Tuina and Acupressure Massage in Denver
What I use Tuina for
Neck pain and stiffness, including the "I slept wrong" neck that will not turn
Low back pain, hip tightness and sciatica
Shoulder pain, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tightness
Tension headaches that start in the neck and upper back
Muscle strains and overuse injuries from running, cycling, climbing and skiing
Stress that lives in the body as a tight chest, clenched jaw or shallow breathing
People who do not want needles, since Tuina can replace acupuncture entirely
What Tuina is
Tuina (pronounced "twee-nah") is the hands-on branch of Chinese medicine. It is similar to shiatsu, but it works along acupuncture channels. It uses pressing, kneading, rolling, stretching and joint mobilization along the same channels and points that acupuncture uses, and acupressure is the part that holds firm pressure on individual points. It is a treatment, not a spa service: you stay dressed and we work on a specific problem.
Treats a specific problem
A spa massage covers the whole body lightly. Tuina spends 30 to 60 minutes on the two or three areas causing the problem and works deeply enough to change them, closer to physical therapy or sports massage with the Chinese medicine map underneath.
Releases tight muscles
Slow work beside the spine, pressure at the base of the skull for a tension headache, traction of the neck and a hip stretch for a tight low back. Most people leave looser and a little tired, the way you feel after a good workout.
A way in for the needle-shy
Many patients start with Tuina because they are nervous about needles. It can replace acupuncture entirely, and it is a natural step toward trying acupuncture once you trust the process.
Backed by a Berlin trial
A trial at the Charité hospital in Berlin gave 92 people with chronic neck pain six Tuina sessions over three weeks. Their pain dropped meaningfully at four weeks and stayed lower at twelve (Pach et al., 2018). It compared Tuina with no treatment, not with massage or physical therapy.
Your Tuina visit
Your first visit
You wear loose clothing, such as athletic wear, and lie on the table. We spend a few minutes on what hurts and how it started, then I work. The pressure is firm and specific. A tight spot can be tender for a moment, but you set the limit and I stay under it. A first visit is 60 minutes, and follow-ups are 30 or 60 minutes depending on how many areas we are treating.
Afterward
Most people feel looser and a little tired, the way you do after a good workout. Mild soreness the next day is normal and fades within a day. Drink water, move gently, and avoid heavy lifting that evening.
How many visits to expect
An acute neck or back strain usually settles in 2 to 4 sessions. Chronic tension takes 4 to 8, weekly at first and then every two to four weeks as maintenance.
Combine it with other care
In a 90-minute visit I can needle first and then work the tissue by hand while the needles are out, which is my preferred approach for stubborn neck and back pain. Cupping added to Tuina pulls loose what the hands have warmed up.
Ready to start? Book online or call or text (720) 285-6251.
Tuina patients from across southeast Denver
Easy to reach
The clinic is at 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 150. A parking lot with ample space is available on site, with additional street parking nearby. Cherry Creek, Glendale, University Hills and southwest Aurora are all within ten minutes.
Lunch or after work
Many Tuina patients come over from offices in the Denver Tech Center and Greenwood Village for a 60-minute visit at lunch or after work. The clinic is open until 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday for that reason.
No undressing
Tuina is done through clothing. Wear something loose, such as athletic wear, that lets me move your arms and legs freely.
500+ five-star reviews across Google, ClassPass and Groupon
124 Five Star Google Reviews
What an amazing experience. Michael performed Accupuncture, massage and cupping. I have had countless massages, but the best massage I've ever had is a 2/10 in comparison to services performed by Michael. Will definitely be back.
— Josh Treen
247 Five Star Groupon Reviews
Michael was very knowledgeable and professional. It was a very nice experience. We discussed regarding healthy food I am eating He recommended some food to try to help me with my weight and stress. It was a very productive discussion about stress, food. He also told me about cupping and what he’s doing next and if I was comfortable. I really recommend him.
—Mitsuko
146 Five Star ClassPass Reviews
“Mike is so thorough and knowledgeable. Best acupuncture experience I have ever had. I will definitely be going back!”
“The owner Michael was super nice and very knowledgeable! I had a great experience!”
“This is the first time I’ve ever had acupuncture and cupping, and it was great. Definitely recommend.”
Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is firm, and a very tight spot can be tender while I work on it. It should never be sharp or more than you want. Tell me and I will ease off. Mild soreness the next day is normal.
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No. Tuina is done through clothing. Wear something loose, such as athletic wear, that lets me move your arms and legs freely.
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A regular massage relaxes the whole body. Tuina treats a specific problem, works deeper on the areas that cause it, and follows the Chinese medicine channel system. It is closer to sports massage or manual therapy than to a spa treatment.
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Yes, and for neck and back pain that is usually the best option. A 90-minute visit with acupuncture and Tuina is $130 for follow-ups. If you prefer no needles, Tuina alone works well.
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An acute neck or back strain usually settles in 2 to 4 sessions. Chronic tension takes 4 to 8, weekly at first and then every two to four weeks as maintenance.
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I do not bill insurance directly, but I provide a superbill after each visit. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
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Book online at acusimple.com/access/4476, or call or text (720) 285-6251.