Ian Armstrong was raised in Palo Alto, California, where he developed a lifelong passion for health, fitness, and outdoor activities. His love for the outdoors led him to Humboldt State University, before he transferred to the University of New Orleans to pursue his other passion: jazz music and performance. After enjoying his time in New Orleans, Ian moved to San Diego to earn his Master of Science in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, now Pacific College of Health and Science, graduating in 2009 with a focus on sports and orthopedic injuries.
Ian’s deep commitment to education and teaching has been a cornerstone of his career. With over a decade of experience in teaching, he is a dedicated instructor in both the Sports Medicine Acupuncture Certification Program and the Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders (TOD) course at Pacific College of Health and Science. His approach to teaching focuses on the integration of clinical skills with real-world application, ensuring his students gain hands-on experience in the treatment of athletes with orthopedic and sports-related injuries.
For more than ten years, Ian has also played a key role in supervising acupuncture students at the RIMAC center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). In this capacity, he works alongside athletic trainers to treat UCSD's collegiate athletes, offering both direct patient care and educational guidance. He provides invaluable mentorship to students, ensuring they gain practical, on-the-job experience while treating athletes in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
In addition to his teaching and supervisory roles, Ian has extensive experience in the rehabilitation and performance for weekend warriors and those with an active lifestyle, to Olympians and professional athletes. He has helped athletes recover from injuries and enhance performance for over 15 years.
A lifelong learner, Ian continues to deepen his expertise in movement, biomechanics, and rehabilitation by studying advanced methodologies such as Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Postural Respiration through the PRI Institute, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and the Eldoa Method by Guy Voyer. His dedication to expanding his knowledge not only enhances his clinical practice but also ensures his students and patients benefit from the latest, most effective techniques in sports medicine and acupuncture.
Ian’s work in the field has earned him recognition from both industry peers and athletes alike, and his influence as an educator has shaped the careers of countless acupuncture practitioners. Through his innovative approach and tireless commitment to both student success and athlete health, Ian continues to make a significant impact in the world of sports acupuncture and rehabilitation.