Morningside Acupuncture
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Call us at:
(917) 830-4440

Dry Needling NYC: Science-Backed Relief for Everyday Discomfort

Experience the benefits of dry needling treatment for pain relief and improved mobility on the Upper West Side with New York City’s highest rated acupuncture and dry needling clinic.*

* Based on number of 5 star Google reviews

Are you struggling with muscle pain or persistent tension?

At Morningside Acupuncture, we understand that everyday strains—from long hours at a desk to intensive workouts—can leave your muscles tight and sore. Our dry needling treatments use ultra-thin acupuncture needles to gently target trigger points (those tight, irritable spots in your muscles), helping to reduce pain and improve mobility. Many patients notice improvement in as little as 1-3 sessions, although individual results may vary.

Two Quick Stories

Busy Professional Reclaims Their Day
A busy professional came to us struggling with persistent neck and shoulder tension that made even everyday tasks feel overwhelming. After just a few targeted dry needling sessions, they began feeling noticeably looser and more comfortable—even during the busiest days. This is one example of how our personalized approach can help you regain balance and live more fully.

Runner’s Race Day Revival
Two weeks out from a marathon, a determined runner came to us with a painful quad strain that threatened to sideline months of training and their goal of breaking the three-hour mark. With just two focused sessions, we helped ease the tension in their muscle and surrounding areas to accelerate the healing process. The result? They not only made it to the starting line but also achieved a personal best by finishing the race in under three hours.

Both stories reflect our commitment to helping you move more freely and confidently—whether you're facing the demands of a hectic workday or pushing toward a major athletic goal.

The Science Behind Dry Needling

Dry needling is a technique grounded in modern scientific principles. It is a form of myofascial release that uses acupuncture needles. By precisely inserting these thin needles into problematic muscle areas, we help to:

  • Provide Muscle Release: Carefully targeted needle insertion can ease the tightness in overworked or injured muscles.

  • Alleviate Pain: Many patients experience a noticeable reduction in pain intensity, making daily activities more manageable.

  • Enhance Mobility: Improved blood flow and reduced muscle knots support better movement and function.

Note: While many patients see improvement within a few sessions, individual results will differ based on the specific condition and treatment plan.

Who Can Benefit from Dry Needling?

Pain affects everyone - Our dry needling treatments are designed to help a diverse range of individuals, including those experiencing:

  • Chronic Pain: Whether it’s back pain, neck pain, or other persistent discomfort, our approach may provide relief.

  • Trigger Points: Targeting and releasing specific muscle knots that cause localized or radiating pain.

  • Sports Injuries: Athletes and weekend warriors alike can benefit from reduced muscle soreness and enhanced recovery. See why pro athletes like NFL player Travis Kelce and NBA star Anthony Davis use dry needling as part of their recovery and injury prevention regimen.

  • Orthopedic Conditions: Dry needling can be part of treatment for a wide range of orthopedic issues include frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, IT band syndrome, sciatica, and more.

  • Muscle Tightness: For those with stiffness from repetitive strain or overuse.

  • Headaches: Alleviating tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw can help reduce the frequency or intensity of headaches.

  • Joint Pain: By easing the surrounding muscle tension, dry needling may support improved joint function.

  • Everyday Muscle Strain: From office work to daily chores, reducing muscle tension can help you feel more comfortable throughout the day.

Our Approach at Morningside Acupuncture

At our NYC clinic, our licensed and board-certified practitioners are trained in both traditional acupuncture and dry needling techniques. This dual expertise allows us to create personalized treatment plans that address your unique pain points and overall well-being.

We combine the latest in science-based dry needling with a compassionate, holistic approach—helping you work towards a more comfortable, active life without relying solely on medications or other conventional treatments.

The Morningside Acupuncture Team

At Morningside Acupuncture, we’re more than just licensed practitioners—we’re active participants in the benefits of dry needling. Our team is made up of individuals who have experienced the challenges of maintaining an active lifestyle firsthand. With backgrounds as athletes, dancers, runners, and performers, we truly understand the unique demands your body faces.

