Acupuncture is an ancient healing modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)... — Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine

ACUPUNCTURE

 
 

Acupuncture is an ancient healing modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that dates back over 3000 years. It has been recognized to be effective for a wide range of conditions.


Common Conditions Treated With Acupuncture: 

  • Musculoskeletal: Back Pain, Sciatic Pain, Degenerative Disk Disorder, Radiculopathy, Plantar Fasciitis, Tennis and Golfers Elbow, Carpal Tunnel, and more

  • Pain: Sports Injuries, Arthritis, Tendonitis, Bone, Joint, Muscular, and Cancer Pain

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Autoimmune Diseases:  Celiac Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Hashimoto’s, Grave’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Myasthenia Gravis

  • Tinnitus, Motion Sickness, Vertigo, Balance Issues

  • Cancer: Chemotherapy and Radiation Side Effects, Immune Support, Alternative Cancer Therapies

  • Neurological: Shingles, Bell’s Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Tremors, Neuromas, Parkinson’s Disease, Post-Stroke 

  • Immune System: Sinusitis, Colds, Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Hives, MCAS

  • Skin Diseases: Eczema, Psoriasis, Herpes, Acne

  • Preventative Care: Increase Energy and Vitality levels, Relax the Mind, Strengthen the Immune System, Longevity

This list is not exhaustive. If your specific condition is not listed, please do not hesitate to inquire and/or check out our testimonials.


Herbal Medicine  

Herbal medicine entails the ingestion of plant, animal, and mineral extracts to facilitate healing within the body. The Western application of herbs is similar to the way we use prescription medications in that most often a single herb is used for alleviation of symptoms. While this can be useful for rapid relief, this may fail to address the root cause and herbs may need to be taken long-term to manage disease, much like medications. Although, safer than prescription drugs, some herbs can have ill effects if they are self-prescribed and used to address mere symptoms.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine follows the principles of holistic medicine. By establishing the root cause of disease, a prescription for a custom herbal formula is tailored to the individual’s underlying pattern of disease. Formulations comprise multiple herbs that work in synergy to restore proper function in a balanced way that do not produce undesired effects. Prescribed formulations are modified as the pattern of illness changes and ceased once symptoms dissipate and proper function is restored.



ADJUNCT THERAPIES

 

Tui-Na

Tui-Na means “push-pull” in Chinese and refers to various ancient TCM manual therapy techniques. These include brushing, kneading, rolling, pressing, and rubbing and shaking and can aid in the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions. It is designed to work on areas of musculoskeletal tension and imbalance and aims to relax and correct these imbalances. Techniques may be gentle or quite firm. When indicated, Tui-Na is generally administered as an adjunct to acupuncture treatment and takes 5-15 minutes.


Cupping 

Cupping is an ancient TCM modality that involves the application of special suction cups on the skin. It is essentially a reverse massage separating the various tissue layers to improve circulation, release muscle tension, reduce inflammation and provide a sense of relaxation and well-being. As old stagnant blood is drawn to the surface, explaining why cupping results in discoloration of the skin, new blood providing nutrients, oxygen, healing factors is brought to the area. When indicated, cupping is administered as an adjunct to acupuncture treatment and takes 10-15 minutes.


Gua Sha

Gua Sha is an ancient TCM modality that involves scraping a tool across the skin surface to enhance blood flow and break down scar tissue, adhesions and release tight connective tissue, freeing up tight joints, improving range of motion. It is most commonly used for pain related conditions and musculoskeletal disorders, although the procedure also has other applications. The pressure used is variable and will leave discoloration of the skin, “sha”, in diseased or pathological areas, which is a desired result and important for the healing of the tissue. Old stagnant blood and toxins are brought to the surface, so new blood can nourish and heal the damaged tissue. Healthy tissue, on the other hand will not develop sha. Sha will take several days to disappear. When indicated, Gua Sha is administered as an adjunct to acupuncture treatment and takes 10-15 minutes.


Moxibustion

Moxibustion or Moxa is and ancient TCM modality in which an herb, Ai Ye or mugwort, is burned close to the skin at specific acupuncture points or affected areas of the body. Moxa has many applications such as arthritis, menstrual pain, digestive ailments, fatigue, mal-positioned fetus, healing of scar tissue and boosting the immune system.


Electrical Stimulation

Electrical Stimulation, aka E-stim, is a modern technique of applying various types of electrical microcurrents to acupuncture needles. E-stim can be used for a variety of conditions such as musculoskeletal conditions, post-stroke, smoking cessation and many more. When indicated this modality can provide an excellent adjunct to acupuncture treatment. Keep in mind that stimulating needles is not indicated in every case and the rule of “more is not always better” applies. 

 

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

 
 

Functional medicine is a holistic system of assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Assessments are performed through an extensive interview, history, and various lab testing which may include blood work, saliva, stool, organic acid and/or antigen testing. Diagnostics involve finding the upstream causes of your symptoms and/or disease, i.e. the root cause. Treatment is personalized to your individual needs and include a nutrition and lifestyle program and most often involves the prescription of high-quality nutritional supplementation, nutraceuticals and herbal medicine. We strive to empower and inspire our patients through education so that you can go beyond the mere resolution of symptoms but optimize your health and thrive in all areas of your life long-term. 

Currently functional medicine consultations and programs are done in the comfort of your own home via telemedicine. Whether you are an established patient being treated in office or are seeking our services solely for functional medicine, we have a program for you!

 

Functional Lab Testing

Identify Underlying Health Conditions

 
 
 

If you're not functioning at your best level but don't know why, you might have an underlying health condition that's not visible from the surface. And possibly not obvious to traditional allopathic practitioners. 

At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we use functional lab testing to uncover these conditions and find the root cause of your symptoms. This provides a roadmap for your path back to optimal health.

