Hi, I’m Mike Cohen

From Sidelined to 14-Time Marathoner

My journey to becoming San Diego's acupuncturist for athletes started with my own injury. After tearing my ACL and LCL as well as suffering a bucket handle meniscus tear, my running days were severely impacted. Even after surgery and months of physical therapy, I couldn't run more than a mile without excruciating pain.

That's when I discovered acupuncture. Three months of weekly treatments changed everything—the following year, I ran four full marathons with zero knee pain. That transformation didn't just save my athletic career; it shaped my life's mission and purpose.

An Athlete Who Understands Athletes

I've walked in your shoes—literally. From playing soccer growing up and rugby in college to completing 14 marathons as an adult, I understand the athlete's mindset. The fear of being sidelined. The frustration of pain limiting your performance. The determination to get back to what you love.

Today, I continue pushing my own limits through long-distance running, a dedicated yoga practice, and my newest challenge—cycling as I begin training for triathlons. This isn't just my livelihood; it's my lifestyle.

How I Treat Athletes Differently

My approach combines the best of Eastern and Western medicine, thanks to training under some of the pioneers and leading teachers in sports medicine acupuncture:

• Matt Callison (SMAC program founder) & Ian Armstrong (incoming lead instructor)

• Whitfield Reaves (the godfather of sports medicine acupuncture)

• Jenny Neiters (San Francisco 49ers team acupuncturist)

• Jaime Chavez (renowned for assessment and diagnosis)

This education taught me to integrate motor points, trigger points, kinesiology, and electrical stimulation within Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture—creating treatments that speak the language of modern athletics while honoring ancient healing wisdom.

Trusted by San Diego's Athletic Community

From Olympic qualifying runners and triathletes to professional soccer players with the San Diego Wave and Washington Spirit, local MMA fighters, and countless weekend warriors.

One of my proudest moments: treating an Olympic qualifier who had suffered knee pain for three years. After just two sessions, his pain was completely gone—and he went on to compete at the highest level.

Why I Do This

Acupuncture gave me back my athletic life. Now, I'm dedicated to doing the same for you. Whether you're a someone who just loves to move or a professional athlete, my mission is simple: get you back to doing what you love, stronger and more resilient than before.

I've been where you are—and so have hundreds of San Diego athletes who've found their way back to their best through acupuncture.