Acupuncture in Alpine, WY
You've tried physical therapy. Maybe a cortisone shot or two. Or you’ve been told to rest, manage symptoms, or wait and see. But the problem keeps coming back — because no one has looked at what's actually driving it.
At Teton Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, we don't treat symptoms in isolation. We identify the movement patterns, postural dysfunctions, and nervous system imbalances that allow pain and other symptoms to persist using orthopedic assessment and hands-on evaluation — and address those directly.
Find out if acupuncture is a good fit for you.
Our goal is real recovery, not short-term symptom relief.
Dr. Melissa Franklin, DACM, brings a background in microbiology and molecular immunology to a clinical, systems-based approach that combines orthopedic acupuncture, posture assessment, and integrative therapies. Her acupuncture work focuses on understanding how the body functions as a whole, so treatment can address the root of the problem.
Located in Alpine, WY, our patients regularly travel from Jackson, Pinedale, Swan Valley, and throughout Lincoln County for care that supports the demands of mountain living.
When Pain Keeps Coming Back
Many patients come to us when pain starts interfering with skiing, hiking, riding, work, or everyday life.
Often, the painful spot isn’t the real problem. In sports and orthopedic medicine, pain is rarely isolated — it’s often the result of movement patterns, load distribution, and compensation that develop over time.
Foot pain may originate from restricted ankle mobility, tightness through the posterior chain, or poor hip stability, affecting how force moves through the body. Shoulder pain often reflects deficits in thoracic spine mobility, scapular control, or how the surrounding muscles and connective tissue are working together. Headaches can be influenced by cervical spine mechanics, suboccipital tension, and autonomic nervous system load.
In the clinic, we call this treating the chain: identifying the movement pattern and mechanical stress driving the problem rather than only treating where it hurts. When the pattern driving the problem improves, the painful area usually settles down, too.
Acupuncture may be a good fit if you:
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Want to avoid surgery or long-term medication
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Feel stiff, unstable, or guarded during activity
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Improve briefly with other therapies, but flare up again
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Have plateaued in physical therapy
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Notice recurring injuries or the same issue returning with increased demand
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Want to stay ahead of injuries before problems escalate
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Want a comprehensive, systems-based approach to recovery
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing.
Conditions We Treat With Acupuncture
Many of our patients come to us after months or years of recurring pain or other symptoms that haven’t responded to previous treatments. While many patients first seek care for pain or injury, acupuncture can also support neurological, immune, hormonal, and nervous system conditions.
Dr. Franklin treats both acute and chronic conditions, including:
Spine, Posture, and Chronic Pain
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Chronic low back pain
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Sciatic Nerve Pain
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Neck pain and stiffness
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Cervical radiculopathy
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Thoracic spine pain
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Postural dysfunction
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Cervicogenic headaches
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Chronic muscular tension
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Arthritis-related pain
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Herniated or bulging discs
Concussion Recovery
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Post-concussion symptoms
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Dizziness or balance issues
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Brain fog
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Light sensitivity
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Cognitive fatigue
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Sleep disturbances after concussion
Immune, Autoimmune & Inflammatory Conditions
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Lupus
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Multiple sclerosis
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Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
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Chronic inflammatory conditions
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Fibromyalgia
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Chronic fatigue
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Seasonal allergies
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Environmental allergies
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Chronic sinus congestion
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Histamine-related symptoms
Digestive Health Issues & Gut Function
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Bloating and digestive discomfort
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Food sensitivities
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Gut inflammation
Sports Injuries and Movement
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Shoulder pain
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Rotator cuff injuries
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Frozen shoulder
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Tennis elbow / golfer’s elbow
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Hip pain
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Knee pain
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Runner’s knee
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IT band syndrome
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Ankle instability
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Plantar fasciitis
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Muscle strains/overuse injuries
Stress, Sleep & Nervous System Regulation
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Insomnia
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Chronic stress
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Anxiety-related tension
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Fatigue
Neurological Conditions & Nerve Pain
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Peripheral neuropathy
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Numbness/tingling in hands/feet
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Nerve entrapment syndromes
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Trigeminal neuralgia
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Bell’s palsy
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Migraines
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Chronic headaches
Reproductive Health & Hormonal Balance
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PMS and menstrual irregularities
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PCOS
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Endometriosis
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Fertility support
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IVF support
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Pregnancy-related symptoms
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Postpartum recovery
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Perimenopause and menopause symptoms
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Hormone-related headaches
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Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Let’s talk about what’s going on and whether acupuncture may help.
Not every condition responds the same way to acupuncture, but many patients are surprised by what improves when the underlying patterns are addressed.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps calm irritated nerves, improve circulation to injured tissues, and support the body’s ability to repair and regulate inflammation – without relying on long-term medication. Treatments are also deeply relaxing for many patients.
Some patients notice improvement quickly, while long-standing conditions require consistent care. Over time, many patients experience fewer flare-ups, better recovery, and more reliable movement. Patients who see the best results typically stay engaged in the treatment process and follow through with recommendations between visits.
