What Is Dry Needling?

If you’ve been searching for “dry needling near me” or “acupuncture Evanston”, you’ve likely seen these terms used interchangeably. While they both involve fine needles, there are important differences in training, safety, and results. At Lisa Meyerson Acupuncture, we provide expert needling care backed by thousands of hours of training, ensuring safe, effective, and lasting results.

Dry needling is a technique used to release tight muscles and trigger points. Physical therapists, chiropractors, or athletic trainers often perform it, inserting a thin, sterile needle directly into tense muscle tissue.

While it uses the same needles as acupuncture, dry needling is not the same as acupuncture — and training requirements for PTs can be as short as 12–40 hours.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has raised concerns about this limited training and recommends education standards similar to those for physicians or licensed acupuncturists. In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation once issued an informal opinion that dry needling was outside the scope of practice for PTs — a position historically supported by the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) due to concerns about patient safety.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a time-tested healing system that has been practiced for thousands of years. It uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body, improving circulation, reducing pain, and restoring balance to the body’s systems.

As a licensed acupuncturist, I have completed over 3,000 hours of graduate-level training, including anatomy, physiology, safety, and hands-on clinical experience — far more than the minimum training often required for dry needling.

Why Choose Acupuncture Over Dry Needling?

  • Broader Scope – Addresses not just muscle tension, but also stress, sleep, digestion, women’s health, and chronic pain.

  • Deeper Training – Thousands of hours vs. a short course.

  • Holistic Benefits – Pain relief that lasts, plus support for your overall well-being.

  • Safety First – Extensive anatomy and needling safety training to protect nerves, blood vessels, and sensitive structures.

If you’ve tried dry needling before and the results didn’t last, acupuncture may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Common Concerns We Treat

  • Chronic neck and shoulder tension

  • Back pain and sciatica

  • Sports injuries

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Women’s health and fertility support

Book Your Session in Evanston

Ready to experience the difference between basic dry needling and expert acupuncture care? We offer a calm, supportive environment where your needs come first.

📅 Book online today: lisameyersonacupuncture.janeapp.com
📍 Located in Evanston, serving the North Shore and Chicago area
📞 Call: 773-517-7187

 

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