"Neurofunctional" Orthopedic Acupuncture
RELEASE THE PAIN, BECOME MORE ALIVE
Experience long-lasting pain relief, increased mobility and renewed muscle strength that comes from a Western-based orthopedic acupuncture treatment
Location
4001 Newberry Rd Suite D-1 Gainesville, FLClinic Hours
9:30AM to 6PM, Monday-FridayEffective, No Risk Treatments
Potent Pain Relief... without the side effects
Pain management is central to orthopedic sports medicine acupuncture. Traditional pain solutions such as surgery, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, or opioids can carry risks, side effects as well as performance implications.
- Effective, non-pharmacologic pain-relieving option
- Stimulate the release of the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins).
- Non-invasive alternative to delay or prevent surgery
- Restore range of motion and rebalance muscle groups
- Relieve nerve pain: lower inflammation, increase muscle micro-circulation
- Fast, long-lasting results, with or without physical therapy
Dr. Sean Bigler
Neurofunctional & Sports Acupuncture Specialist
Services
Treatment Services
A treatment at Bigler Wellness Acupuncture starts with a detailed background intake and musculoskeletal assessment. I use acupuncture with electric stimulation to target key muscle groups in order to eliminate pain and restore functional balance

Medical History and Chief Complaint
First session starts with a complete intake, including a full review of your health history, the dominant pain pattern and any systemic complaints you have. This may include a review of your orthopedic imaging results, previous surgeries or prior diagnoses from other healthcare professionals

Assessment and Diagnosis
I will review your movement patterns, posture, how you walk and where you are experiencing pain. I use orthopedic and functional muscle tests to pinpoint exactly which muscles or nerves are inflamed. I identify muscle imbalances and the chain reaction of symptoms from the core of your issue

Acupuncture & Myofascial Release
Needles are inserted directly where nerves enter & innervate the muscles (motor points) or where painful, knotted and irritated areas are (trigger points). Key muscle groups are targeted with electric stimulation, followed by gentle stretching and release of fascia restrictions
“Hey there, Wow what an amazing change this morning and all day, back pain is gone, I was able to stand straight up, still having some minimal soreness, thank you so very much Sean.🫶🏻”
Teri R.
“After the first treatment, about 80% of my hip pain was relieved. I was able to stop the compensating I was doing to keep weight off my right hip.
After the second treatment, I regained greater physical mobility, increased weight bearing capacity, and more confidence to be active”
S. Butler
Conditions
I Treat these Conditions with Orthopedic Acupuncture
Whether you are an adult with an active lifestyle, an athlete, someone recovering from joint surgery or simply trying to live without pain…my goals are the same: to get you out of pain as quickly as possible by treating the underlying cause of musculoskeletal dysfunction

Low Back and Hip Pain
Lumbar pain & radiculopathy, hip joint pain, back spasms, SI joint instability, thoracic back pain, mobility issues, pelvic tilt, Lower Cross Syndrome...

Musculoskeletal Pain
Ankles & knees, plantar fasciitis, carpel tunnel, frozen shoulder, cervical headaches, migraines, neck pain, Upper Cross Syndrome, restless leg, osteoarthritis, nerve pain & stenosis

Sports Injuries & Recovery
Tight-constricted or weak-inhibited muscles, tennis or golfer's elbow, thoracic outlet syndrome, rotator cuff, ankle sprains, Crossfit & weight lifting injuries, tendonitis, pulled hamstrings, reoccurring injuries...

Sciatic Nerve Impingement
Piriformis Syndrome, "Pseudo sciatica" deep gluteal syndrome, sciatic nerve compression, cluneal nerve entrapment, Thoraco-lumbar junction syndrome, pelvic muscle imbalance...