Our functional medicine lab testing helps us uncover the root cause of a wide range of conditions that a traditional lab panel won’t unveil, including: 

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Food allergies 

  • Nutrient deficiencies

  • Toxic exposure

  • Gut problems

  • Genetic SNPs

We also take an extensive history of your health, environment, lifestyle and the foods you consume. We understand that all these together influence your good health and vitality. 

Once we determine what’s standing in the way of your best self, we’ll create a personalized holistic treatment plan to address your specific problem areas. This may include acupuncture, a nutritional plan, herbal medicine, and/or immune or nutrient boosting injections. All of these treatments aim to support your body’s innate healing process. 

We partner with you throughout your treatment plan so together we can get you on the path to optimal health. Explore the tests we offer below and book a consultation to speak with us about which might be right for you.

 

Organic Acid Test: Your Overall Health Snapshot

An organic acid test (OAT) takes a nutritional and metabolic snapshot of the biochemicals that influence your health. 

The OAT panel includes different markers that test for an extensive range of metabolites. This can reveal certain biochemical or nutritional imbalances that indicate an underlying condition.

Your OAT panel is one piece of the puzzle of identifying the underlying source of your condition. We also use the advanced level testing below to identify abnormalities.

 
 

Testing for Hormone Imbalance

Your hormones fluctuate continuously throughout the day. This means they can look completely normal on a lab report at any time, but hours later they could be abnormal

That's why our hormone assessments use multiple urine samples from different times of the day and month. This is superior to serum hormone testing, which only shows the hormone level at a specific moment in time. But since your hormones are constantly changing throughout the cycle, one blood sample on one day of your cycle alone doesn’t provide an accurate picture of your hormone imbalances.

Instead, our advanced level dried urine testing shows the level of hormones and their metabolites over the entire cycle

This gives us a moving picture of how your hormones are changing throughout that cycle. Which is key to understanding the interplay between the various hormones.

Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance Beyond Gynecological Issues

  • Sudden unexplained weight gain or loss

  • Mood changes

  • Fatigue, weakness

  • Sweating, hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia

  • Abnormal hair growth or loss

  • Low libido

  • Acne



Hormone imbalances can be tricky to detect, but they cause very uncomfortable symptoms. Our lab testing takes the guesswork out of diagnosing the specific problem. It leads us to a treatment plan to address your symptoms sooner.


If you're dealing with these uncomfortable symptoms, we're here to help you uncover the underlying imbalances and treat them. 

 
 

Toxicity Testing

You're increasingly exposed to toxic chemicals in your day-to-day life. 

Household cleaning products, personal hygiene products, processed foods, and pollution are just a few common sources of toxic chemicals. And since they're not visible, they're difficult to detect. But exposure to these chemicals can lead to health issues like cancer, chronic fatigue, hormone imbalances and autoimmune disorders. 


Our toxicity testing panel tests for your general toxic chemical exposure. It also tests for specific mold exposure, co-infections of lime’s disease or heavy metal toxicity. These conditions cause health issues without you even knowing it.

Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure: 

  • Coughing

  • Wheezing

  • Fatigue

  • Itchy eyes

  • Itchy skin

  • Sore throat

Common Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity:

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Nausea

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Weakness

  • Fatigue

  • Anemia

  • Kidney issues

  • Memory loss

  • Infertility

  • Autoimmune diseases


If you’re unknowingly exposed to toxins like mold, lyme disease or various metals, it can be a huge detriment to your health. But these toxins are often invisible to your eye, so toxicity testing is key to diagnosing it. We can help you uncover it to protect your and your family’s health. 

 
 



Food Sensitivity and Allergy Testing

Food sensitivities or allergies can be challenging to detect as they don’t always present with immediate and typical anaphylactic symptoms

A dietary antigen test uncovers the root of various seemingly unconnected symptoms and helps determine which foods may be wreaking havoc in your system. 

Untreated, the symptoms of a hypervigilant immune system can eventually lead to various autoimmune disorders, in which the body forms antibodies against its own tissues. 


While a more mild sensitivity may not trigger a noticeable response, some allergies do start with an immune system response that gives you a bad reaction. But this may be delayed by several days, which makes it difficult to know which foods caused it. 

Symptoms of Food Sensitivity and Allergies:

  • Dizzy or lightheaded

  • Shortness of breath

  • Hives or rash

  • Arthritis/pain/fibromyalgia

  • Chronic sinus issues

  • Asthma/allergies

  • Brain fog

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Throat or face swelling

You think you have a food sensitivity, but changing your whole diet is overwhelming. You don't have to guess which foods cause your reactions. Our functional lab testing can uncover the specific sensitivities that we can address together.

 
 

Micronutrient Testing for Nutrient Deficiencies

The typical Western diet includes more processed foods than ever. These foods are low in nutrients and high in sugar and low quality fats, which leads to common nutrient deficiencies. 

The hard truth is that the majority of our society is overfed and undernourished.

It’s likely your body is lacking the proper nutrients it needs to keep you functioning at your best. Micronutrient testing can determine your exact vitamins and minerals deficiencies.

Just a Few Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency: 

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Brain fog

  • Hormone imbalances

  • Low immunity

  • Numbness/tingling

  • Headaches/migraines

  • Palpitations

  • Insomnia

  • Anxiety/depression

  • Poor metabolism

Similar to food allergies, uncovering your specific nutrient deficiencies is crucial to addressing them properly. Unaddressed nutritional deficiencies can lead to serious diseases such as hypothyroid, cardiovascular disease, anemia, neuropathy, cancer, just to name a few.

After the lab testing, we’ll create a personalized nutrition plan to increase your nutrient intake and address any deficiencies you have.

 
 

Stool and GI Testing for Gut Health

Your digestive system was once considered relatively simple. But studies now show a link between gut health and your overall well-being. That’s where the saying “your gut is your second brain” comes from.

Your gut affects your immune system, mood, and overall health. So, an unhealthy gut can reach far beyond uncomfortable GI symptoms. It can lead to autoimmune diseases, mood disorders, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and even cancer.

