Portland acupuncture
Acupuncture can be an extremely effective tool to assist in pain management, recovery, performance and overall well-being. We use an integrated approach to treatment, combining sports medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Our approach
Our specialties are treating pain, correcting muscle imbalances and injury recovery. We believe that acupuncture is an incredibly useful tool, but that it should not be a standalone approach. As a result, we offer different types of soft tissue therapy (listed below) that complement therapeutic exercise and general strength training. We also take a closer look at sleep, stress and digestion since these areas tie into your ability to recover and perform. If any of these areas are less than optimal, we use acupuncture and food grade herbal supplements to help the body function better so it can heal properly.
What makes us unique
Licensed acupuncturist
Adam Gawlak is licensed through the Oregon Medical Board, holds a master’s degree in acupuncture/herbal medicine and a bachelor’s degrees in exercise science. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), credentialed through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Goal-driven
Your acupuncturist will set goals with you for your healing and recovery around pain management and muscle balance. You’ll be kept informed of your treatment plan and receive timely, measurable outcomes.
Holistic approach
Our acupuncturist draws on his knowledge of Western and Eastern medicine in order to give you the most well-rounded treatment available. He addresses all aspects of your health that could be contributing to your symptoms and focuses on correcting the root problem.
Therapy offerings
Acupuncture is the cornerstone of Adam’s treatments, though he uses additional complementary therapies to support and expedite his patients’ healing and recovery.
Acupuncture
Sterile, single-use needles will be inserted in strategic points on your body that are selected according to the anatomical structures they stimulate (i.e., muscle, fascia, ligament, nerve or joint space) and TCM pathways. You can expect anywhere from 10-20 needles to be used in one treatment. Once inserted, needles are generally stimulated and left to rest for 5-20 minutes. Acupuncture can help with pain management, muscle tension, muscle imbalance, inflammation, stress management and digestive disturbances.
Acupuncture
Sterile, single-use needles will be inserted at specific points on your body to elicit change. Acupoints are selected according to the anatomical structures they stimulate (i.e., muscle, fascia, ligament, nerve or joint space) and TCM pathways. You can expect anywhere from 10-20 needles to be used in one treatment. Once inserted, needles are generally stimulated and left to rest for 5-20 minutes. Acupuncture can help with pain management, muscle tension, muscle imbalance, inflammation, stress management and digestive disturbances.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture uses a small machine powered by a 9-volt battery to apply continuous stimulation to needles during acupuncture treatment. The process is not painful and elicits either a tapping sensation or a slight repetitive muscle contraction. It is especially effective for pain management and correcting muscle imbalance.
Cupping
Cupping is a form of myofascial decompression and can be thought of as a reverse massage. Instead of applying pressure, like most soft tissue therapies, cupping works by lifting the skin away from the underlying muscle/fascia. This allows for greater movement in the area as well as improved circulation.
Cupping
Cupping is a form of myofascial decompression and can be thought of as a reverse massage. Instead of applying pressure, like most soft tissue therapies, cupping works by lifting the skin away from the underlying muscle/fascia. This allows for greater movement in the area as well as improved circulation.
Gua sha
A smooth-edged metal, stone or ceramic tool is used to stroke body areas that have increased tension and myofascial adhesions while applying pressure. It can be an effective tool to help improve range of motion and ease tension over time.
Body work
Tui na (pronounced “twee naw”) is a traditional style of Chinese body work that involves highly repetitive movements such as grasping and kneading as well as manual stretching. The aim of this style of body work is to ease tension and make the body more receptive to acupuncture needles.
Body work
Tui na (pronounced “twee naw”) is a traditional style of Chinese body work that involves highly repetitive movements such as grasping and kneading as well as manual stretching. The aim of this style of body work is to ease tension and make the body more receptive to acupuncture needles.
Cash-pay acupuncture
Our cash-pay model allows us to focus on your health and care without being subject to the timelines and limitations placed by insurance companies. That means you get the best care, in the fastest and most cost-efficient manner.
Fewer clients
We maintain a low volume of clients so we can focus on high-quality care that matches your unique health and wellness needs.
Direct care
You will receive 50 minutes of undivided attention from your acupuncturist, who will focus on getting you back to doing what you love.
Targeted results
You’ll meet directly with your acupuncturist for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan, which can potentially lower your healthcare costs.
Cost-effective
You can submit your acupuncture bill to your insurance company for possible reimbursement (depending on benefits).
What to expect
1 Initial appointments are 50 minutes and will include a detailed history of your current injury or symptoms, as well as a targeted physical assessment. Through our assessment, we determine what muscles and structures need care but also which TCM meridians are dysfunctional. From there, we select acupoints both in and away from the injured areas. You will receive acupuncture and other treatments that can provide extra healing support.
2 At the end of your first appointment, your acupuncturist will develop a treatment plan for your healing and recovery. This treatment plan will include the number of recommended visits as well as at-home self-care activities to help you get the most out of your treatment. The recommended visits may be acupuncture-only follow-up visits (30 minutes), or full follow-up appointments (50 minutes) where your visit will incorporate acupuncture and additional treatments.
3 Follow-up visits will check your progress and continue treatments that build off your previous work to help you feel your best!
Adam Gawlak, LAc
Licensed acupuncturist
Meet Adam