Pain doesn't have to be the whole story.

We provide drug-free, integrative pain care that treats the whole person, not just the pain. Acupuncture, myofascial therapy, herbal medicine, and more are customized to your body, history, and pain causes. This care complements your medical team.

⎯ WHAT WE TREAT

Chronic pain is rarely just one thing.

We look at the whole pattern — the injury, the compensation, the nervous system response, and the lifestyle factors that keep pain cycling.

» Low Back Pain & Sciatica

Whether it's disc-related, muscular, or driven by postural patterns built up over years, we address the structural and neurological components of low back pain with acupuncture, myofascial release, and targeted rehab guidance.

» Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain

Widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points. We address the nervous system dysregulation underlying fibromyalgia with gentle acupuncture, herbal medicine for sleep and inflammation, and pacing strategies.

» Migraines & Headaches

Chronic migraines, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches. We work to reduce frequency and intensity through acupuncture protocols shown in research to be effective for headache prophylaxis, alongside herbal and lifestyle support.

» Joint Pain & Arthritis

Knee, hip, elbow, and wrist pain — whether degenerative, inflammatory, or overuse-related. Acupuncture helps manage pain and inflammation while supporting mobility and function alongside your orthopedic or rheumatologic care.

» Neck & Shoulder Pain

Cervical tension, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, and thoracic outlet issues. We combine orthopedic acupuncture with myofascial therapy to restore range of motion and break pain-guarding cycles.

» Neuropathy & Complex Pain

Peripheral neuropathy, post-surgical pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and nerve entrapments. We use neuromuscular acupuncture and electroacupuncture to address nerve-related pain where conventional options are often limited.

HOW WE WORK

A course of care — not a quick fix.

Chronic pain responds best to consistent, structured treatment over time. Here's what care looks like with us.

Comprehensive Intake

Your first visit lasts 90 minutes. We review your complete pain history — including onset, progression, imaging, prior treatments, and medications — along with contributing factors like sleep, stress, posture, and activity level. We perform hands-on assessments, not just conversations.


Individualized Treatment Plan

We design a course of care specific to your pain pattern, functional goals, and the underlying drivers we identify. If you're working with a physician, PT, or surgeon, we coordinate with their plan.


Consistent Weekly Sessions

Most pain patients benefit from weekly or twice-weekly sessions at first — usually 4 to 8 treatments depending on how long and complex the case is. Each session builds on the previous one as your body responds, and we adjust the approach accordingly.


Track, Adjust, Collaborate

We monitor functional outcomes at each visit — pain levels, range of motion, sleep quality, and medication use — and adjust treatment accordingly. Once you've improved, we transition to a maintenance schedule or discharge you with a self-care plan.

Your treatment may include

  • Acupuncture — traditional, orthopedic, neuromuscular, trigger point, and electroacupuncture protocols tailored to your specific pain pattern

  • Myofascial therapy — hands-on soft tissue work including tuina, cupping, gua sha, and trigger point release to address muscle guarding, adhesions, and restricted fascia

  • Herbal medicine — individualized formulas targeting inflammation, nerve pain, muscle tension, or sleep disruption (billed separately)

  • Electroacupuncture — mild electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles, particularly effective for neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain

  • Supplement & nutrition guidance — evidence-informed recommendations for anti-inflammatory support, magnesium, vitamin D, and other nutrients relevant to pain and recovery

  • Lifestyle & movement guidance — sleep optimization, stress reduction, corrective exercises, and activity modifications individualized to your situation

Herbal medicine, labs, and vitamin supplements are billed separately from visit fees — because each is individualized to your specific needs.

  • ★★★★★

    I came to Dr. Bustillo after experiencing pain in my lower back for years. After one session I was able to stand straight. After six sessions I was able to travel out of the country walk for miles and never experienced any problems. Later in the year I was told I needed to have surgery for a torn rotator cuff. I went to see Dr. Bustillo again and have not need to have surgery. I would recommend him without hesitation as one of the finest human beings I have ever met as well as a skilled and talented doctor in the field of acupuncture and wellness. He is leaving the Austin Area and if necessary I will travel to wherever he is. He is just that good.

    - S. Jenkins

⎯ COMMON QUESTIONS

What patients ask before starting

  • It depends on the condition, how long you've had it, and how your body responds. For most chronic pain patients, we recommend starting with 4 to 8 sessions—typically weekly—to build momentum and assess your response. Some patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few treatments; others with longstanding or complex conditions may benefit from a longer course. We will give you an honest assessment at your first visit.

  • Yes — acupuncture is safe to use alongside prescription and over-the-counter pain medications. Many patients find that consistent acupuncture helps them reduce medication use over time, in coordination with their prescribing physician. We never advise stopping or changing medications without your doctor's involvement.

  • We are a self-pay practice. After every visit, we provide a detailed superbill with CPT codes that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We also accept FSA and HSA funds — acupuncture is a qualified medical expense for both.

  • Herbal formulas are prescribed individually and billed separately — because every formula is custom-compounded for your pattern. Most formulas cost between $0.50 and $0.75 per gram. If your formula includes specialty herbs, they cost $1.00 per gram — we will let you know up front. At a typical dose of about 63 grams per week, most patients pay approximately $32–$65 per week. Herbs are always optional.

  • Acupuncture needles are extremely thin — nothing like a hypodermic needle. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the treatment feels. Some points cause a mild sensation of pressure or warmth, which usually passes quickly. For patients in severe pain, we adjust our technique to be as gentle as necessary. Many people find the sessions very relaxing.

  • It depends on the condition. Some patients explore acupuncture as a conservative option before surgery and find they get enough relief to avoid it. Others use acupuncture to prepare for surgery and support recovery afterward. We'll be honest with you about whether acupuncture is a realistic choice for your situation — and if surgery is clearly the better option, we'll tell you that too.

⎯ GETTING STARTED

You've lived with this long enough.

Schedule your first visit — 90 minutes of thorough, unhurried pain assessment and your first treatment.