Chronic & Acute Pain Support in Thousand Oaks

Pain can be loud, or it can be the quiet ache that steals your focus over time. At Hariri Acupuncture & Wellness, Dr. Pontea Hariri, DAcCHM, L.Ac. provides individualized care designed to support relief, restore mobility, and help you feel more comfortable in your body, whether you’re dealing with a sudden flare-up or long-standing pain.

Serving Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, and the Conejo Valley.

A calm, supportive space for recovery, where your concerns are heard, and your care is personalized.

A Whole-Body Approach to Pain Relief

Pain isn’t always just “one spot.” It can involve the nervous system, circulation, muscle tone, stress load, sleep quality, and even how you move throughout your day. Our approach blends the insight of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a modern, evidence-informed understanding of the body to help support recovery.

During treatment, acupuncture may help the body shift out of “fight or flight,” encourage healthier circulation, and support the natural processes involved in comfort and healing. We commonly use supportive modalities, when appropriate, such as cupping therapy, gentle manual techniques, herbal support, and lifestyle coaching to help you feel more resilient between visits.

Chronic Pain Care That Listens

Chronic Pain Care That Listens

Chronic pain can be exhausting, especially when it feels like you’ve “tried everything.” We take time to understand your history, triggers, stress load, sleep, digestion, and movement habits. Your plan is built around your goals, whether that’s getting through the workday with less discomfort, returning to training, or simply moving more freely.

Acute Pain & Flare-Up Support

Sudden pain episodes, like a stiff neck, back strain, sharp hip discomfort, or post-workout flare-ups, often need calm, targeted support. Treatments are designed to reduce tension patterns, promote comfort, and support normal range of motion as your body settles and recovers.

Integrative, Results-Driven Planning

Your care may include acupuncture plus supportive therapies like cupping, lymphatic-style support, herbal recommendations, or nutrition and lifestyle coaching (when appropriate). We focus on progress you can feel, while staying realistic: every body responds differently, and results vary.

Common Pain Areas We Support

We commonly support patients dealing with:

Neck and shoulder tension

Many patients come in with tight, aching neck and shoulder muscles from posture, work, or stress. Treatments focus on calming tension patterns and supporting easier, more comfortable movement.

Knee, ankle, and foot discomfort

Whether from old injuries, daily wear-and-tear, or active lifestyles, discomfort in the knees, ankles, or feet can slow you down. We aim to support joint mobility and reduce irritation patterns.

Low back discomfort and tight hips

Low back strain and stiff hips can affect everything, from walking to sleep. Care plans are designed to address muscle tightness, encourage circulation, and help you feel more supported in daily movement.

Headache and jaw tension patterns

Tension around the head, face, and jaw often connects to stress, posture, or clenching habits. Acupuncture and related therapies are used to support relaxation and ease pressure patterns over time.

Sciatic-type patterns

Shooting or radiating sensations along the leg can be unsettling and draining. We focus on calming irritated pathways, easing surrounding muscle tightness, and supporting more comfortable standing and walking.

Tendon and overuse strain from work or sport

Repetitive motion, heavy training, or long hours at a desk can leave tendons feeling overworked. Treatments are tailored to support recovery, ease soreness, and help you return to activity at a sustainable pace.

Your Visit, Step by Step

Understand the Pattern

We start with a thoughtful intake, your symptoms, timeline, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and movement. Chronic and acute pain often have different drivers, so we look for the pattern behind yours.

Gentle, Targeted Treatment

Acupuncture is typically very gentle. Points are selected based on your presentation and comfort. When appropriate, we may include cupping or other supportive methods to address tension and promote circulation.

A Simple Home Plan

Small, consistent steps often matter most. You may receive practical guidance such as heat/cold suggestions, gentle mobility tips, recovery pacing, breathing tools, or nutrition support, tailored to your needs.

Track Progress & Adjust

Care is not one-size-fits-all. We track response over time and adjust your plan. Some concerns improve quickly, while long-standing issues may need a series of visits for steadier change.

What Patients Value About Our Care

Ready to Start Feeling Better?

If pain has been limiting your movement, focus, or daily routine, now is a good time to get support. We’ll begin with a thorough first visit, then build a plan designed around your body, your goals, and your schedule.

Dr. Pontea Hariri, DAcCHM, L.Ac. offers care in Thousand Oaks and serves many patients from the Conejo Valley and Greater Los Angeles. Appointments are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (9am–5pm).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture helpful for chronic pain

Many people use acupuncture as supportive care for chronic pain patterns. Responses vary, and a consistent plan is often helpful for long-standing concerns.

It depends on how long symptoms have been present, your lifestyle demands, and how your body responds. Some people feel change quickly, while others benefit from a series of visits.

Most patients describe acupuncture as gentle. Sensations can include warmth, heaviness, or mild tingling, and comfort is always prioritized.