

This review is way, way overdue. I had injured my wrist/hand in a fall. Over subsequent months, it got worse, not better. I tried everything conventional medicine had to offer and nothing relieved the pain I was experiencing.

A single visit here with Jonah was all it took. Given, it was one of the more uncomfortable acupuncture sessions I've ever had - but it worked!! It was honestly miraculous. It's been over a year and I haven't experienced a recurrence.

Sports Medicine Acupuncture