Santa Cruz Acupuncture Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic was founded in 2003 by Anthony Von der Muhll, L.Ac., DNBAO, FAIPM, to serve patients with pain, sports injuries, and other neuro-musculoskeletal conditions with acupuncture and other modalities from Traditional Chinese Medicine and contemporary integrative sports medicine. Anthony Von der Muhll has now retired from clinical practice. Dr. Daniel Rola, DTCM, LAC, his chosen successor, has practiced at the SCAOSMC since 2017, and is assisted by Kathleen Manza, LAC.

Dr. Daniel Rola, DTCM, LAC, is a California board-licensed acupuncturist, specializing in acupuncture orthopedics, sports medicine and pain management. He graduated Five Branches University in 2016 with a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and a doctorate degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2020. A Santa Cruz county native, Daniel understands the community needs for safe and effective therapies for pain management, injury recovery and mental health. As a holistic medicine practitioner, he believes the best medicine treats the body, mind and spirit. He takes an integrative approach to diagnosis and treatment, utilizing Eastern as well as standard Western orthopedic exams and testing with traditional medicine treatment principles and protocols. He works collaboratively with referring physicians and therapists to provide care and communicates findings relevant to their patients’ treatment plans. A life-long learner, Daniel continues to train in acupuncture orthopedics and pain management, as well as mentor students in training. In addition to acupuncture, Daniel is trained in manual therapies (cupping, guasha, bodywork), herbal medicine, and various mindfulness practices (qigong, meditation, breathwork). Daniel’s passion for practicing medicine is rooted in a deep curiosity for how the body works, serving the healthcare needs of his community, and providing effective, high-quality treatments for his patients. When he’s not in the office, Daniel is often biking, hiking, surfing and making music all around Santa Cruz county, and enjoying the outdoors with his wife and daughter.