Articles
The Wellbridge Clinic
Plantar Fasciitis: How Acupuncture Can Really Help
By Dr. John Rybak, DAc. If you’re a runner—or just a regular human trying to get out of bed in the morning—and your heel feels like it’s stepping on LEGOs every day, you might have plantar fasciitis. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. That sharp, stabbing pain in your...
Kneedles to the Rescue: How Acupuncture Helps Achy Knees
By Dr. John Rybak, DAc. Is your knee creaking like an old wooden floor? Whether you’ve got runner’s knee, arthritis, or just mystery knee pain from “getting older,” those squeaky joints can seriously slow you down. Good news: acupuncture might be just the thing to...
Stuck Like Glue? Acupuncture Can Help Unfreeze That Frozen Shoulder
By Dr. John Rybak, DAc You reach up to grab a cereal box and—ouch! Your shoulder says, “Nope, not today!” If lifting your arm feels like lifting a cement block, you might have frozen shoulder—a stiff, painful condition that makes daily activities a real pain in the......
Ouch! Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow Pain? Acupuncture Might Be Your Ace in the Hole
Whether you’re swinging a golf club or serving up aces on the tennis court, elbow pain can quickly take the fun out of your game. If your elbow’s barking every time you grip, lift, or swing, you might be dealing with golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow—two annoying...
Feeling Frazzled? Acupuncture to the Rescue!
By Dr. John Rybak, DAc. Feeling stressed? You're not alone. From busy schedules to endless to-do lists and doom-scrolling, modern life can feel like a marathon… without the medal. But what if we told you that a few tiny needles could help you relax, sleep better, and...
Busted Knees & Magic Needles: How Acupuncture Helps Sports Injuries Heal Faster
By Dr. John Rybak, DAc Let’s face it—whether you’re a weekend warrior, a yoga junkie, or just went way too hard in your last pickleball match, injuries happen. Sprains, strains, sore muscles… ugh. But before you load up on pain pills or give your foam roller the death...
Say Goodbye to Headaches: How Acupuncture Can Help Migraines and Tension Pain
Headaches and migraines can be more than just a nuisance—they can disrupt your entire day, making it hard to focus, work, or even enjoy time with family and friends. While medications can help, they don’t work for everyone and often come with side effects…then they...
Acupuncture for Neck Pain and Whiplash: An Evidence-Based Approach
Neck pain and whiplash injuries are common musculoskeletal complaints that can result from poor posture, repetitive strain, or sudden trauma such as car accidents. These conditions can lead to chronic discomfort, restricted mobility, and a reduced quality of life....
Acupuncture for Low Back Pain and Sciatica: An Evidence-Based Approach
Low back pain and sciatica are among the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting millions of people worldwide. These conditions can lead to significant discomfort, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life. While conventional treatments such as...
New Year’s Resolutions: 4 Big Secrets for Success
By Dr. John Rybak, DAc. As the new year approaches, many individuals set ambitious health goals aimed at improving their overall well-being. Creating a routine is the way to be free of decisions and deliberation so everyone has more tools to make their New Years...
Debunking Acupuncture Myths: A Scientific Perspective
Acupuncture, an ancient healing practice with roots in traditional Chinese medicine, has long been surrounded by misconceptions and skepticism. As scientific research continues to advance, a clearer, evidence-based understanding of this therapeutic approach emerges,...
Treatment Approaches to Managing TMJ, Jaw, and Dental Pain
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, chronic jaw pain, and dental-related discomfort affect millions of individuals, causing significant impact on quality of life. While traditional treatments often rely on medications and invasive procedures, holistic approaches...
Holistic Approaches to Managing Holiday Stress: Acupuncture, Cupping, and Nutrition
The holiday season, while joyous, can be an incredibly stressful time for many individuals. Mounting financial pressures, family dynamics, and disrupted routines can take a significant toll on mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, holistic approaches offer...
Does Acupuncture Work for Sports Injuries?
Does Acupuncture Work for Sports Injuries? By Bradley Sasao-Ruef, LAc. Senior AcupuncturistIt doesn’t matter if it's a bustling summer or active winter here in Portland, Oregon, people are outside enjoying their favorite activities like running, hiking, golf, tennis,...
Acupuncture for Stress
Natural Solutions to Support Physical and Emotional Wellbeing ByPage Morrison, LAc. Senior AcupuncturistJohn A. Rybak, LAc. Lead Acupuncturist, Medical DirectorOver the last 12 years as an acupuncturist in Portland, I have noticed many people want to know “Does...
