Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate natural healing. It can effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines by improving blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and releasing endorphins, which help alleviate pain.
Dry needling
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to treat muscle pain and dysfunction by inserting fine needles into trigger points, which are tight knots or bands within a muscle. Although it is often compared to acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles rather than traditional Chinese medicine.
How do you know which one is right for you? Let’s jump into each modality, individually, to learn more!
Contact us with your specific questions!
What Can Acupuncture Do for You?
Let’s first check out common reasons our patients prefer acupuncture as a compliment to their treatment plan:
- Chronic pain: Back pain, osteoarthritis, and knee pain are commonly addressed with the help of proper rehabilitative exercises and acupuncture.
- Headaches and migraines: An acupuncture treatment plan has effectively mitigated the frequency and severity of migraines, long term.
- Joint pain and arthritis: These types of inflammatory responses and degradation are addressed with acupuncture to stimulate blood flow and increase circulation, which leads to healing.
- Fibromyalgia: Nerve pain can be offset by stimulating the central nervous system with acupuncture.
- TMJ: Tension in the jaw can be released with acupuncture.
- Myofascial pain: By addressing the trigger points, acupuncture can release knots and bring relaxation to the body and targeted area.
- Vertigo: Acupuncture has an immediate effect on reducing dizziness and vertigo.
- Stress and anxiety: Release some serotonin for some rest and relaxation.
- Insomnia: Improve sleep quality and manage sleep disorders.
- Digestive issues: Give your immune system a boost with acupuncture for digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and nausea.
- Allergies and respiratory conditions: By addressing inflammation, acupuncture can help with conditions such as asthma and sinusitis.
- Menstrual disorders: Irregular periods can be corrected with acupuncture as it can help the body balance hormones which is why some acupuncturists use acupuncture to treat PCOS and infertility.
- Weight management: Connect with your body’s senses via acupuncture which can assist with better hunger cues.
Let our licensed acupuncturists help you find relief today.
Our Approach to Acupuncture
Due to the healing benefits of acupuncture, our providers in Evanston, IL will often offer this service to patients at the end of their visit. Patients can decompress after completing their rehabilitative exercises while allowing their body to repair tissue and direct blood flow to strategic areas that enhance the healing process.
We will dim the lights and set the mood with some calming music of your choice and let your body relax.
Call our team to add this service to your next session!
Dr. Fergus Applies Acupuncture to Treat Headaches
Benefits to Acupuncture
Our patients who receive acupuncture treatment benefit from the following:
- Pain relief: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and improves circulation to the targeted area of the body.
- Inflammation reduction: When blood flow is increased to areas of the body, inflammatory responses can be reduced and allow for better circulation for healing.
- Enhanced immune function: Acupuncture can boost the body’s natural defenses and improve overall immune response.
- Digestive support: Acupuncture points can be targeted to regulate gastrointestinal functions and alleviate symptoms like nausea and bloating.
- Relaxation and stress reduction: Allow the nervous system to rest and reduce cortisol levels by up to 30%.
- Improve sleep: By addressing stress hormones and giving your body time to recuperate, our patients may experience a release of melatonin.
Book your acupuncture session today to start experiencing natural relief and enhanced well-being!
When Should I See an Acupuncturist for My Condition?
Acupuncture is an extremely safe and effective way to mitigate pain. Oftentimes, patients will request and receive immediate service for conditions such as severe migraines and headaches. We will prepare a room for you with a moment’s notice so that you can begin to recuperate.
When a migraine patient visits the clinic, they usually experience intense throbbing and pounding, with or without visual disturbances called auras that sometimes present as flashes of light, blurry color, or blind spots. We take all this into consideration, allowing the patient to rest in a dark room with or without blankets and pillows and a heating pad or cool compress.
When receiving acupuncture, even for recurring headaches, nausea, vertigo, or other reasons, we take pride in nurturing and caring for you. Don’t let another moment pass without the help of acupuncture. There is no better time than now.