We’ve experienced firsthand how targeted dry needling can ease muscle tension, improve mobility, and support overall well-being. This personal journey fuels our passion for what we do and helps us connect with our patients on a deeper level. We’re here to offer a warm, supportive environment where your goals and needs guide every step of your treatment plan.

At Morningside Acupuncture, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve the balance and vitality you deserve—because we know what it takes to keep you moving, whether you’re at work, on the field, at a race, or anywhere else life takes you.

 Ready to Experience Relief?

If you’re tired of letting pain hold you back, why not explore a science-backed method that has already helped many New Yorkers? Take the first step towards feeling better today.

Get $100 Off Your First Visit 

Take advantage of our special offer for new patients. Book your first session and receive $100 off.

How to Get Started

Follow these easy steps to schedule an appointment with Morningside Acupuncture and claim your discount:

  1. Fill out our online form to get $100 off your first visit:  Here

  2. Call or text us at (917) 830-4440.

At Morningside Acupuncture, we’re dedicated to helping you find a path to improved mobility and reduced discomfort—one session at a time.

Things to Consider if You’ve Never Tried Acupuncture or Dry Needling:

More than 20 million Americans have used acupuncture

Medical doctors refer their patients to acupuncturists more than any other “alternative" care provider

The NIH and World Health Organization have both given formal approval of certain uses of acupuncture

Growing numbers have sought out acupuncturists for chronic pain and health problems when conventional medicine either hasn’t worked nor has answers

51% of medical doctors believe acupuncture to be efficacious and of value

Our Approach at Morningside Acupuncture

Personalized Treatment Plans 

  • We create customized dry needling and acupuncture plans to address your specific issues and improve your overall well-being.

Experienced Practitioners 

  • Our team of licensed and experienced practitioners are skilled in providing safe and effective dry needling treatments.

Holistic Care 

  • We combine dry needling and acupuncture to provide comprehensive pain relief and enhance your quality of life.

 

Does Acupuncture or Dry Needling Hurt?

Acupuncture: Generally, acupuncture does not hurt. Some people feel the needles as they go in, and some people feel nothing. Acupuncture needles are solid needles, not hollow like hypodermic needles, and they are much, much thinner – about the diameter of a thick human hair. Some patients often feel a slight tingling sensation and others might feel a mild, dull ache indicating the acupuncture point is being activated and the treatment is working.

Dry Needling: Dry needling is a needling technique that involves releasing muscle tightness and trigger points and can involve a strong muscle ache during treatment and some soreness post-treatment that resembles post-workout soreness and may last for up to 72 hours after treatment.

 
 
woman having acupuncture
Morningside Acupuncture testimonials

Love Morningside Acupuncture! Dry needling has been immensely helpful in managing my hypermobility and retraining my muscles to work properly. The providers are kind and knowledgeable, and the office is clean with a relaxing atmosphere. Online booking for follow up appointments is super helpful... So glad I found this place!”*

-Sophia

“Had an acupuncture session here with Nick. They used dry needling and trigger point release to help relieve some lower back tension I had. Feels great now! The facility was clean and the staff was nice.”*

-Adam

“Teddy is a really lovely and skilled acupuncturist. I’m very nervous around needles and he’s been incredibly patient in navigating that. I strongly recommend Teddy to anyone looking for an UWS acupuncturist, whether you’re a first timer, nervous wreck around needles like me or an acupuncture pro.”*

-Olivia

I went to Teddy for acupuncture after an injury before the Chicago marathon. After a few dry needling sessions I was back in my feet and felt fantastic. Teddy walked me through the process, checked-in with me after my sessions and was accommodating every step of the way. Highly recommend.”*

-Reed

“I did dry needling/trigger point release with Nick and it was marvelous! Nick was very attentive and asked questions to help figure out our treatment plan specialized just for me. It was so comforting coming to an establishment that made me feel welcome, safe, and caring. I look forward to our future sessions and journey with Morningside Acupuncture!”*