References for “Acupuncture in Pain Management…”
References for “Acupuncture in Pain Management: A Pathway to Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Oregon” As presented at the 2024 Oregon Conference on Opioids + other Drugs, Pain + Addictions Treatment John Rybak, LAc, Medical DirectorThe purpose of the OPAT conference...
Seriously, How Does Acupuncture Work?
Published in Oregon Medical Board Newsletter Fall 2023. Vol. 135, No 4We understand that acupuncture is…well, kinda weird. The thing is that there is a massive amount of research that shows that acupuncture is more effective than Pills, Exercises, and Surgeries...
References for TEDxUCDavis
I gave a TEDx talk about acupuncture “Unlocking Mind-Body Wellness: The Science of Acupuncture” at the UC Davis “WholehearTED'' event in April 2024. This is for patients and medical providers who wonder ‘does acupuncture work?” The references below are included for...
$45 Billion Acupuncture Success Story
$45 Billion Acupuncture Success Story 20,000 Patients Tried PT, Pills, Surgeries and acupuncture…Which do you think was the winner? Dear Friends, You probably would agree that one of the best feelings is helping someone or being helped when in need. That's the glue...
Cold Flus Allergies
Colds Flus Allergies 2 Easy Steps to Stay Strong During Cold and Flu Season Dear Friends, Its time to welcome the rain! And as we head inside and turn up the thermostat, I want to make sure you all are at your best. I don't know anyone who likes getting sick, but...
Holiday Gift Ideas
Holiday Gift Ideas Make it EASY! Give the Gift of Health This Year. Dear Friends, It's the season of giving! Over the years, the best gifts I have given or received have been from this list. I've included links so you can Click away and finish up that buying for...
Health Insurance Reminder
Health Insurance Reminder Are you saving that health insurance for a catastrophe, or would you like to get ahead of any problems? Dear Friends, I'll make this short and sweet. Do you remember relaxing and even falling asleep during your acupuncture treatments? Maybe...
NSAIDS
Ibuprofen Deficiency? Is that a thing? “Habitually taking NSAIDs is like hitting the CHECK ENGINE light with a hammer everytime it goes on.” Can you remember walking down the pill aisle at the grocery store? It's nearly a mile stretch of pain medications and the rest...
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Dear Friends, True story: every acupuncture patient I saw yesterday had carpal tunnel or some numbness, tingling, and pain in their hands. The Big Secret is that carpal tunnel is not a hand problem… A whopping 99% of the time, it starts in the neck. Here...
Chiropractic vs. Acupuncture for Auto Accidents (in Portland, Oregon)
Chiropractic vs. Acupuncture for Auto Accidents (in Portland, Oregon) The body undergoes a huge amount of stress during a car accident. Our bodies are not built to absorb impacts. Even an accident at 5-10 miles per hour can cause injuries. Symptoms can occur days and...
Thank a Vet
Thank a vet The VA Covers Acupuncture Benefits Being of service to veterans is something I personally take a great deal of pride in. I was raised by a Vet. Providing the best acupuncture care for our warriors in Portland is near and dear to me and The WellBridge...
Urgent: Action Needed on HB 4132
Urgent: Action Needed on HB 4132 Dear Friends and Patients, As you may (or may not) know The WellBridge Clinic works to improve the health and lives of our patients and advocate for better health care in the Oregon State Legislature. I am the Medical Director and...
Gong Hei Fat Choy!!! Happy New Year
Gong Hei Fat Choy!!! Happy New Year!!! Unless you have attained sainthood, I'm willing to bet most everyone is ready for some positive change. And we are at another moment to leverage some change with the coming year of the Tiger! This is a "Water Tiger Year" When...
1 Minute Massage for Neck Pain Relief
1 MINUTE FOR NECK PAIN RELIEF Ask the Acupuncturist: Hey Everyone! It's your friendly Portland neighborhood Acupuncturists. Today we want to talk about working from home, ergonomics and neck pain. So many people are getting neck pain right now as they work from...
The Best Detox Diet
The Best Detox Diet Ask The Acupuncturist: Hey Everyone! Your friendly Portland neighborhood acupuncturists here! You know the old adage: "You are what you eat." The food we eat is one of the most important keys to living pain free, improving our mood, and...