Rooted in Santa Cruz. Focused on Keeping You Moving.
Santa Cruz Acupuncture Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has been helping people recover from pain and injury and return to the activities they love since 2003.
Today, the clinic is led by Dr. Daniel Rola, L.Ac., DTCM, a Santa Cruz County native specializing in orthopedic acupuncture, sports medicine, and pain management.
Our approach combines the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine with contemporary orthopedic assessment, anatomy, and modern acupuncture techniques. Treatment is individualized to the person—not simply the diagnosis—with the goal of reducing pain, restoring function, and helping patients move with greater confidence.
Whether that means getting back on the trail, returning to the water, stepping onto the field, or simply moving through everyday life more comfortably, our goal is the same:
Help you get back to doing what you love.
Meet Dr. Daniel Rola
Local Roots. Integrative Medicine. A Passion for Movement.
Dr. Daniel Rola, L.Ac., DTCM is a California-licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine specializing in acupuncture orthopedics, sports medicine, and pain management.
Born and raised in Santa Cruz County, Daniel has a personal connection to the active lifestyle of the community he serves. Surfing, mountain biking, hiking, tennis, and exploring the outdoors aren’t simply activities he treats patients for—they’re part of his own life.
That perspective shapes the way he practices medicine.
Daniel believes effective treatment begins by understanding not only where it hurts, but how an injury or condition is affecting the way a person moves, works, trains, sleeps, and lives.
An Integrative Approach to Orthopedic Care
Daniel combines Traditional Chinese Medicine with contemporary orthopedic and neuroanatomical approaches to evaluation and treatment.
Depending on the patient’s condition and goals, treatment may incorporate:
Acupuncture
Electroacupuncture
Orthopedic and sports acupuncture
Myofascial trigger point needling
Dry needling techniques
Cupping
Gua sha
Tuina and manual therapy
Exercise and movement therapy
Chinese herbal medicine
When appropriate, Daniel also works collaboratively with physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to support coordinated patient care.
The objective isn’t simply to temporarily reduce symptoms. Treatment is designed around improving function, supporting recovery, and helping patients return to the activities that matter to them.
Why I Practice Medicine
“I’ve always been fascinated by how the human body works and how remarkably adaptable it can be.
Growing up in Santa Cruz, movement and the outdoors have always been an important part of my life. I understand how frustrating it can be when pain or an injury keeps someone from surfing, biking, hiking, playing a sport, working, or simply enjoying everyday life.
That’s one of the reasons orthopedic and sports medicine became such a natural focus for my practice.
I enjoy figuring out why something hurts, understanding how it’s affecting the whole person, and developing a treatment strategy that helps them move forward.
Ultimately, my goal is simple: provide thoughtful, effective care and help people get back to doing the things that make their lives better.”
— Dr. Daniel Rola
A Tradition of Orthopedic Acupuncture in Santa Cruz
The clinic was founded in 2003 by Anthony Von der Muhll, LAC, DNBAO, FAIPM, who developed a practice focused on acupuncture orthopedics, sports medicine, and pain management.
Anthony combined extensive clinical practice with teaching and advanced postgraduate training. He served as an Associate Professor and Clinical Instructor in Orthopedics, Traumatology, and Integrative Sports Medicine at Five Branches University and taught continuing education for licensed acupuncturists.
When Anthony retired, he chose Dr. Daniel Rola to continue the practice.
That transition preserved an established tradition of orthopedic acupuncture in Santa Cruz while allowing the clinic to continue evolving with contemporary approaches to sports medicine, pain management, and rehabilitation.
Today, Daniel carries that work forward with the same commitment to individualized treatment, clinical education, and patient-centered care.
Education & Professional Training
Education
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Five Branches University, Santa Cruz
Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Five Branches University, Santa Cruz
Licensure & Certifications
Licensed Acupuncturist
California Acupuncture Board
Certified Massage Practitioner
Medical Qigong Certification
Five Branches University
Professional Experience
Private practice in Santa Cruz, California
Instructor, Trauma & Orthopedics Club at Five Branches University
Credentialed acupuncture provider with Kaiser Permanente and Palo Alto/Santa Cruz Medical Foundation
Professional Memberships
American Society of Acupuncturists
California State Oriental Medical Association
Beyond the Clinic
Daniel’s connection to movement doesn’t end when the clinic closes.
You’ll often find him mountain biking, motorbiking, paddling, disc golfing hiking, playing men’s rec softball, or exploring the outdoors around and outside of Santa Cruz.
He has also studied yoga, taiji, qigong, meditation, and breathwork.
Before becoming an acupuncturist, Daniel spent a number of years playing and performing music professionally—an artistic passion that remains an important part of his life.
For Daniel, health isn’t simply the absence of pain. It’s having the freedom and ability to participate in the things that give life meaning.
Ready to Get Back to What You Love?
Whether you’re dealing with a recent sports injury, persistent pain, or a condition that has been keeping you from moving the way you want to, we’re here to help.
Get back on the trail.
Get back in the water.
Get back on the field.
Get back to you.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Rola.
Call us at 831-459-6762