Sports & Orthopedic Acupuncture for Pain Relief

Effective, drug-free pain management for River Forest, Oak Park & Chicago

Serving River Forest • Oak Park • Chicago

If you’re struggling with chronic or acute pain, Sports and Orthopedic Acupuncture offers fast, lasting relief by addressing pain at its root. At Inner Spring Wellness in River Forest, we specialize in treating musculoskeletal pain, injuries, and movement dysfunction using a powerful combination of modern orthopedic techniques and classical Chinese medicine.

This approach is highly effective for:

  • migraines & chronic headaches

  • neck pain & shoulder tension

  • sciatica & low back pain

  • plantar fasciitis

  • arthritis

  • hip pain

  • sports injuries & repetitive strain injuries

Our patients throughout River Forest, Oak Park, and Chicago consistently report reduced pain, greater mobility, and improved overall function.

What Is Sports & Orthopedic Acupuncture?

Sports and Orthopedic Acupuncture integrates:

  • Motor point acupuncture (activates neuromuscular function)

  • Trigger point release (eliminates referral pain patterns)

  • Traditional acupuncture meridians (restores whole-body balance)

  • Herbal liniments & topical therapies (reduce pain and inflammation)

This advanced method reactivates weak muscles, releases tension in overactive muscles, and restores healthy biomechanics — making it ideal for both athletes and anyone experiencing chronic pain.

Benefits of Sports Acupuncture

Professional athletes and everyday individuals choose this therapy because it can:

  • Decrease pain & inflammation

  • Reduce rehabilitation time after injury

  • Improve range of motion

  • Strengthen weakened muscles

  • Release muscle spasms

  • Support recovery from overuse injuries

  • Boost immune function

  • Calm the nervous system & reduce stress

How Sports Acupuncture Works

Injury, stress, or poor posture can create muscular imbalance, meaning some muscles become tight while others weaken. This imbalance pulls the body out of alignment and increases the risk of further injury.

Sports Acupuncture uses precise needle placement at anatomically specific motor and trigger points to:

  • release tight, guarded muscles

  • activate inhibited muscles

  • restore proper movement patterns

  • reduce inflammation

  • improve circulation

  • alleviate pain almost immediately

This treatment is highly effective for both acute injuries and long-standing chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other therapies.

I herniated three disks between 2010 & 2011 and have been trying to keep the consistent pain under control without medicine. I have seen Chiropractors, a Naprapath, and a Doctor at Airrosti in the last nine years for my injuries. When I saw Sonia this week, I was skeptical about cupping and acupuncture for my shoulder, neck, back and hip pain. I was so elated when the pain that I have on a daily basis drastically subsided. My neck released and my shoulders relaxed. My muscle spasms in my lower back and hips also went from a 6 to a 3 on a scale of 10 for pain.
I went back four days later for more acupuncture, cupping and stretching and the relief that I have is amazing…I have not felt this good since 2010.
D. Plywacz
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I injured my lower back resulting in severe pain and the inability to fully stand. My doctor prescribed some meds but they didn’t help. I decided to go a different route, and found Inner Spring Wellness was 10 mins from house. I spoke with Sonia Rivera, explained my situation, and she scheduled me for treatment the next day. Sonia showed immediate concern as soon as I entered the office. She thoroughly explained the steps she would take to treat my back. She started with cupping, followed by acupuncture, and finished with a massage to the back. Now, I went in there thinking I just wanted something to alleviate some of the pain. When I got off the table I knew something worked because I was able to STAND UPRIGHT! I honestly could not believe it. I still had to have treatments twice a week, but I felt better with each visit. Sonia Rivera knows her craft, is professional, compassionate, and was a Godsend for me!! I started seeing Sonia four months ago, now see her monthly as part of my self care regimen. I HIGHLY recommend Sonia Rivera and Inner Spring Wellness for any of the holistic care treatments they provide.
— Sheila G.
I had a surgery for a torn tendon in my left shoulder. Got physical therapy for a whole year in addition to home exercises, the improvement was very slow and frustrating. It was only when Sonia started acupuncture sessions with me that my shoulder’s range of motion increased and I started feeling better each time.
On another note, I accidentally twisted my ankle stepping on a small hall in the park, Sonia directly did an acupuncture session and provided me with some magic oil to rub it with. Two sessions and my ankle went back to normal.
Sonia is a professional therapist who knows what she’s doing and I highly recommend her to all those who are looking for peaceful and efficient therapy.
— Suzan Z.