Steven is the best sports acupuncturist in Boulder. Period. I have been to them all and Steven has everything right IMO. Let me explain why I think he is the best. He helped cure my shin splints and upper hamstring tendonosis from training for a 100 miler that had been nagging at me for months with no end in sight even after multiple visits to other practices. Here is a breakdown of why I think he was successful where others were not and why I think he is the best. Availability/concern for clients: I am running my first 100 miler next week. I aggravated an injury a few days ago and texted Steven (even though he is fully booked for the next 2 weeks) and he went out of his way to come in on a saturday morning to treat me! He 100% did not have to do this and it really shows that he cares about treating his clients. I was actually so blown away with this service that I decided to had to leave a review to let others know how awesome he is. Dry needling: good at finding triggers (to be fair so are all the acu's I have seen in Boulder) E-stim: this is standard each time I have seen Steven and I think it really works to stimulate healing in the impacted area. This is used by some other practices in Boulder but not everytime. Shockwave: This is the difference maker IMO. Steven uses shockwave therapy (FDA approved treatment) while no other acu practice I have been to does. This is what I believe has cured my shin splints. I sends shockwaves (like a mini jackhammer) into the affected area and breaks down scar tissue and promotes healing. This is one of the ONLY scientifically proven treatments for shin splints. It works. Shockwave is usually only available at doctors offices. But I have found that it is most effective in combination with dry needling/estim and the only place you can get that combo in a single visit is with Steven. Price - competitive with all other boulder acupuncturists who focus on sports medicine. Way cheaper shockwave therapy than other doctors offices/practices that offer this therapy in Boulder. He spends the entire hour long session actually treating you and does not try and squeeze these sessions short. I really have nothing but good things to say. If you made it this far in my review I think its obvious that I highly recommend Steven if you have any nagging sports injuries, especially shin splints. You don't have to run/train in pain like I did for such a long time. Get treated here by the best Boulder has to offer read more

I've always had a fear of needles and general resistance to acupuncture and found other methods of healing satisfying. Being introduced to Steven by a friend while training for a marathon changed this perception entirely. His knowledge base of Chinese Medicine, his compassionate nature, and his intuitive sense hooked me. He's like some old sage - I trusted him instantly (Especially after a lengthy explanation and demonstration of why his needs do not hurt). I left his office after the first treatment ready for the race; more over, I left feeling completely at ease and happy. Steven's treatments have become a part of my lifestyle. In fact, he's become my doctor - I cannot remember my last visit to the MD. I don't just resort to him when I need to prepare for a rigorous race or when I'm recovering from a knee injury. Seeing him weekly helps me maintain my health and well-being. Through and through, he treats emotional issues: he has seen me through the death of my grandmother and a bad break up. He's the first one to know when I feel a cold coming on (which rarely happens). He always finds the correct needles and the perfect concoction of herbs to get me right back into balance. read more

I had a treatment with Steven after I injured my hip working out, I could hardly get around it hurt so bad, and he also worked on menstrual pains that I regularly take (too much) ibuprofen for. He was incredibly thorough during the hour of treatment, especially compared to my previous experience with other acupuncturists (they just poked me then left). He used a variety of techniques, cupping, moxa, electrostimulation, and therapeutic ultrasound throughout the hour. About halfway through the session, I realized that the cramping in my back and legs was completely gone! After the therapeutic ultrasound, I was feeling a hundred times better from my sports injury. Over the next few days, I could feel my back and hip muscles losing knots that have probably been there for years. I have had similar pain like this for years, so I know that when it hits me it usually lasts for a week, but after working with Steven, I started to feel better that same day. I have never felt results like that! I highly recommend BSA to anyone interested in acupuncture for the first time and anyone who is getting back into it. read more

I knew my experience would be a good one before I even stepped into the door. I emailed Steven details of my ailment and he quickly responded with a very detailed and well thought out email. I moved forward with the treatment and have been feeling better ever since. The office is immaculate. This is a very important thing to consider knowing needles will be going into your body at this office. I cannot stress enough the cleanliness of the office and the individual rooms. Steven balanced my consultation with advice as well as time he spent listening to me explain how I was feeling. He allowed me to talk through what my body was feeling and offered explanations of how he could treat the injury. After a few discussions during the treatment, it was obvious Steven loves his job and actually cares about the people he is helping. Should I need any further treatment I will certainly be going back to Boulder Sports Acupuncture. read more

My chiropractor recommended Steven to me for my chronic neck and upper back pain. Over the last couple of years it has become increasingly difficult for my chiropractor to adjust me and I've had decreased mobility in my neck. This has lead to a decrease in physical activity. Within one session neck mobility increased and most of the pain has subsided. Steven took quite a bit of time to review my case history and was increadibly thorough in his treatment, using dry needling, traditional acupunture, ultrasound, and cupping to reduce the tension and relax the muscles. His treatments have helped increase my mobilty, physical activity and energy levels. I will continue to go to Steven for treatmens and would encourage others with similar conditions to do the same. It has been liberating. read more

Steven is the almost unheard unicorn that has perfected both the expertise of the age old art of acupuncture, as well as being a very capable businessman who has managed to consistently run a well oiled practice that has proven to encompass the entire need of this patient. He has again and again helped me through many of life's scrapes and pressures (body and mind) with his unparralled skills, seemingly endless magical machines, and unique techniques. I am not exaggerating to tell you that he does all this with a high spirit and good humor. Every visit is a much needed relief to my fast paced life. I am deeply grateful to have a guy like Steven Rizzolo on my side to keep me running at full speed. read more