Symptoms of Unhealthy Gut:

  • Gas/bloating

  • Acid reflux

  • Constipation/diarrhea

  • Fatigue

  • Weight gain or loss

  • Allergies/sinus problems

  • Joint pain

  • Skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc.)

  • Nutritional deficiencies

  • Autoimmune conditions (Celiac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.)

  • Depression/Anxiety/Mood disorders


Disease often begins in the gut.
A healthy gut is imperative to your health. But gut problems and digestive issues are increasingly common. If you’re struggling with any of these unpleasant symptoms, we can determine how to improve your gut health with stool and GI testing.

 
 

Genetic Testing

Your genes are unique to you. Understanding your genetic makeup is key to supporting your body's optimal functioning processes. 

Genomic testing allows us to: 

  • Confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition.

  • Determine your chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.

  • Unveil the level of functionality of various keys genes that play an important role in optimal health

You may have various symptoms that don’t necessarily point to a genetic disease. But if genes are not functioning at their optimum in unison, genetic testing may be key to unveiling the root issues of your symptoms.

If you inherited a genetic condition, you don't need to assume the worst.

Your lifestyle factors have a huge impact on the expression of these genes. Which means you have a lot more control over your genetic expression than you may think – hint: epigenetics.

But becoming aware of your risk is crucial to preventing or addressing a genetic disease.

If you have a suspected genetic variant or a genetic condition, genomic testing can be the first step in regaining control. Plus, it helps us know how to best support your body's innate healing functions and optimize your health.

 

INJECTION THERAPY

All-natural, effective injections to improve your health naturally.

 
 

Common medications tend to help your symptoms, but don't address the underlying problem. You want a natural healing remedy that addresses the root of the problem and heals you at the core.


Injection therapy is a natural and effective way to heal common health conditions. Even if you're not struggling with a specific condition, injections can boost your vitality.


So, what is injection therapy? 


Injection therapy involves the injection of various substances at key trigger points. They work by stimulating an innate immune response to healing. This natural modality restores system balance and stimulates your body's natural healing processes.


These are just a few of the conditions injection therapy addresses:

  • Acute and Chronic Pain

  • Nutritional Deficiencies & Immune support

  • Sports Recovery/Performance Enhancement 

  • Facial Rejuvenation and Body Sculpting

  • Weight Loss


Explore our types of injection therapy below, and book a free initial consultation today. Injection Therapy is most effective when used in conjunction with other therapies. So together we'll determine a holistic plan to help you reach your health goals.

TYPES OF INJECTION THERAPY

Trigger Point Injections and Prolotherapy 

Addresses 

Acute and chronic pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders

How they Work
Trigger point injections vary depending on what type of tissue is being treated. But injections are generally comprised of saline, glucose, lidocaine, and Vitamin B12. When injected into the injured area, this triggers an immune response that accelerates tissue healing.

Types of Injections

  • Trigger Point Injections (muscle pain)

  • Prolotherapy (ligament and tendon damage around a joint) and often combined with ozone therapy)


Nutritional Supplementation

Addresses

Nutritional Deficiencies & Immune support 

How it Works

Vitamins and minerals to support deficiencies

Types of Injections

  • Vitamin C

  • Vitamin D

  • Magnesium

  • Glutathione

  • NAD+

  • B-12

  • B-complex

  • Tri-Immune

  • Lipotropic

  • and more…


Ozone Therapy

What it Addresses

Venous insufficiency, muscle, ligament, tendon, joint, toenail fungus and general tissue healing

How it Works

Ozone gas is injected into a specific tissue or area. This provides a high concentration of oxygen to poorly oxygenated tissue. 

Ozone facilitates a local immune response and accelerates tissue healing around the injected area. Plus, it has an antimicrobial function as bacteria, virus, and fungi cannot thrive in a highly oxygenated environment.


Weight Loss Injection Therapy

What it Addresses

Reaching and sustaining your ideal weight

How it Works

Weight loss injections speed up the process of fat breakdown. When combined with healthy eating, exercise, and acupuncture, this can enhance weight loss. These lipotropic injections include amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Read more about our weight loss services here.


Homeopathic Injections

How it Works

Homeopathic Injections are a form of homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy is a safe, gentle, and natural system of healing. It works with your body to relieve symptoms, restore balance, and improve your health. 

Homeopathy is a medical system that was developed in Germany more than 200 years ago. It’s based on two unconventional theories:

  • “Like cures like”— the idea that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people.

  • “Law of minimum dose” — the idea that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness.

Many homeopathic products are so diluted that no molecules of the original substance remain. Homeopathic products come from naturally occurring parts of plants, minerals, or animals. A minimal, homeopathic dose of a substance would cause symptoms in a healthy person. But it cures those symptoms when given to someone who is already exhibiting them

For example, the rash and itching from exposure to the poison ivy plant. This is why people can often take homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy plant) to cure their allergic reaction to poison ivy. It’s not the products themselves that heal, but the stimulation of the body’s innate natural healing capabilities.

Homeopathic medicines have a very low risk of side effects, contraindications or allergic reactions. 

They are safe to use during pregnancy and have no interaction with other drugs. Treatments are not standardized but individualized like other holistic therapies. For optimal results, they're most effective when used as part of a holistic treatment plan.

Immune Boosting Injections

What it Addresses

Immune system strengthening

How it Works

Tri-immune injections contains glutathione, vitamin c and zinc, a powerful combination that strongly supports healthy immune function.

NAD+ Injections

What it Addresses

Mitochondrial health, preventing signs and symptoms of aging

How it Works

NAD+ is fundamental to healthy biological processes in the body. Including cell signaling, DNA repair, and genetic expression.

