Santa Cruz Acupuncture Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic

was founded in 2003 by Anthony Von der Muhll, L.Ac., DNBAO, FAIPM (now retired), and now operated by his chosen successor Dr. Daniel Rola, DTCM, LAC to serve patients with pain, orthopedic and sports injuries, and other neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, using acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, dry needling, myofascial trigger point needling, prolo-acupuncture, gua sha, tui na, suction cupping, Chinese herbs, and exercise therapy. Our approach integrates traditional Chinese acupuncture with contemporary neuro-anatomical approaches to needle therapy.

Mr. Anthony Von der Muhll (now retired) was the only Licensed Acupuncturist in Santa Cruz, CA who was a credentialed Fellow of the Academy of Integrative Pain Management, and also certified as a Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist through Myopain Seminars. His training and clinical experience includes four years of graduate studies at the Five Branches University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and post-graduate training at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, and national board certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics.

He was the first Licensed Acupuncturist to graduate from Five Branches’ Integrative Sports Medicine Certificate program, and has served as an Associate Professor and Clinical Instructor in Orthopedics, Traumatology and Integrative Sports Medicine at Five Branches since 2005. He is also an Instructor in the Orthopedics and Pain Management specialty in the Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Program at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland. He is the founder and head instructor of AOM Professional, which provides doctoral-level continuing education to Licensed Acupuncturists. He has served as a featured speaker at the conferences of the Sports Acupuncture Alliance, the California State Oriental Medical Association, and the Acupuncture Society of Virginia.

Daniel Rola is a California board-licensed acupuncturist, specializing in acupuncture orthopedics, sports medicine and pain management. He graduated Five Branches University in 2016 with a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A Santa Cruz county native, Daniel understands the community needs for safe and effective therapies for pain management, injuryrecoveryand mental health. As a holistic medicine practitioner, he believes the best medicine treats the body, mind and spirit. He takes an integrative approach to diagnosis and treatment, utilizing Eastern as well as standard Western orthopedic exams and testing with traditional medicine treatment principles and protocols. He works collaboratively with referring physicians and therapiststo provide care and communicates findings relevant to their patients’ treatment plans. A life-long learner, Daniel continues to train in acupuncture orthopedics and pain management, and completing his doctoral program in TCM in Aug 2020. In addition to acupuncture, Daniel is trained in manual therapies (cupping, guasha, bodywork), herbal medicine, and various mindfulness practices (qigong, meditation, breathwork). Daniel’s passion for practicing medicine is rooted in a deep curiosity for how the body works, serving the healthcare needs of his community, and providing effective, high-quality treatments for his patients. When he’s not in the office, Daniel is often biking, hiking, surfing and making music all around Santa Cruz county, and enjoying the outdoors with his wife and daughter.

Dr. Rola’s curriculum vitae includes:

Training and Education

Licensing and Certification

Professional Experience

Professional Memberships

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish: limited, translator advised for initial or complex visits. Professional translation may be arranged through patient’s insurance, please inquire for details.

Personal Interests

Daniel surfs, bikes, hikes, plays tennis and enjoys adventuring outdoors. He has also studied and practiced yoga, taiji and qigong. His artistic passion lies in playing and performing music, having played professionally for a number of years before becoming an acupuncturist.