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Uptown Acupuncture, LLC
Getting your body back in harmony
Welcome to Uptown Acupuncture, a premier sports and orthopedic acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic conveniently situated near downtown Denver, CO. For over two decades, our unwavering commitment has been to deliver compassionate, professional, and highly effective care to each valued patient.

At Uptown Acupuncture, we specialize in Orthopedic and Sports Acupuncture, while also focusing on internal systems to facilitate the sports recovery journey.

Michael Lay, L.Ac., NBAO, C.SMA. is passionately devoted to promoting wellness through natural and safe methodologies, addressing your healthcare needs. Leveraging a diverse array of techniques such as acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, scraping, corrective exercises, and Chinese herbs, we empower your body to heal itself holistically.

We believe in treating the entirety of your being – mind, body, and spirit – to foster a return to harmonious equilibrium. Recognizing the uniqueness of each individual, we tailor a personalized plan and course of action meticulously crafted to address your specific ailments, ensuring the highest standard of care possible.

Embark on the path towards optimal health and vitality with us. Reach out via phone or email today to take the inaugural step in our collaborative journey towards achieving your health care goals. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to partner with you in achieving your highest level of health.
Served areas
  • Denver, Colorado, Glendale, Colorado, Lakewood, Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, Cherry HIlls Village, Colorado, Centennial, Colorado, Englewood, Colorado, Littleton, Colorado, Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Business details
  • Year established: 2001
  • Employees: 1
  • Licensed
  • Insured
Highlights and features
  • sports acupuncture
  • orthopedic acupuncture
  • electro-acupuncture
  • dry needling
  • cupping
  • infrared sauna
  • manual muscle testing
  • postural analysis
Associations and certifications
  • Member of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado
  • National Certification as a Diplomat of Acupuncture by the NCCAOM
  • Board certified by the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics
  • Certified in Sports Medicine Acupuncture
  • Completed his advanced certification in Sports Acupuncture through Whitfield Reeves
  • Certified in Acupuncture Orthopedics through the American Acupuncture Academy
Payment methods
  • Checks, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments
Services
Conditions Treated At Uptown Acupuncture, located in Denver, CO, we specialize in employing traditional Chinese Medicine methods to address a range of conditions. While our emphasis lies in orthopedic and sports injuries, we prioritize addressing underlying imbalances discovered during treatment.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are renowned for their efficacy in alleviating pain and headaches.
People
Michael Lay L. Ac Nbao C. Sma
Michael Lay L. Ac Nbao C. Sma
Owner, acupuncturist
Michael Lay, L.Ac., NBAO, C.SMA, holds a Bachelor of Science from Loyola University of Chicago and a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine (2001).

Specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine, Michael completed a 300-hour Acupuncture Orthopedics course at the American Acupuncture Academy in Los Angeles and a 6-month Sports Medicine apprenticeship under Whitfield Reaves, L.Ac., OMD, in Boulder, Colorado.

In addition, Michael is licensed in Colorado and nationally certified by the NCCAOM. Michael has extensive training in orthopedic and sports acupuncture, including certifications from the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics (NBAO), American Acupuncture Academy, and Sports Medicine Acupuncture certification program (C.SMA). He also assists in the sports certification for acupuncturists in San Diego as time allows.
Reviews (23)
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Faith Casias
Feb 14, 2024
I have been going to Uptown Acupuncture for a couple of years now and am so thankful that Michael was recommended by my coworker. I have tried many kinds of therapies through the years including: chiropractic, physical therapy, massage, reiki, and acupuncture. I have found acupuncture to be the most effective way to keep my body out of pain, injury free, and have seen significant improvement with chronic headaches. Michael is very skilled at what he does and has helped me so much! His practice is also very organized and scheduling visits has always been stress free which I really appreciate.
Kurt Dzaman
Feb 09, 2024
After years of back pain I went and saw Michael and it was LIFE CHANGING! I had tried everything from chiropractor to massage and was getting no relief, so I figured I had nothing to lose. The first time I went in I was at a 10 pain wise, the kind of pain that takes your breath away. Michael walked me through what he was going to do, answered all my questions, and got to work. 45 minutes later I walked out at a 6-7 pain, 24 hours later a 2-3, 48-72 pain was gone.