But as you age, your NAD+ decreases. This leads to common aging symptoms and diseases, including:

  • Metabolic disorders

  • Cancer

  • Neurodegenerative diseases

Replenishing NAD+ levels may slow or even reverse the signs and symptoms and diseases associated with aging.

In other words, NAD+ turns back your cell’s biological clock. 

NAD+ injections can lead to increased athletic performance, faster recovery, and improved metabolism. Plus, they can enhance brain function, mood, and overall health.

Read more about the benefits of NAD+ Injections here.


Glutathione Injections

What it Addresses

Anti-aging, detoxification, protection against oxidation, immune support, and energy production. 

How it Works

Glutathione is often known as the “master” antioxidant and biggest detoxifying agent in the body's cells. It's capable of preventing cell damage that causes inflammation, disease, and aging. 

Glutathione repairs cells by: 

  • Promoting intracellular communication

  • Stabilizing and supporting the protein function

  • Removing metabolic waste from the cells


A few factors lead to the reduction of your body's glutathione levels, including:

  • Lack of essential nutritients

  • Lack of sleep

  • Environmental toxins

  • Stress

But glutathione levels also decline naturally with age. 


Glutathione gets broken down in the digestive tract before it can be utilized by your body. So injections are the most effective way to replenish your supply because they bypass the gut.

Sports Recovery/Performance Enhancement Injections 

What it Addresses

Athletic Injuries and Improving Sports Performance

How it Works

This combination of homeopathic remedies treats injuries and prepares you for ultimate performance.

Homeopathic injections for sports performance help you improve blood supply to the body. This can stop fatigue, optimize recovery, and help you reach peak performance.

Plus, homeopathic remedies are all allowed under competitive sport rules. They've been proven effective for ironman, marathon & triathlon athletes.

Read more about our Sports Medicine services here.


Body Contouring Injections

What it Addresses

  • Localized adiposity (fat)

  • Cellulite

  • Tissue Toning 

  • Breast Toning

  • Venous Insufficiency (swollen, heavy legs, poor leg circulation)

How it Works

Our natural body sculpting treatments target the specific areas you’d like to address. They offer a holistic alternative to invasive interventions such as liposuction or surgery. Injections include various homeopathic formulas such as Omeoformulas®.


Read more about our medi-spa services here

 

Holistic Sports Medicine

Recover from athletic injuries and enhance sports performance.

 
 

As an athlete, you expect a lot from your body. 


You train hard and push yourself to become the best athlete in your sport. Training at your level puts strain on your muscles and your body’s systems.


But sports are about so much more than just exercise for you. Whether you're a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, you train because of your love for the sport and to stay grounded, healthy, fit and energized.

So when an injury gets in the way of your sports performance, it does more than keep you off the field. It disrupts the exercise routine that keeps you healthy and showing up as your best self.


At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we help you optimize recovery and enhance sports performance. Because as athletes ourselves, we know how challenging it is to compete with injuries. 


If you’re struggling with an athletic injury or want to improve sports performance, we can help.

Like any of our services, we take a holistic approach to sports medicine. Because optimal performance in competition starts with the habits you cultivate during training and during times of rest. 


Your nutrition and lifestyle habits are just as important as how hard you train.


When you visit us for sports medicine, the first step we take is an evaluation of your health history and habits. In many cases, we use functional lab testing to seek out the root cause of injuries or for optimizing your athletic performance. 


All this information contributes to your personalized plan in reaching peak athletic performance. If you have an injury, our goal is to help you heal as quickly as possible and get back in the game. But we also specialize in modalities that enhance your performance.


Explore our sports medicine services below and book a free initial consultation. Together we'll determine which modalities can treat your injury and help you achieve peak performance.

Sports Injury Recovery and Improving Sports Performance

As an athlete, you want to be in peak shape, but something's standing in the way. Maybe you’re...

  • Struggling with an acute or chronic injury that throws your training off track

  • Overtrained and looking for improved recovery

  • Injury-free but not reaching the next level of peak performance


If you're dealing with an injury or just want to improve your athletic capability, you've come to the right place.


We use the range of modalities below to heal your muscles, joints, tendons or ligaments, improve recovery and set up your body for peak sports performance.

Acupuncture

Sports medicine acupuncture integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern sports medicine.


Acupuncture offers athletes a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Treating musculoskeletal injuries

  • Expedited healing of ligament and tendon injuries

  • Relieving muscle pain and spasm

  • Improving circulation to tense or injured areas

  • Increasing range of motion

  • Enhanced recovery

  • Targeting constitutional imbalances

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are effective additions to your training and conditioning. Athletes can improve performance, treat injuries, and decrease the risk of injury.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy uses suction to create a negative pressure rather than compression. 


The benefits of cupping therapy for athletes include:

  • Removes adhesion

  • Improves circulation

  • Stretches soft tissue and lengthens connective tissue

  • Increases joint hydration

  • Releases compressed structures 

  • Stimulates neurological function

Cupping therapy can help your body heal faster and even decrease your recovery time.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha stimulates the flow of blood to your muscles and tissues. This blood flow helps to release stagnant blood, realign muscle fibers and remove adhesions. 


This process is effective for athletes by prompting:

  • Removes adhesion

  • Improves circulation

  • Stretches soft tissue and lengthens connective tissue

  • Muscle Recovery

  • Flexibility/Range of Motion


Gua Sha involves gently scraping against the skin’s surface along the length of the muscle. And it's becoming increasingly popular in the sports field.

Moxibustion

Commonly used in TCM, moxa is made from dried mugwort and applied to the skin’s surface. This herbal heat therapy invigorates the blood flow, which helps healing in the area.


Moxa in sports medicine can be used to treat:

  • Injuries

  • Arthritis

  • Scar tissue 


To learn more about acupuncture, cupping, gua sha and moxibustion treatments, visit our acupuncture page.

Injections

You have no interest in taking synthetic drugs to improve performance. Not only are these banned from competition, but they come with the risk of untold damage.


