Dr. Rachel Wysocki DC, MS
Chiropractic & Sports Medicine
I first found chiropractic as a chronically injured competitive collegiate runner. It was the first time a practitioner took the time to look at my biomechanics and movement as a whole rather than tell me to stop moving. While injuries in life are inevitable and often unavoidable, there is often a path to reducing that rate in the future as well as speeding up your recovery time during the injury. Gaining this knowledge became my passion and I love to pass it on to my patients as they heal with my guidance.
I received my bachelors in Human Biology at The University of Albany, NY close to my hometown of Saratoga Springs. I moved out to Portland to pursue my Doctorate in Chiropractic concurrently with my Master in Sports Medicine. Through my Masters program I gained experience treating elite and amateur athletes from all backgrounds of sport; ranging from the Canby Rodeo, Seaside beach volleyball, triathletes, marathoners and more. I have special certifications in Dynamic Neuromuscular stabilization for the running athlete, Clinical Athlete weightlifting movement assessment, Active release technique, Rock taping for performance, Healthy running for advanced running form, dermal traction technique, and Motion Palpation Diversified Adjusting technique for extremities and the spine.
One of my favorite quotes is “If you have a body, you’re an athlete,” by Bill Bowerman. While I take a special interest in sports medicine, the techniques I learned have made me a specialist in the way people move in everyday life. A typical visit with me would first include a thorough health history listening to all of your goals to make sure my care is fitting your personal needs. Next a screen of certain movement patterns and the spine to analyze which muscles and joints up and down the kinetic chain may need attention. My therapies include diversified adjusting, cupping, manual therapy techniques, taping, and very often prescribing at home rehab. I believe the best thing I can give a patient is empowerment to take control of their pain and feeling heard while being given hope that there is a solution out there to your long time injuries.
When not practicing, I enjoy running with my teammates at Rose City Track Club, reading sci-fi books, and playing with my dog, Poppy, at Mount Tabor.
Reach me directly at dr.rachel@solrunningpdx.com
Molly Erickson, L.Ac, MAcOM
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
I first fell in love with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as a patient in my early 20s. I was experiencing annoying health issues that affected my quality of life. I wasn't getting any answers from my doctors: labs looked normal, but I didn’t quite feel right. Finally, I turned to acupuncture and herbs, and after many months of regular treatment, I noticed a radical and deep change in my health. In time, I felt like a new person. I found myself encouraging others to try acupuncture for their ailments. It was then that I realized there was no greater gift for me than to share this medicine with others and help people navigate their own health concerns.
And so began my education in Chinese Medicine.
I transplanted to Portland from my hometown of Minneapolis, MN in order to attend the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. I was drawn to the reputation of OCOM and the rich and diverse medical community that exists in the Pacific Northwest, and I stayed because the natural beauty of the west coast never ceases to bring awe to my life. My special interests as a practitioner includes pain relief, sports medicine, women’s health, fertility, digestive support, preventative medicine, and helping people who just aren’t feeling their best and don’t know why. Ultimately, my goal is to empower patients to take great care of themselves and cultivate more awareness around mind-body-spirit connection.
I had the honor of completing an internship in China at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine after graduation. I was struck by the ease of a holistic and integrative approach practiced by the doctors in Chinese hospitals, which renewed and reinforced my feeling of the importance of practicing good medicine overall, not just Chinese medicine, not just western medicine. I bring this inspiration into my practice: a commitment to incorporate an approach of utilizing all diagnostic and treatment modalities available for best patient care. I am thrilled to be opening my own calm and peaceful healing space in NW Portland after working in busy downtown Portland for many years. I love working in a positive and collaborative treatment environment with Dr Rachel Wysocki and believe we provide greater outcomes for patients as a team.
I use acupuncture, cupping, East-Asian bodywork, Gua Sha, Chinese herbs and lifestyle advice to treat patients, but sincerely feel like the most important work is being present and listening to my patients’ concerns, providing a safe and relaxing space, offering gentle and individualized care, and helping patients make goals for better outcomes.
When I am not working with patients I love to garden, visit family, travel, explore Oregon’s wild coastlines, hike, and hang with my wonderful partner, cat, and dog. If any part of my story resonates with you, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment to see if Chinese Medicine can help you feel more optimal to keep doing what you love to do!
Reach me directly at mollyerickson.acupuncture@gmail.com