Acupuncture Techniques at Cornerstone Health
Acupuncture is widely known as a traditional Chinese medicine involving the insertion of very fine needles (approximately 20 acupuncture needles can fit into a typical phlebotomy needle), into acupoints on the body to stimulate neurological response and promote healing. This ancient practice is rooted in the belief that the body’s vital energy, or qi, flows through pathways called meridians. European Acupuncturist, Irina Szmelskyj, summarizes the science behind acupuncture for those seeking a modern understanding.
A number of scientists at the National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM) have compiled peer-reviewed and evidence-based research for application into acupuncture practices. This included clinical studies funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Acupuncture research helps to measure and analyze the traditional techniques, allowing acupuncturists the ability to refine their technique when treating certain conditions.
Electro-Acupuncture, a.k.a. Acupuncture with Electro-Stimulation
One such modern technique that has stemmed from traditional acupuncture is the application of a small, gentle, electrical current to the needles after insertion. This has proven to be a great method to mitigate pain, support athletic recovery and help with neurological conditions. Each provider is able to make fine tune adjustments, adjusting the stimulation to match exactly what each patient needs.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a soft-tissue massage technique that applies pressure to the known acupoints on the body. Practitioners can gently rub or press and hold with a certain level of intensity to activate a neurological response at the acupoint.
If you have questions about this treatment or any of our chiropractic solutions, please contact our team today, and we’ll be happy to help.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture uses pressure points called acupoints which are peripheral sensory nerves studied by neurophysiologists to elicit a neurological response in the central nervous system.
It is suspected that acupuncture can regulate the release of neurotransmitters that excite or inhibit processes in the brain. Examples of such neurotransmitters are endorphins, serotonin, GABA, glutamate and dopamine.
Most people have heard of these neurotransmitters, but what do they do, specifically? Each carries properties that influence function, and to which degree they relate to acupuncture is still in study.
- Endorphins: Pain relief
- Serotonin: Mood and digestion
- GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid or GABA can improve your quality of sleep and influence stress
- Glutamate: when balanced, mood function can be improved.
- Dopamine: Feel good hormone
For a low risk procedure, acupuncture is believed to make a significant difference in the body. Let’s find how this ancient and impactful modality can help you.
Schedule your initial exam with us today.
Senior Olympics Winner Recovers With Electro-Acupuncture
What Can Dry Needling Do for You?
Here are common reasons our patients in the Chicago area turn to dry needling as a compliment to their treatment plan:
Pain Relief: Dry needling targets trigger points that are often associated with musculoskeletal pain. By inserting needles into these areas, it can help to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve overall comfort. Many patients find immediate relief from pain and discomfort in the affected areas.
Improved Muscle Function: Trigger points can interfere with muscle function, leading to a reduced range of motion and strength. Dry needling helps to alleviate muscle knots, which can improve range of motion and flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals recovering from injuries.
Reduced Muscle Tension: The technique helps to relax tight muscles and release built-up tension. This can be helpful for managing chronic muscle stiffness and preventing muscle cramps. For those who experience frequent muscle tightness or discomfort, dry needling can be an effective method for relaxation and relief.
Enhanced Blood Flow: The insertion of needles into trigger points can stimulate local blood flow. Improved circulation in the affected area can accelerate healing and reduce muscle soreness. This increased blood flow can also help to flush out metabolic waste products that contribute to muscle pain.
Reduced Inflammation: By addressing the underlying trigger points, dry needling can help to decrease inflammation and swelling in the muscle. This can be particularly useful for conditions involving inflammation, such as tendinitis or bursitis.
Improved Function and Performance: For athletes or active individuals, dry needling can aid in maintaining peak performance by addressing muscle imbalances and preventing injuries. It can be part of a broader rehabilitation or performance enhancement program.
Complementary to Other Therapies: Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other physical therapy techniques, such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy. This integrative approach can enhance overall treatment outcomes and help achieve more comprehensive recovery.