Homeopathic and Nutrient injections are a completely safe, natural, and effective way to improve performance. These injections help you:

  • Cut off time in a race

  • Improve the blood supply to the body 

  • Stop fatigue and optimize recovery


The types of injection therapy we use include:

  • Trigger Point Injection Therapy – heal muscle injuries

  • Prolotherapy – heal ligament and tendon injuries

  • Ozone therapy – usually combined with prolotherapy for ligament and tendon injuries


These remedies are all allowed under competitive sports rules and have been proven effective for ironman, marathon, and triathlon athletes. Learn more on our injections therapy page.

Lab Testing for Optimized Athletic Performance

Your performance as an athlete is influenced by more than exercising alone. Your nutrition, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions can play a large role. 


Our functional lab testing uncovers conditions that get in the way of peak sports performance.

This testing can reveal:

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Food sensitivities

  • Nutrient deficiencies

  • Toxic exposure

  • Gut problems

  • Genetic SNPs

These tests give us a better understanding of what your body needs to thrive as an athlete. Learn more on our functional lab testing page.

Sports Nutrition

Improving your sports endurance goes beyond training. The way you fuel your body is as important as exercising – if not more. 


We’ll take a look at your nutrition habits and create a daily eating plan focused on foods that...

  • Gives you sustainable energy to fuel physical activity

  • Repair and rebuild your muscles after a tough workout

  • Optimize your endurance and performance during competition

Whether you’re looking to improve endurance or build muscle, a nutrition plan is crucial to your performance as an athlete.

Our Sports Medicine Story

Sports Medicine has always been a foundation of Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine. Because we’re athletes, too! 


Learn about Dr. Martina’s background as a professional cyclist. And how it inspired her long history of helping athletes recover and gain a competitive edge.


 

WEIGHT LOSS

Reach and sustain your ideal weight.

 
 

Have you been trying to lose weight but aren't seeing results? 


It feels like you do everything right – from exercising to eating healthy. But you're still not seeing progress. Or maybe you did reach your goal but gained the weight back shortly after.


We know how frustrating it can be to work hard on weight loss and not see results. If this sounds like you, there may be a root cause that's stopping you from losing weight, without you knowing it.


At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we partner with you to help you reach your goal weight in a healthy and sustainable way.


We want you to achieve your goal so you can feel confident in your body! But we know that weight loss is about so much more than appearances. Achieving a healthy weight is crucial to your vitality and longevity.


Our first step is a holistic evaluation of your health history and lifestyle habits. We use functional lab testing as needed to uncover factors that influence weight.


Using all this information, we develop a personalized plan to achieve your ideal weight and maintain it. And we partner with and support you along that journey. So you can look and feel like your best self.


You need a roadmap that tells you the exact path to reach your ideal weight. Instead of trying everything but not seeing results.


Explore our modalities for weight loss below and book a free initial consultation. Together we'll determine which modalities can help you reach optimal weight and health.

Holistic Weight Loss

Like our other services, we take a holistic approach to your weight loss plan. We'll first take an extensive review of your health history. Followed by lab testing to uncover any underlying imbalances that influence your weight.


Excess weight and obesity are often caused by various deep rooted imbalances . Uncovering and treating these imbalances is crucial to losing weight. Otherwise, your attempts at weight loss are unlikely to be successful.


A few underlying causes that may lead to weight gain include:

  • Hormone imbalances

  • Poor sleep

  • Food sensitivities

  • Stress

  • Poor Detoxification pathways

  • Gut health issues


No matter what you're struggling from, we personalize your treatment plan to address your individual needs. 


This holistic plan may include:

  • Nutrition and lifestyle plan

  • High-quality nutritional supplementation, nutraceuticals, and herbal medicine

  • Acupuncture

  • Weight Loss Injections


We strive to empower and inspire our patients through education. So you can optimize your health, weight, and thrive in all areas of your life long-term. 


Read more about the modalities we use for weight loss below. 

Acupuncture For Weight Loss

Acupuncture restores balance within and between the various body systems that influence weight. Specifically the neuroendocrine system and the gastrointestinal systems.


The benefits of acupuncture for weight loss include:

  • Restoring liver function (detoxification)

  • Balancing hormones (insulin, sex hormones, satiety hormones)

  • Regulating blood sugar and appetite, and taming food cravings

  • Stimulating the lymphatic system (body’s sewer system) 

  • Stimulating digestive function (proper absorption of nutrients and excretion of waste)


Addressing the imbalance between these systems allows weight loss to be possible.


Read more about our acupuncture services here.

Weight Loss Injections

Lipotropic injections can speed up the process of fat breakdown.


These injections include amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This combination helps metabolize fat in the body systemically. 


But injections alone aren't enough to enhance weight loss results. These are most effective when combined with...

  • A healthy diet

  • Exercise

  • Acupuncture


We're committed to providing you safe and effective weight loss options. So our lipotropic injections do not contain ephedrine, which unnaturally speeds up metabolism by increasing the heart rate.


Read more about our weight loss injections here

Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching

Your diet, environment, and exercise habits are crucial to reaching optimal weight.


At Denver Sports and Holistic medicine, we take an in-depth look at these lifestyle habits. We understand that these factors have a large influence on your health and vitality.


After reviewing your history, we create a personalized plan to reach your goal weight. This plan may include:

  • Nutritional plan

  • Exercise tips

  • Lifestyle counseling

  • The modalities listed above


Read more about our nutrition and lifestyle coaching here.