Post-operative Pain & Inflammation
Post-surgery musculoskeletal pain & inflammation: hip replacement, knee replacement, lumbar fusion, facet joint fusion, wrist, shoulder, arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI), foot drop, peripheral neuropathy...
FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer is no! Most acupuncturists are trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine or Five Element concepts about health and the body. These acupuncturists needle along channels, organ lines, and other structures described by traditional Eastern philosophy. The goal is usually balancing the body and improving organ function. This traditional approach is often combined with Chinese herbal medicine.
Functional Orthopedic (or sports medicine) acupuncture uses Western anatomical and musculoskeletal knowlege to identify the causes of pain in the body. It combines the skills of physical therapy, biomechanics and sports medicine with electric stimulation acupuncture.
Orthopedic acupuncturists are trained to needle into strategic areas within muscles, joints or tendons. "Neuromodulation" of muscle motor points, painful trigger points and spinal segment myotomes/dermatomes are performed.
This type of acupuncture can “reset” muscles and help rebalance posture. This can help restore strength, range of motion and maximize the body’s ability to recover and function.
Absolutely not. Everyone needs to perform at life and be free of pain. Over time, musculoskeletal pain develops for most of us due to repetitive strain from using the same muscles over and over again. For example, a hair stylist may develop shoulder and arm pain/numbness from repetitive strain, poor ergonomics and maintaining the same posture daily.
Pain can also develop from poor postural habits, like prolonged sitting, slouching at a desk, a head-forward posture from looking at the phone or computer. Musculoskeletal pain can also manifest from traumatic injury, such as whiplash, throwing your back out from lifting a heavy box, sudden falls or impacts and sports injuries.
Orthopedic acupuncture uses the same core anatomical principles whether we are athletes or trying to get out of chronic (or acute) pain.
I do dry needling (or muscular "trigger point" needling) when I identify painful, knotted and irritated areas in muscles. These trigger points are often the root cause of pain or lack of mobility.
Trigger points occur at predictable areas within muscles, usually with referred pain to other areas of the body.
I use dry needling to cause a muscle "myofascial twitch" response. It resolves pain, restores micro-circulation and restores muscle length & function.
I strongly suggest you get a second opinion before choosing to have orthopedic surgery, preferably with a physical therapist or an orthopedic/sports medicine acupuncturist like myself. Are you certain that your pain is caused by irreversible joint, spinal or nerve damage? Have you been told that the results of your MRI or X-ray indicate a need for surgery and that surgery should end (or reduce) your pain?
In many cases the causes of joint, muscle or nerve pain are not due to joint, spinal or nerve issues. They may be caused by muscular inflammation and imbalance. It may be from poor postural issues that place pressure on your joints, muscles and nerves. These imbalances can often be resolved with physical therapy, postural retraining exercises and orthopedic acupuncture.
Let it be stated that these modalities may not be able to reverse severe structural damage (such as a torn ligament, severe herniation or advanced joint degeneration) the way surgery might. Orthopedic surgery is a very useful intervention when selected for the correct reasons. However, invasive surgery carries significant risks and it is up to you to do your due diligence in finding a second opinion.
I suggest reviewing the following resources to help you reach a decision
You do not need a referral to see me. In the state of Florida, acupuncture physicians are considered primary care providers. You are able to directly book an appointment to see me.
I welcome referrals and collaboration with chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, massage therapists, nutritionists, functional doctors and pain management teams. Allied collaboration with other related healthcare providers ensures that no aspect of a patient’s health is overlooked
It would depend on your condition. If you are younger and coming in for a minor injury or mobility issue, I typically can reduce your symptoms in 1-3 treatments.
However, some pain conditions are complex and chronic. There may be multiple patterns of dysfunction that require accessing different muscle groups with acupuncture and manual therapy. It might also involve take home therapeutic exercises for the patient. For these cases, anywhere from 3-9 treatments are needed.
I do take several insurance plans but check with your specific insurance provider to see if you have acupuncture covered and for what kind of condition acupuncture is covered for.
Currently, I take Medicare, part B and Medicare Advantage plans. I am in network with Florida Blue, Aetna, Humana and Optum. I will eventually accept United Healthcare, Cigna and Ambetter/Sunshine health.
If your insurance policy covers our acupuncture treatments, we will bill your insurance provider for our services. If your insurance policy does not cover our services then you will be informed of alternate payment options for future treatments during your complimentary consultation. We accept cash, check and most major credit cards.
I normally charge $110 for an initial treatment. These sessions usually take 1- 1.5 hours. They include a medical history and health background intake, followed by relevant manual orthopedic assessments. Acupuncture with electric stimulation is then used, followed by some form of manual therapy (if necessary). Follow-up treatments are $80.
I offer a sliding-fee discount program for lower income or fixed income individuals. My prices are usually $35-70 per treatment.
When I needle patients, some don’t feel much of a sensation at all. Others feel a dull, achy or tingling feeling that lasts a second or two. Sometimes the sensation radiates to other muscles in the body. When needling for pain symptoms, the goal is to provoke an involuntary “twitch response” from the muscle. It may feel like a spasm sensation lasting a few seconds.
When electric stimulation is applied to the needles, patients feel a tapping or flutter in the muscles. The muscles will rhythmically pulse to the chosen electrical frequency applied. The intensity of electric stimulation is fully adjustable.
The intensity level is chosen not to be painful but effective enough to stimulate the desired effect. Have a look at the slideshow below to see patients experiencing acupuncture and electric stimulation. The pain-relieving results after needling can be truly life changing!
I recommend that you bring gym shorts, tank top, wear loose clothing and sports bras (if necessary). In order to perform orthopedic testing, assessment and needling, I need to be able to palpate and view body posture & movement without unnecessary clothing.
No Undressing Required: You generally do not need to fully undress, as proper draping is used for privacy while exposing specific areas.
Low back pain
Sean. my back and digestion have been definitely better. No pain until yesterday and then not as bad. Thanks again for a great treatment . Hugs
Low back pain & digestive issues
"...After the first treatment, about 80% of my hip pain was relieved. I was able to stop the compensating I was doing to keep weight off my right hip. The second treatment led to 95% hip pain and started healing connective tissue concerns tied to my knee. After the second treatment, I regained greater physical mobility, increased weight bearing capacity, and more confidence to be active..."
Right hip & knee pain
Thank you for your help today! I already feel a relief in my lower back which is amazing! Im excited to continue and see what else can be improved!
Right Sided back pain (QL)
Hey there, wow what an amazing change this morning and all day, back pain is gone, I was able to stand straight up, still having some minimal soreness, thank you so very much Sean.🫶🏻
Leg and back pain (from Horse Riding)
Experience Lasting Relief in just a few Treatments
Start your remarkable healing process with Orthopedic Acupuncture today
Afternoon Sean, I was a little sore last night. But this morning I feel much better. I stand and can get up from my chair much easier. No pain.