Elevate Your Game, One Point at a Time

Sports Acupuncturist is the leading provider of specialized acupuncture services that enhance athletic performance, speed recovery, and optimize overall well-being for athletes of all levels

Game Ready

Why Sports Acupuncturist?

At Sports Acupuncturist, our mission is to redefine acupuncture as a mainstream, results-driven solution for pain relief, injury prevention, and performance optimization. By combining motor point acupuncture with the ancient wisdom of traditional acupuncture, we go beyond symptom relief to address the root cause of dysfunction—ensuring long-term recovery and injury prevention.

We are setting a new standard in acupuncture, one where athletes, active individuals, and anyone seeking real, measurable results know exactly what to expect. This isn’t the acupuncture you’re used to—it’s so much more. Experience the Sports Acupuncturist difference.

Targeted Pain Relief

Orthopedic acupuncture focuses on musculoskeletal issues, providing precise pain relief for conditions such as muscle strains, tendonitis, and joint pain. By targeting specific points related to the injured or painful area, it helps to alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility, allowing athletes to return to training and competition more quickly.

Enhanced Recovery

Athletes often deal with muscle fatigue and microtraumas from intense training. Orthopedic acupuncture can accelerate recovery by increasing blood flow to the affected areas, promoting the healing of tissues, reducing inflammation, and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products.

Injury Prevention

Regular orthopedic acupuncture can help maintain muscle and joint health, reducing the risk of injuries. By addressing muscle imbalances and improving flexibility, it helps athletes maintain optimal physical condition and avoid common overuse injuries.

Improved Performance

By reducing pain, enhancing recovery, and maintaining musculoskeletal health, orthopedic acupuncture helps athletes perform at their best. Improved muscle function and joint mobility directly translate to better performance in various sports activities.

Non-Invasive and Drug-Free

Orthopedic acupuncture offers a non-invasive alternative to pain management and recovery, avoiding the potential side effects and dependency risks associated with medications. This is particularly advantageous for athletes who need to comply with anti-doping regulations.

Support for Chronic Conditions

For athletes dealing with chronic conditions such as arthritis or long-term injuries, orthopedic acupuncture can provide ongoing support, managing pain and improving quality of life, thereby enabling them to continue participating in their sports.

 

Dr. Lijana Shestopal DTCM, L.Ac, C.SMA is an Illinois State Licensed Acupuncturist and a board certified herbalist. She is a Diplomat in Oriental Medicine as certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Dr. Lijana Shestopal graduated with her master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, and completed doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Five Branches University in California.

In addition to her extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lijana Shestopal is also one of only 160 practitioners worldwide that has completed a Certified Sports Medicine Acupuncture Specialist® program.

Credentials and Degrees

MIDWEST COLLEGE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Summa Cum Laude Designation

Master of Science in Oriental Medicine

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

SPORTS MEDICINE ACUPUNCTURE® CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Advanced training in orthopedic and sports medicine acupuncture

FIVE BRANCHES UNIVERSITY

Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

MASTER TUNG ACUPUNCTURE

Advanced training in foundations and concepts of Master Tung style acupuncture

TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY BASED ON FIVE ELEMENT CONSTITUTIONAL DIAGNOSIS

Enrolled in a 2 year mentorship program with Lonny Jarrett


Reviews

  • "I am finally regaining full use of my hand again!"

    I had tried endless things for over 2 years for a hand/wrist injury (physical therapy, occupational therapy, braces, ultrasound, homeopathy, supplements, heat, ice, you name it), and I thought I would never get healed. However, after going to acupuncture appointments and taking the herbs Dr. Lijana prescribed, I am finally regaining full use of my hand again. I am so happy to have found her and have come to realize many acupuncturists do not have the extensive knowledge she has of herbs and pulse diagnosis, and that makes a huge difference. This is a doctor you can place your confidence in to get you back on track!-C.M

  • “Highly recommend for anyone seeking effective relief!"

    Absolutely impressed with Sports Acupuncturist! Their specialized techniques, using minimum number of needles for maximum results have worked wonders for my back and neck pain. Not only is Lijana an expert in addressing common pains like shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and foot, but her holistic approach ensures you leave feeling rejuvenated and on the path to recovery. Highly recommend for anyone seeking effective relief!-K.P

  • “I have been able to start to return to my normal activity level and have had minimal to no pain in my ankle"

    Lijana is the best. She is extremely knowledgeable and thorough. I have been dealing with a torn tendon in my ankle for over a year. I did physical therapy prior to seeing Lijana and it did not help much. Since seeing Lijana for four weeks, I have been able to start to return to my normal activity level and have had minimal to no pain in my ankle! My boyfriend saw her twice and he has been dealing with shoulder pain for over a year. After seeing Lijana, he said that this is the best his shoulder has ever felt! Additionally, both of us have had improved sleep from the acupuncture. I HIGHLY recommend her!!-K.N

  • “I have complete trust in her!"

    Lijana is skilled and professional. I have seen her for a myriad of issues including back pain, plantar fasciitis and headaches. Not only are her treatments helpful but she also gives a wealth of information to prevent future flare ups. I have complete trust in her!-J.B

  • "Seeing her has tremendously improved my overall wellbeing and quality of life. "

    I am so grateful for Dr. Lijana Shestopal. Seeing her has tremendously improved my overall wellbeing and quality of life. Under her care, I have finally found relief from several symptoms I've had for many years. I appreciate Lijana's welcoming, accepting, and caring demeanor, especially as someone new to acupuncture. Lijana is incredibly knowledgeable and has provided me with resources and recommendations to further my healing. I feel seen, heard, and truly cared for by her and it is an honor to receive her healing work. I highly recommend her!-E.C

  • "I’m lucky to have found Sports Acupuncturist!"

    I’m incredibly great full for Dr. Lijana’s expertise and knowledge. Having consistent back pain and living an active lifestyle in sports and work, Dr Lijana spot on addressed the issue with just looking at my posture and some movement. Im several sessions in and look forward to many more.

    I’m lucky to have found Sports Acupuncturist!-C.A