 

MEDI SPA

Natural Cosmetic Treatments for Face and Body

 
 

At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we offer safe and effective options for restoring your natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to improve fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, or puffiness in the face or reduce localized fat, the appearance of cellulite, swelling of the legs or improve tissue tone, we have a variety of treatments for face and body that work on these targeted areas. Our holistic approach combines local therapies, such as microneedling, acupuncture, injection therapy and mesotherapy with supplements, herbs, nutrition, functional medicine testing and lifestyle counseling to promote the anti-aging process both locally and internally, leaving not only your skin more youthful and radiant but leaving you feeling more vibrant and healthy as a whole.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses ultra-fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin without damaging the epidermis. The induced microtrauma prompts the body to enhance collagen and elastin production. Just like exercise causes muscles to grow strong, microneedling has a stimulating effect on collagen and elastin production. Microneedling helps to reverse aging skin, resulting in smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Microneedling can also be used to treat acne, scars, hair loss in men and women, and hyperpigmentation as well as reduce the size of pores and brighten the complexion.

We recommend a a 6 month program with monthly treatments. Cosmetic acupuncture is recommended between sessions to enhance your results.

For more details check out this blog.


Cosmetic Acupuncture

Look and feel radiant and rejuvenated naturally! Facial rejuvenation treatment with acupuncture offers a natural and holistic alternative to Botox treatments or surgery. This treatment is clinically tested to safely and effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smile and frown lines, and crow’s feet, lift sagging skin and reduce puffiness on the face. The effects of this treatment include increased circulation to the face, increased muscle tone, collagen and elastin production and skin tightening without any downtime or side-effects. Additionally, improved energy and vitality along with a sense of radiance and well-being are only a few of the systemic effects of an acupuncture treatment. We recommend an initial 12-week course of treatment for optimal results.

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is not recommended for patient’s with uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe migraines.


Facial Rejuvenation With Injection Therapy

Collagen and elastin are loose connective tissues that support your skin’s integrity, elasticity and tonicity. As the aging process ensues, we begin to lose collagen and elastin and among other things, develop fine lines and wrinkles. We can smooth/curtail these signs of aging by reintroducing collagen below the skins surface. Collagen injections provide a natural, safe and effective method of restoring lost collagen to smooth out the skin’s surface. Collagen injections are used for fine lines and wrinkles, smile and frown  lines and can even be used to enhance lips. Ideal candidates for collagen injections are generally 35-65 years old with minor to moderate signs of aging.


Body Sculpting with Injection Therapy 

Our body sculpting treatments offer a holistic alternative to invasive interventions such as liposuctions or surgery. Various homeopathic formulas, Omeoformula®, are used to treat the following concerns:

  • Localized adiposity (fat)

  • Cellulite

  • Tissue Toning 

  • Breast Toning

  • Venous Insufficiency (swollen, heavy legs, poor leg circulation)



 

Holistic Women’s Health

Functional Medicine for Personalized Women’s Health

 
 

As a woman, your natural circadian rhythms play a large role in your health and well-being. These hormone cycles are complex and interconnected. When these get off track, it can affect your overall vitality, or disrupt your sleep, mood, weight, skin, menstrual cycle, and even your fertility. 


At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we aim to restore your natural hormone cycles. This can address your symptoms of hormone imbalance such as menopause, menstrual disorders – like PCOS, endometriosis, infertility – and more. We also partner with you in family planning and pregnancy.


Just like all of our services, we take a holistic approach to women’s health. After our initial consultation, we incorporate any necessary functional lab testing to unveil the root cause of your hormone imbalances. We also examine your health history, nutrition and lifestyle factors that could be contributing to your symptoms. 


From there, we create a treatment plan that’s personalized to your physiological and personal needs. Our holistic treatments include acupuncture, a nutritional plan, herbal medicine, nutrient-boosting injections and other natural therapies.

Explore the common conditions we cover below and book a consultation to get started. 

Menopause Symptoms

When you’re going through menopause, hormone fluctuations can be common. This leads to discomfort and symptoms that disrupt your day-to-day life.


We offer natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy like acupuncture and lifestyle consulting. These address your underlying hormone imbalances and your symptoms naturally, safely and effectively.


Common Menopause Symptoms:

  • Hot flashes

  • Night sweats

  • Weight gain

  • Mood swings/irritability

  • Dryness of mucous membranes

  • Fatigue

  • Low libido


These symptoms are uncomfortable and can get in the way of your day-to-day responsibilities and relationships. But you don’t have to continue to suffer or resort to managing your symptoms with HRT which can lead to downstream health consequences. We’re here to support you through your transition of  hormonal change.

Thyroid Issues and Hormone Imbalance

Your thyroid plays a critical role in all your cellular processes and metabolism which affect your overall health. When disrupted, these imbalances can lead to symptoms that affect your well-being, energy levels, and so much more.


Thyroid issues and other hormone imbalances often lead to fatigue, joint pain, headaches, weight gain or loss, digestive issues, and even infertility. But symptoms don’t always appear until there's already a significant problem. So it’s important to get this checked early on. 


Our lab testing uncovers the details of your hormone imbalances. So we can improve your symptoms and hormone imbalance before they get out of hand. But if they already have, it’s not too late to address them! 


Unlike conventional lab testing, diagnosis and treatment, our functional medicine approach allows us to understand the underlying issues and address those to restore balance to your system.

Common Hormone Imbalance and Thyroid Issue Symptoms:

  • Fatigue

  • Menstrual problems

  • Muscle weakness

  • Stiffness or pain in joints

  • Weight changes

  • Bowel disturbances

  • Hair/skin changes

  • Depression/anxiety

  • Brain fog

  • Palpitations

  • Temperature regulation issues

  • Low libido

  • Infertility

  • Sweating 


These symptoms can be easy to ignore or shrug off, but not only do you deserve to feel your best, but addressing the root cause of these symptoms sooner rather than later can prevent a more serious disease in the future.

A comprehensive thyroid panel and other hormone testing can uncover why you’ve been feeling off or less energetic. Rest assured, we will navigate you through the process and make any necessary recommendations as your health partner.


Menstrual Disorders 

Menstrual disorders can often be a painful disruption of your natural flow. These are some of the common conditions we treat:

PMDD: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can cause mental health problems in the weeks leading up to your period. Symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, water retention irritability, severe depression, and anxiety. But these symptoms usually go away within a few days after your period starts.

