Orthopedic Pain
Precision Musculoskeletal Care
Clinical acupuncture combined with cupping, gua sha, and electrical stimulation for pain resolution at the source — not indefinite symptom management.
Pain Resolution
From the Inside Out
Orthopedic acupuncture works through precise neurophysiological mechanisms. Needle insertion at motor points and trigger points stimulates A-delta and C-fiber afferents, triggering the release of endogenous opioids including enkephalins and beta-endorphins. This reduces central sensitization — the process by which the central nervous system amplifies pain signals over time — and modulates the inflammatory cascade at the tissue level. The evidence base for this approach is particularly strong for chronic low back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis, where acupuncture outperforms sham treatment and competes favorably with standard pharmaceutical management.
Dr. Adams specializes in cases that have not responded to standard physical therapy or chiropractic care. In many of these cases, treatment failed to address fascial restriction patterns, motor point inhibition, or the central sensitization that has developed over months of chronic pain. His orthopedic intake includes movement assessment and palpation mapping before any needling begins, ensuring that treatment targets the actual locus of dysfunction rather than simply the site of reported pain.
“Most pain cases that reach me have already been through PT. The gap is usually central sensitization and fascial load — that’s where acupuncture has a clinical edge.”
— Dr. Michael Adams, DACM, L.Ac.
Orthopedic acupuncture at Core Meridian is covered by Kaiser, Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and Medicare for eligible visits. Dr. Adams will verify your benefits before beginning treatment and provide a realistic projection of session count based on your specific presentation.
Conditions
We Regularly Treat
Treatment Modalities
for Orthopedic Pain
Orthopedic and Trigger Point Needling
Needles are placed directly at motor points and myofascial trigger points, stimulating the A-delta and C-fiber afferents that trigger endogenous opioid release and reduce central sensitization. This approach targets the neuromuscular mechanisms of pain rather than simply reducing local inflammation.
Cupping and Gua Sha
Decompressive cupping and gua sha address fascial restriction patterns and adhesions that standard needling cannot fully reach. These techniques restore circulation to hypoxic tissue, reduce myofascial tension, and create the mechanical change in tissue load needed for lasting pain resolution.
Electroacupuncture and Near-Infrared
Electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles provides motor re-education and analgesic effect across longer nerve pathways. Combined with Celluma PRO near-infrared therapy, this modality supports cellular repair, reduces chronic inflammation, and accelerates post-surgical recovery.
Still in pain after PT or chiro?
Dr. Adams specializes in cases that haven’t responded. Book a full orthopedic intake in Newport Beach.