I have seen an increase of time between flair ups and when the pain comes back it's less severe and goes away quicker. (Especially if I pop in to see Michael) I have since seen him for everything from shoulder pain, leg pain, headaches, etc. all with results! I swear by him and have had many friends, colleagues, and fellow lacrosse players go see him. Absolutely recommend!
Tom Wildman
Feb 04, 2024
I enthusiastically endorse Uptown Acupuncture. Michael collaborated with me to effectively address my tennis elbow, offering tailored treatments and recommending exercises to complement our sessions. Thanks to his expertise, my elbow is now pain-free, and I've resumed my climbing activities. Michael's professionalism and amiability were exceptional throughout. I wholeheartedly recommend his services and look forward to returning in the future without hesitation.
J. Walters
Feb 02, 2024
Michael Lay at Uptown Acupuncture is great! He helped me multiple times when other treatments didn't work. Every situation is different, but in some instances I started to feel better after just 1-2 sessions. I highly recommend Michael Lay, especially if you are an athlete, or just looking to get back to normal activity and feeling well.
K. S.
Jan 25, 2024
Mike is excellent. I've been getting Accupuncture for over 30 years. When I moved to Denver 2 years ago, I was looking for someone who could proactively address any injuries or pains from heavy exercise and sports. I've been with Mike for past year. I highly recommend Mike. In addition to being very skilled and using electric stimulation, he listens and really cares. You can't go wrong with Mike.
Kari Moloney
Jan 23, 2024
Highly recommend Uptown Acupuncture! Michael is knowledgeable, efficient and makes it enjoyable to get acupuncture. I initially came to Uptown Acupuncture around a year ago for neck and back pain, and recently for an Achilles tendon/heel injury and have seen complete recovery from both just using acupuncture.
Jeffrey Zimmerman
Jan 17, 2024
Michael is an unusually sensitive heath provider in addition to being a highly skilled acupuncturist. I couldn't recommend him more highly!
Paige Parrino
Jan 12, 2024
My experience at Uptown Acupuncture has been great. Michael is so considerate and makes me feel comfortable at every appointment. I started going to acupuncture since I was constantly waking up with a sore neck/shoulders. Now, my neck & shoulders feel so much better.
Kayvan Khalatbari
Jan 12, 2024
I've been going to see Michael for probably over a year now. I have been dealing with nerve issues in my arms and back of much of my life. Between soft tissue treatments and acupuncture from Uptown Acupuncture over the past year, I have gone from pain that kept me up at night, to nights of uninterrupted sleep in that time. Michael listens well, is great about scheduling, and has created an environment that is friendly and welcoming. As someone who has used acupuncture many times in his life, I don't imagine going anywhere else as long as I am in Denver. Thanks, Michael!
Ryanne Buchannan
Jan 11, 2024
Michael is great! I found him years ago after a couple of years of low back problems. I thought I hit the point where my back would just hurt forever, I had gone to doctors, physical therapist all kinds of people and it would help for a bit but then come back. Working with Michael is truly the only thing to fix it, he is super nice and knowledgeable and has always been there when I need him. I am truly grateful for him.
Zachary Giano
Jan 11, 2024
Michael is, without a doubt, one of a kind. I'm new to acupuncture, and let me tell you, I'm a FAN. He is incredibly smart, talented, and listens. If you're considering acupuncture, this IS the place. You're welcome, Denver :
Angela C.
Oct 17, 2023
I can not speak highly enough of Michael, the owner/acupuncturist. Myself and many of my coworkers see him for various injuries/ailments and he is a miracle worker! I have personally gone to him for plantar fasciitis, a kinked neck and other musculoskeletal pains. He made my plantar fasciitis over 60% better in one treatment and it was completely gone after a few treatments! I had similar results with the other injuries. He was even able to cure pulsatile tinnitus I had in my ear for over a year after just a few treatments! Michael is the best!
Winnie Thai
Oct 07, 2023
I started seeing Michael about a year ago when I wasn't making progress with physical therapy. Since beginning treatment, Michael has been able to manage problems with my knee, I can even lunge now!
Jennifer Davis
Jul 17, 2023
So far, so great! Working with Michael after just two sessions has brought incredible relief to some longstanding pain I've endured (and frankly, gotten used to) in my shoulder - but has also really helped minimize my nerve pain flare ups. Super professional, friendly and easy to work with. Highly recommend!
Elizabeth Carlson-Bast
May 12, 2023
Michael is a fantastic acupuncturist and I am constantly recommending him to everyone I know! He's incredibly knowledgeable and skillful and most importantly - achieves great results. Going to see him consistently is key to keeping my lower back pain at bay and he's also helped quickly resolve several other issues that have popped up along the way. He's also just enjoyable to work with, which is always a plus.
Cyd S.
May 08, 2023
I've been going to Michael for a while now for neck and lower back pain. Before seeing him I went to the chiropractor, physical therapy, neurologist, hired a personal trainer.everything it felt like. Honestly the acupuncture is the only thing that has consistently helped my pain and keep it either at bay or at a manageable level. Would recommend Michael over and over.
Angelo Gandullia
May 05, 2023
It's been almost 10 years since my husband and I started working with Michael. I originally started seeing him for my chronic sinus problems and overall reduction of inflammation (due to an autoimmune disease). After initial improvements, we still continue regular sessions to maintain these improvements. Throughout the years, Michael has also healed my tennis elbow (from keyboard usage), golfer's elbow (from strength training), and an injured shoulder tendon (from kickboxing).