PCOS: If your monthly menstrual periods are irregular, it might be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this condition, your hormones are imbalanced and monthly ovulation isn’t occurring – which also might be a factor if you’re struggling with issues such as acne, abnormal hair growth and infertility. 


Endometriosis: When the tissue that normally grows inside of your uterus grows outside your uterus and throughout your abdominal cavity. This condition can be extremely painful and greatly affect your quality of life. 


Below are some of the other problems stemming from your cycle that we treat.


Common Menstrual Disorder Symptoms:

  • Irregular or heavy periods

  • Menstrual headaches/migraines

  • Pain or cramping

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Hormonal acne

  • PMS

  • Fibrocystic breasts


When it comes to menstrual disorders, we know how uncomfortable and life-disrupting they can be. That’s why we’re devoted to working with you to find natural, safe and effective solutions that help you live your best life. 

Pregnancy Support 

When you’re pregnant, it’s incredibly exciting. But it also comes with a lot of unknowns. You need someone who’s dedicated to your specific care and prenatal journey. If you’re looking for a personalized experience like this, our holistic approach was designed with you in mind. 


As a holistic clinic, we focus on the health of your baby but also your health and well-being as a whole. We understand that your overall vitality is key to a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.


Using functional medicine, acupuncture for pregnancy, herbal medicine, and lifestyle and nutrition counseling, we provide you with the personalized pregnancy care you need and deserve. Whether you’re just looking to optimize your health and fetal development or you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms.

Some Common Pregnancy Conditions we Treat:

  • Varicose veins

  • Morning sickness

  • Fatigue

  • Constipation

  • Back/pelvic pain

  • Breech baby

  • Labor induction 


We also provide postpartum care, so we continue to be your partner even once your baby is born. We know how important it is to you to work with someone who knows your full pregnancy journey.

Holistic Fertility Planning

A holistic approach to fertility planning can increase your chances of natural conception – whether you’re currently trying to conceive or know you want to down the line.


Traditional fertility doctors may look solely at your biological systems. But many couples with “healthy hardware” still have trouble conceiving or experience miscarriage.


A holistic approach considers these physiological factors, but also the various aspects of your health and lifestyle that affect fertility and carrying your baby to full term. We understand that successful fertility and pregnancy stems from a healthy body as a whole.


We’ll take a look at both your physical and lifestyle factors that can both have a huge impact on your ability to conceive. We also use holistic treatments for fertility like acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle counseling. 


If you’re considering growing your family, reach out to us to learn how we can help you get and stay pregnant naturally, safely and effectively.

 

Microneedling

A Natural Approach to Looking 10 Years Younger

 
microneedling in denver
 

 What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses ultra-fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin without damaging the epidermis. These tiny wounds prompt the body's red blood cells to rush in and begin collagen and elastin production. Thereafter, new skin cells begin to grow over the existing tissue. Like a star fish’s ability to regenerate a limb, the skin’s ability to stop bleeding, produce collagen, and self-heal is miraculous.

 

Why Does Microneedling Make You Look Younger naturally?

To understand how microneedling works, it helps to understand the nature of collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that give our skin its structure and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less of them, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and a dull complexion. Microneedling helps to reverse this process by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

 

What can Microneedling treat?

  • Hair Loss

  • Fine Lines & Wrinkles

  • Hyperpigmentation

  • Scars

  • Age Spots

  • Acne

  • Stretch Marks

  • Areas: Face, Chest, Decolté, Hands, Body


More Benefits of Microneedling:

  • Anti-aging properties

  • Improved skin texture

  • Improves sun damage and hyperpigmentation

  • Firmer skin

  • Reduced appearance of scars (including acne and burn scars)

  • Brighter complexion

  • Tightens and shrinks pores

  • promotes hair regrowth

  • Increases transdermal absorption of skin products and serums by up to 2,000 times

 

How long Before I see The Results of Microneedling?

The results of microneedling are long-lasting, but not permanent. You can expect to see results for up to 2 years before a maintenance treatment is required.

 

How Long Do The Results of Microneedling Last?

Many people see results several weeks after just one microneedling treatment However, the real magic will become evident over the course of a few months as new collagen and elastin are produced and results become more profound.

 

How Many Microneedling sessions should I have?

The frequency of microneedling treatments varies from person to person. We recommend starting with a series of 4-6 treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart. After that, you can extend the interval between treatments as desired or needed.

 

What Will Enhance the Effects of My Microneedling Treatments?

Complementary treatments like nano-needling and cosmetic acupuncture can enhance results.

 

 Red Light Therapy

A Powerful, Healing, and Cosmetic Treatment as Ancient as The Sun

red light therapy in denver
 

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red Light Therapy works by penetrating the skin with various infrared wavelengths: far, medium, and near-infrared light. 

Only near infrared light, which is not part of the visible light spectrum, is absorbed by an organelle within the cell called the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the cells. The energy from the light helps to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy that cells need to function. Production of ATP decreases with age, stress or illness. 

What Are The Benefits of Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy is known for a wide range of holistic benefits. However, one of the most common uses of red light therapy is to improve skin appearance. When applied to the skin, Red Light Therapy can increase collagen production, reduce inflammation, and help repair damaged tissue. These effects lead to smoother, softer skin with reduced wrinkles, fine lines, and scars.


How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Red Light Therapy works by penetrating the skin with various red light wavelengths which often includes wavelengths in both the visible spectrum of light (630–660 nanometers) and the invisible infrared spectrum (810–850 nm). Infrared wavelengths can be further subcategorized into far, medium, and near infrared light (NIR). 

Near infrared light penetrates to the deepest levels and is the only wavelength that reaches the mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of the cells, where it can stimulate ATP production, which is the energy that cells need to function. Production of ATP decreases with age, stress or illness. 

