Orthopedic Acupuncture

Orthopedic acupuncture is generally well tolerated, and most people find it far less uncomfortable than they expect. The needles are very thin, so insertion is usually minimal or barely noticeable. Because this style often targets muscles and trigger points, you may feel a brief ache, twitch, or dull pressure when a point is activated. This is normal and often a sign the treatment is working. Any sensation typically fades quickly, leaving a feeling of relief or relaxation.

The number of orthopedic acupuncture sessions you need depends on your condition, how long you’ve had it, and how your body responds to treatment. Acute issues may improve in just a few visits, while chronic or more complex conditions often require a series of treatments over several weeks. Many patients begin with 1–2 sessions per week and then taper as symptoms improve. Your practitioner will create a personalized plan and adjust it based on your progress.

Orthopedic acupuncture and dry needling are similar in that both use thin needles to target muscles and relieve pain, but they are not the same. Orthopedic acupuncture is rooted in traditional acupuncture and also incorporates modern anatomical techniques, allowing it to address both localized pain and overall body balance. Dry needling, on the other hand, is based primarily on Western medicine principles and focuses specifically on releasing tight muscles and trigger points.

Orthopedic acupuncture differs from regular acupuncture mainly in its emphasis, not in abandoning whole-body care. While it uses the same traditional principles to support overall balance and wellness, it places a stronger focus on the musculoskeletal system, targeting specific muscles, joints, and movement patterns. Practitioners combine meridian-based treatment with modern anatomical techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support both local recovery and whole-body health.

Orthopedic acupuncture is a specialized form of acupuncture focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions such as joint pain, muscle injuries, tendonitis, and nerve-related issues. It combines traditional acupuncture principles with modern knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and physical medicine. Practitioners often target specific muscles, trigger points, and motor points to relieve pain, improve mobility, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural healing process. Many people seek orthopedic acupuncture for sports injuries, chronic pain, postural imbalances, and rehabilitation support.

Cancellation policies are as follows:

• If you cancel with 24+ hours’ notice, you won’t be charged anything.

• Cancel with 12–24 hours’ notice, and you’ll be charged 50% of the missed service.

• Less than 12 hours’ notice—or a no-show—means we’ll need to charge you the full amount, whether you’re using insurance or paying privately.

Should you need to reschedule, you can easily do so via or app - or if your prefer to talk to a person, by calling either of our locations:

🌐 moonrabbitacupuncture.janeapp.com
📞 Lincoln Park – (312) 414–0058
📞 West Loop – (773) 234–1042

We're always here if you need help making changes!

Yes, eating something before your appointment, even a small snack, is always recommended.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles (30 times thinner than the traditional needle you experience at your physician’s office) at strategic points on the body.  Most people believe that acupuncture only treats pain; however, it has a myriad of other uses, including overall wellness, stress management, and fertility support.

From an Eastern perspective, acupuncture is a technique for balancing the flow of qi (pronounced chee), or energy, which flows through meridians in your body.  By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture re-establishes balance for overall health and wellbeing.

Alternatively, the Western perspective is that acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and fascia (connective tissue) to reduce pain and treat tension.  Acupuncture treatment can help the body release a spasmed muscle or interrupt the signal of pain. From a biochemical perspective, findings from research have demonstrated that acupuncture stimulation causes a release of endorphins, serotonin, enkephalins, and γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA; a major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain), norepinephrine, and dopamine, other studies have also demonstrated that acupuncture can treat insomnia, as well as support conception through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), such as IVF.   Acupuncture has also been demonstrated to increase blood flow, aid in circulation, improve sleep and ease mental health concerns.

Yes, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy as long as you are seeing a licensed, board-certified acupuncturist. 

All of the acupuncturists at Moon Rabbit are licensed, board-certified, and highly experienced in working with women at all stages of pregnancy. We always recommend consulting with your physician before trying anything new.