My husband has significant lower back pain due to herniated discs, and Michael helps keep the pain in check. Basically, he can help heal your acute and chronic issues - just ask : )
Michael Smith
Mar 22, 2023
Michael at Uptown Acupuncture is the only acupuncturist that you want to see. He takes time to listen as he asses your needs and is incredibly patient. I can't recommend him enough! He truly goes the extra mile to help you achieve the results you are looking for. My orthopedic injuries of tennis elbow and shoulder impingement both got better fast!
Celeste Canel
Mar 08, 2023
I first saw Michael a few years ago for lower back pain. I was apprehensive about acupuncture, and the idea of needles being inserted into my back. Michael made me feel safe; explaining what he was doing each step of the way. He was able to treat me successfully in just a few sessions. Recently, after experiencing severe shoulder pain/spasms, I made another appointment. Again, he was able to treat me in three sessions. Highly recommend!
Laura Matras
Mar 04, 2023
I've been going to Michael for five years, he is the best acupuncturist! He has helped me with joint pain, whiplash, and general well-being. He always puts me in a calm mood and he's very easy to talk to. Does great injury work, and can take insurance! His office is clean and comfortable and he's always upgrading the office or his business in some way. I can't recommend uptown acupuncture enough!
Scott B.
Dec 15, 2022
Have been going to Michael and Uptown Acu for over 1 year for everything regarding stress, anxiety, sleep issues, shoulder/neck soreness and overall health. Seen major improvements in all those areas. After I started running, I developed shin splints and now go regularly to relieve pain and soreness and that's helped me train for 10k and half marathon races. Absolutely recommend and have referred 3 friends and coworkers already.
Karen C.
Nov 26, 2018
After enduring pain for more than a year, I made the decision to explore acupuncture. In just six sessions, Michael successfully managed my inflammation problems, with a few additional sessions for preventive measures. Thanks to his expertise, I've regained full mobility and am immensely grateful to have discovered Michael's services!
Oliver Thomas
Nov 07, 2017
Need an Acupuncturist? Go see one of Denver's best! He treats everyone from aging Rugby players to current Broncos. His skills have definitely kept me playing Rugby in my advancing years with all the inevitable injuries.