NIR stimulates the mitochondrial production of melatonin, a potent antioxidant, but best known for its function to produce restful sleep.

Additionally, near infrared lights photobiomodulation abilities promote wound healing, cell health/regeneration, skin rejuvenation and inflammation reduction. Additionally, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles improvement, and collagen synthesis promotion have all been observed in studies.

Red Light Therapy can help in several ways:

  • Increases ATP production, promoting cell regeneration and improved circulation


What Red Light Therapy Systems Does Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine Use?

Active patients are given access to the full spectrum Sunlighten® sauna - widely regarded as the gold standard in Red Light Therapy treatment systems.

Red Light Therapy in Denver: What Treatments Does Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine Offer?

We offer a variety of Red Light Therapy options. Generally, Red Light Therapy is provided:

  1.  On its own, with full infrared sauna access for active patients in our clinic (by appointment before or after a treatment)

  2. As a red light therapy device during a treatment to complement other healing modalities, such as microneedling, nano-needling, and acupuncture.

You want to receive the infrared waves that are most beneficial to your health. Our patented 3 in 1® Infrared Heater offers the optimum wavelength for each infrared wave, similar to tuning into a specific radio station. To deliver optimal results, we use full spectrum red light which combines visible and invisable near, medium and far infrared wave wavelengths.

Ozone Therapy

Harness the Healing Power of Ozone Therapy for Enhanced Recovery

 Ozone therapy is a cutting-edge, natural treatment that harnesses the healing power of oxygen to enhance the body’s ability to fight off chronic diseases, infections, and inflammation. At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we offer ozone therapy as part of our integrative approach to optimize health and wellness, boost immune function, and promote recovery.

How Ozone Therapy Works

Ozone therapy involves the use of medical-grade ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen (O3), to stimulate and support various healing processes in the body. When introduced into the body, ozone helps increase oxygen delivery to cells, promotes detoxification, and activates the immune system. This therapy is known for its ability to enhance circulation, decrease oxidative stress, and accelerate the body's natural healing processes.

Benefits of Ozone Therapy

  1. Boosts Immune System: Ozone therapy activates the immune response, making it an excellent option for patients dealing with chronic infections, autoimmune conditions, or immune system imbalances.

  2. Reduces Inflammation: Ozone helps regulate inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, sports injuries, and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

  3. Improves Circulation: By increasing oxygen delivery and circulation, ozone therapy can enhance tissue repair, making it effective for athletes and those recovering from injuries.

  4. Detoxification: Ozone assists the body in detoxifying, eliminating toxins, and promoting overall health by supporting liver function and oxidative stress reduction.

  5. Antimicrobial: Fights viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.

  6. Supports Anti-aging: The oxygenation provided by ozone therapy helps in rejuvenating cells, supporting longevity, and improving energy levels.

Conditions Treated with Ozone Therapy

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Lyme disease

  • Mold

  • Autoimmune diseases

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Candida

  • Joint pain and sports injuries

  • Chronic infections and inflammation

  • Inflammatory bowel diseases

  • Cardiovascular conditions

  • Cancer Adjunct Therapy

Administration Methods for Ozone Therapy at Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine

Ozone therapy can be administered using various methods, each tailored to target specific health concerns and maximize the therapy’s effectiveness. At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we offer several methods for ozone delivery, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment based on your unique needs and health goals.

  1. Ozone Injections (Prolozone Therapy)
    Ozone injections, also known as Prolozone therapy, are commonly used to treat joint pain, muscle injuries, and chronic inflammation. By injecting ozone directly into affected areas, the therapy helps reduce pain, promote tissue regeneration, and improve circulation. This method is popular among athletes and individuals with joint issues or chronic pain conditions.

  2. Ozone Insufflation
    Ozone insufflation is a non-invasive method where ozone gas is introduced through the body’s orifices, such as the ears, vagina, or rectum, to promote systemic healing and detoxification. Rectal insufflation, for instance, allows ozone to enter the bloodstream quickly, making it a highly effective method for treating chronic infections, gastrointestinal issues, and immune system dysfunction.

  3. Ozonated Oils
    Ozonated oils are used topically for skin conditions, wounds, or infections. By infusing olive oil or other carrier oils with ozone, these ozonated oils help stimulate healing and reduce inflammation when applied to the skin.

Why Choose Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine for Ozone Therapy?

At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, our experienced practitioners use the highest standards for administering ozone therapy to ensure safety and efficacy. We integrate ozone therapy with other natural and holistic treatments to provide a comprehensive plan tailored to your individual health needs. Whether you are an athlete looking to optimize recovery or someone managing a chronic health condition, our ozone therapy program offers a powerful, natural solution to enhance overall well-being.

 Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

A Personalized Approach to Hormonal Health

At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we understand that hormone imbalances can significantly impact your quality of life. From perimenopause and menopause to conditions like PCOS and thyroid disorders, finding a solution that fits your unique needs is essential. That's where Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) comes in.

What is BHRT? BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by your body. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources and designed to match your body's specific hormonal needs, making them a safer and more effective option for many individuals.

Who Can Benefit from BHRT? BHRT is often recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalances, including:

  • Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings during menopause

  • Fatigue and weight gain linked to thyroid disorders

  • Irregular periods or acne related to PCOS

  • Low libido, anxiety, and sleep disturbances

Personalized BHRT Treatment Plans At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we believe in a personalized approach to BHRT. Through advanced lab testing, such as the DUTCH test and micronutrient analysis, we tailor treatments to your unique hormonal profile. We also integrate lifestyle modifications, such as stress management, nutrition, and exercise, to optimize your hormonal balance and overall health.

Our team is committed to helping you navigate your hormonal journey with a comprehensive, holistic strategy that supports long-term wellness.

If you're looking for BHRT in Denver, contact us today to request a consultation and take the first step toward feeling your best again.