This was my first time getting acupuncture and I found it therapeutic and healing. The ambiance was relaxing and even had sound therapy in the background with wonderful music. Dr. Steve was caring, respectful, and attentive of me throughout my session. If you're the type that fears needles, do not let them scare you. The acupuncture needles are nowhere near the pressure you would feel from a hypodermic needle. The little poke you feel from an acupuncture needle feels like someone lightly tweaked a hair from your skin. So if you seek acupuncture, give your body the self-care if needs and deserves. Lay back, close your eyes, and indulge in the euphoric feeling. I can't wait to go back. read more

I've been numerous places for chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture care, and I can honestly say I have experienced the best relief from muscle tightness and pain after visiting Steven Rizzolo. His practice is unique; it is based in acupuncture, but incorporates aspects and techniques of physical therapy and massage. As far as sports-related injuries and symptoms go, Steven has the best understanding of any acupuncture physician I have thus visited, so I don't feel a need to go elsewhere. If you are looking for a person who will truly listen to you and understand more than just your symptoms, as well as provide a top-notch theraputic experience, look no further. read more

Wow, let me tell you acupuncture is AAAAAHHHHHMAZING!!!!! I had been suffering from allergies recently, and way too stubborn to take any over the counter medicine, so I figured why not give it a try. Not only do I feel much better, but the level of customer service I received at this office was outstanding. I would totally recommend Dr. Rizzolo to anyone who wants to overcome any ailment they might be suffering from. He truly cares about his patients and their well being. My experience was sooooooooo much better than wasting my time in a regular doctors office just to be handed a prescription and sent on my way. YAY Chinese Medicine really does work!! :) read more

As a climber, I have seen Steve for maintenance of aches and pains from training as well as for more acute injuries ranging from wrist pain to knee tweaks to whiplash in my neck. The work he did on my neck after my whiplash injury cleared up much of my pain and range of motion issues in only a few sessions. He has treated me with acupuncture, cupping, shockwave therapy, and PRP injections. The PRP injection helped to treat my wrist injury and I know several other climbers he has successfully treated with PRP injections. He's also really attentive to his patients, very kind, and easy to talk to. read more

I have had pain and lack of mobility in my shoulder for the past 13 months. I had been to two physical therapists who are highly qualified, and got no relief. I decided to give Dr. Steven Rizzolo a try and am so impressed with the results and progress I have made with him. He is absolutely one of the best practitioners I have ever been to. He used a variety of techniques with me. He was committed to finding a solution to my shoulder issue. I was pretty close to giving up on my shoulder, and am so grateful that I found Dr. Rizzolo. I lack enough superlatives to describe him. read more

I have used acupuncture for nearly 25 years and have seen many practitioners. Steven is by far the best. His blend of eastern and western treatments (from traditional needling to ultrasound to e-stim through needles, he has ridded me of many aches and pains. He is incredibly caring--almost always following up with emails or phone calls and is very generous with his time (sometimes working with me for an hour and half when I've been in full crisis. He is absolutely the best and as a bonus he accepts my Blue Cross plan which allows me to see him much more frequently. read more

I'm a pro rock climber and I came to Steven for the first time a couple of years ago, with double sided elbow tendinitis on both arms. Within the first session with Steven 75% of the pain was gone, after three sessions I was pain free. I was able to follow my training program as normal, and I climbed trough my whole upcoming season in the Red River Gorge without the pain coming back. Now I go back to Steven every time something small shows up, and for maintenance for my body to handle the training load without getting injured. I recommend him to everyone I can! read more

Steven is amazing. I climb a lot and train pretty hard and have developed a lot of shoulder, elbow and forearm pains over the years. I also have a tweaked out back and neck from excessive mousing as I sit in front of my computer and work. The first time I visited Steven, he pretty much made all my pains go away. I've tried LOTS of different treatments over the years and am completely convinced that Steven's acupuncture skills are keeping me in the game. I recommend him to everyone I know. They say "I hurt," and I say, "I know this magician in Boulder..." read more

This is my first time giving a review on Yelp and so worth it to do so! Steven is a consistent blessing in my life and has succeeded at helping me with challenges such as anxiety, imbalance with energy, insomnia and nightmares, severe back and neck pain among others. I have experienced drastic improvements in my physical and emotional health since beginning with Steven 5 months ago. I look forward to my weekly treatments at Boulder Sports Acupuncture. They are truly a gift on my journey of perfect health. read more

Steven is, IMO, one of THE best healers in Boulder. I'm a trail runner and I have had chronic plantar fasciitis for the past 3 years. I tried many different modalities including PTs, massage, etc, and Steven has been the only one who truly helped me. He also helped me with runner's knee and got me back on the trail quickly. He is kind and compassionate and really knows his stuff. I think he's also one of the best acupuncturists around, his technique is so gentle, and really helps with stress management. read more

I've been an athlete and active all my life and used to just push through injuries thinking it was normal to have a little bit of pain but was referred to Dr. Rizzolo by a friend suggesting I give acupuncture a try. I went to three sessions for localized pain on my ankle and the results were fantastic! Pain was completely gone. Dr. Rizzolo and his staff are incredibly accommodating, professional and genuine. I would most definitely suggest Dr. Rizzolo- especially to any skeptics! read more

Dr. Steven is a miracle worker! I went to him to get help for menopausal symptoms. I was completely miserable with hot flashes hourly, causing sweating and insomnia! Seriously, 1 acupuncture treatment and 3 days of his herbal remedies and I was down to hot "suggestions", and was sleeping so much better! After a week, I noticed even more benefits. I trust him with issues for myself and to treat my 2 children. read more

BEST Accupunture in Boulder! Steven Rizzolo is incredible! He has helped me with multiple injuries and overall balance. Defiantly worth your time- you are worth it! I have nothing but great things to say about the facility, his approachability, and experience! I recommend for all my friends and family to see him at least once, and experience his magic for their own- you too! He's THAT GOOD!!!!! read more