Patients often experience:
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Less stiffness during activity
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Faster recovery between workouts or long days outdoors
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Fewer flare-ups of chronic pain
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Improved joint stability and movement control
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Better sleep and nervous system recovery
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Greater confidence in movement
For some, this means getting back on skis after a winter of sitting it out or finishing a hike without their knee locking up on the way down. For others, it may simply mean waking up without that first-hour stiffness or no longer needing painkillers just to get through the day.
What Patients Say About Our Medical Acupuncture
Why Choose Our Acupuncture Clinic
Teton AIM focuses on identifying what is actually driving pain and dysfunction — not simply managing symptoms. Dr. Franklin combines orthopedic acupuncture, movement assessment, and integrative therapies to restore how the body functions so recovery can last.
Clinical Expertise
Effective treatment starts with understanding how the body is functioning. Dr. Franklin evaluates posture, joint mechanics, movement patterns, and nervous system involvement through a detailed, hands-on clinical assessment to identify the factors contributing to pain so treatment options can be targeted and specific.
Lasting Relief
Our goal is not just temporary pain relief. Treatment focuses on restoring healthy movement and reducing the stress patterns that lead to recurring injury. Many patients continue care periodically to maintain mobility and prevent flare-ups.
Patient Partnership
Healing works best when practitioner and patient work together. As a patient, you will receive posture work or movement corrections to support progress between treatments. This works best when you do the work between sessions. Most patients who see lasting change are the ones who commit to the full plan.
Dr. Melissa Franklin
Licensed Acupuncturist | Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine
Over 15 years treating complex pain and movement conditions.
Dr. Melissa Franklin specializes in treating complex pain and movement problems using orthopedic acupuncture and functional movement analysis. Before becoming a licensed acupuncturist, she earned a Master’s degree in Microbiology and Molecular Immunology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
She is board-certified (NCCAOM) and previously spent 10 years diagnosing and treating complex pain conditions through movement therapy.
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Detailed Intake Before Arrival
You'll complete an intake form before arriving so we can review your history.
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Treatment Recommendation
Based on your symptoms, health history, and goals, we’ll recommend a treatment plan.
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Active Participation
Healing works best as a partnership. Many patients receive posture work, movement corrections, or small habit adjustments to practice at home.
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Thorough In-Clinic Consultation
At our clinic in Alpine, we evaluate your posture, joint mechanics, and movement patterns, and nervous system involvement using palpation and orthopedic-style assessment to understand what’s actually driving your symptoms.
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Acupuncture Often Begins Same Day
Routine acupuncture treatments typically last 20–60 minutes depending on the plan.
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Structured Progress Tracking
We monitor pain, mobility, and function and adjust the plan as progress improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture stimulates points on the body that influence the nervous system, circulation, and connective tissue. The effects of acupuncture help to calm irritated nerves, improve blood flow, and restore healthy movement patterns so tissues can repair more effectively. It can work well alongside medical care and physical therapy.
Is this traditional Chinese acupuncture?
Dr. Franklin's approach draws on orthopedic acupuncture and functional neurology. Treatment decisions are based on clinical assessment of your movement, posture, and nervous system — not energetic theory. If you've been curious about acupuncture but put off by the philosophy, her approach is likely different from what you're expecting.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Most people feel little to no discomfort. You may notice a brief pressure, warmth, or tingling sensation as the body responds. Many patients feel relaxed and looser after treatment.
How long does it take for acupuncture to work?
Some patients notice changes such as reduced tension or improved mobility within the first few visits. Long-standing problems usually take longer.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
The number of sessions we recommend depends on the health condition, how long it has been present, and how your body responds to treatment. Most patients begin with two visits per week for the first couple of weeks so the nervous system and tissues can start adapting. After that we reassess progress and adjust the plan.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for acupuncture varies. Medicare currently covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain. We do not bill insurance directly. However, we can provide a superbill that patients may submit to their insurance company for possible reimbursement. Many patients also use HSA or FSA funds to pay for treatment. If you have questions about payment options, feel free to ask when scheduling your consultation.
Book Your Acupuncture Appointment Today
Many people wait until pain becomes severe before seeking help. But problems are often much easier to address earlier — before the body has spent months or years compensating.
Dr. Franklin often tells patients, “Come see me when your pain is a 2 and not a 10.”
Addressing problems early can help prevent small movement issues from turning into chronic injuries or long-term limitations. If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to your health, we’re here to help.
Are you ready to address the root of the problem?
Serving Patients Across Star Valley and Jackson Hole
Teton AIM is located in Alpine, Wyoming, at the gateway to Star Valley and Jackson Hole. Patients regularly travel to the clinic from communities throughout western Wyoming and eastern Idaho for acupuncture and integrative care.
Areas we commonly serve include:
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Alpine, WY
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Hoback Junction, WY
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Jackson, WY
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Pinedale, WY
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Swan Valley, WY
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Smoot, WY
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Moran, WY
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Victor, ID
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Driggs, ID
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Idaho Falls, ID