-Evan

“My experience with Teddy was excellent! He is very knowledgeable and professional. I’m a runner and I went to him for a tight hamstring. Within minutes my hamstring started to feel looser. If you are a runner or play sports, I highly recommend you going to Teddy.”*

-Will

“Had a great acupuncture session with Nick. I would recommend it to anyone needing acupuncture!”*

-Rob

“I hadn't tried acupuncture/dry needling before, but Nick worked wonders on my Achilles, which had been bothering me for years, and helped keep my legs loose and fresh(ish) through a grueling double-marathon season. The fact that Nick is also a runner (and coach) is also extremely helpful!”*

-Shane

Such a good experience at Morningside Acupuncture. I had never tried dry needling before but Teddy is a magician. I'd been having calf issues for months and needed to get ready for a big soccer tournament so I decided to give acupuncure a try. After only 2 sessions the pain was gone. Highly recommend. Thanks Teddy!”*

-Simon

Dry Needling FAQ

What is Dry Needling? 

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin needles into trigger points, or knots in muscles, to relieve pain and improve movement. It can also be referred to as trigger point therapy or myofascial release.

What are the Benefits of Dry Needling?

Dry needling helps reduce muscle tension, alleviate pain, and enhance mobility by targeting and releasing tight muscle bands and myofascial trigger point therapy.

What is Dry Needling vs Acupuncture?

While dry needling and acupuncture use the same types of needles, the diagnosis paradigm and needling technique differ. Dry needling is based on the referral patterns of myofascial trigger points, while traditional acupuncture treats pain through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis and acupuncture points.

At Morningside Acupuncture our acupuncturists are trained in both techniques - so you don’t have to choose and you also get the benefit of combining techniques which can enhance treatment outcomes.

Conditions & Disorders We Treat

Pain and Musculoskeletal Disorders

  • Muscle Pain

  • Muscle Strains

  • Back Pain

  • Neck Pain

  • Shoulder Pain

  • Hip Pain

  • Knee Pain

  • Elbow Pain

  • Foot Pain

  • Wrist Pain

  • Finger Pain

  • Tendonitis

  • Bursitis

  • Headache, Migraine

  • TMJ Pain

  • Toothache or Post-Extraction PainFrozen Shoulder/Shoulder Pain

  • Rotator Cuff Tear

  • Biceps Tendonitis

  • Tennis Elbow

  • Golfer’s Elbow

  • Sciatica

  • Labrum Tear

  • IT Band Syndrome

  • Piriformis Syndrome

  • Hamstring Strain

  • Achilles Tendonitis

  • Shin Splints

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Post-Surgery Rehab

  • Concussions

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Arthritis

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Fibromyalgia

Neurological Disorders

  • Headache, Migraine

  • Sciatica

  • Peripheral Neuropathy

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

  • Bell’s Palsy

  • Intercostal Neuralgia

  • Tremors

Physical Symptoms of Stress

  • Chronic Pain

  • Muscle tightness

  • Headache; Migraine Digestive Issues

  • IBS

  • Crohn’s disease

  • GERD

  • Acid Reflux

  • Sleep Issues

  • Insomnia

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Heart Palpitations

  • Chest Pain and Tightness

  • Pelvic Pain

  • Fibromyalgia

  • PMS Symptoms

  • Menstrual Cramps

 Have Questions? – Call us at (917) 830-4440 or click here to email us.

Address & Hours

Morningside Acupuncture
900 West End Ave, Suite 1C
New York, NY 10025
Phone: (917) 830-4440
Email click here

Payments Accepted:
Visa, Mastercard, AMEX
Cash, Check

Hours: (By Appointment Only)
Monday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Tuesday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Wednesday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Thursday: 9:00AM – 8:00PM
Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

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* Disclaimer: In accordance with the FTC guidelines concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, please be aware that the testimonials appearing on this site reflect real life experiences of those who have used our services. However, they are individual results and results do vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.

Morningside Acupuncture NYC

900 West End Ave, Suite 1C
New York, NY 10025

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