Book your dry needling visit at Cornerstone Health.
Our Dry Needling Method
Dry needling encompasses various manipulation techniques tailored to address specific musculoskeletal issues and enhance therapeutic outcomes by using:
Dry Needling “Pistoning”, where the needle follows an in and out motion. Some experience on site twitching as a response to this method. Alternatively, the needle can remain in place, unmoved, for a period of time.
Superficial Dry Needling, which has the needle inserted into the skin.
Deep Dry Needling, which has the needle inserted into the muscle.
Each type of dry needling technique is used based on the patient’s specific condition, symptoms, and overall health. A skilled practitioner will assess these factors and choose the most appropriate technique to achieve the best results for the individual.
Curious about dry needling? Speak with one of our practitioners – we’d love to hear from you. Contact us.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Dry needling is by far the best compliment to your treatment plan at Cornerstone Health Evanston, and it gives you quick results! Here are other ways you might benefit from this treatment:
- Dry Needling for Pain Relief
- Muscle Function
- Muscle Tension
- Circulation
- Accelerated Healing
- Range of Motion
- Reduced Injury Risk
- Non-Pharmacological Treatment
If you need quick healing, give us a call! For our athletes nursing a strain or pull, check out our sports performance page to see how we can get you back on the field better than before.
Answers to Common Questions About Dry Needling
Whether it’s the needle you’re concerned about or you simply have questions, you’ve come to the right place! Check out the answers our dry needling experts in Evanston, IL have provided below:
Is dry needling painful?
We have three different needle lengths used in dry needling, but all are very thin – most patients don’t even notice when they are going in. However, sometimes there can be a small pinch or pricking feeling to start. When the trigger point is accessed, some patients feel a twinge and twitch in their muscle. Other patients will describe the sensation as a dull ache or the type of burn you achieve in weight training after many reps.
How long does it take to feel the results of dry needling?
On average, it takes 2 days for dry needling to come into full effect. Some patients will feel immediate relief, especially with regard to decreased myofascial tension or knots.
How long do the results of dry needling last?
Patients enjoy the benefits of dry needling for around 1 week after treatment. For longer term results, practitioners will prescribe a minimum of 3 treatments. Dry needling, coupled with the chiropractic care, soft tissue work and rehabilitative exercises at Cornerstone Health can help patients achieve locked-in results that are easy to maintain.
Is dry needling different from acupuncture?
Dry needling is different from acupuncture in that deeper penetration into the muscle is possible. Dry needling also addresses muscle tension differently with an active release approach to trigger points in myofascial tissues.
What if I don’t like needles?
Our needle-sensitive patients understand your concern, but rest assured, if they can do dry needling, so can you. If dry needling is prescribed as a great fit for you, we will walk you through the process and educate in as much or little detail as you require for your comfort. With our private treatment rooms, dimmable lights, soft music and pillows, we will ensure your peace of mind. Aside from the ambiance, you might also enjoy guided breathing techniques. We are here for you and will do everything we can to help you feel at ease.
What are the side effects of dry needling?
Dry needling is actively working to release muscle tension. Patients might experience fatigue, warmth at the site, queasiness (if that is your normal response to needles/injections), possible bruising and some dull achiness.
Will my insurance cover dry needling?
Whether your benefits are in or out of network for dry needling, you will have the opportunity to redeem whatever coverage your plan allows. We are able to supply a complimentary benefits check to those with in-network coverage. Our self-pay patients will receive a Good Faith Estimate in addition to their plan of care and after each service they will receive a Superbill for submitting the claims to their insurer.
What’s the difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
Curious about your insurance benefits? Reach out for a complimentary benefits check!
Your Journey to Better Starts Here
Our team of highly trained and experienced practitioners is dedicated to providing you with personalized care, leveraging both traditional acupuncture and innovative dry needling techniques to address your unique needs.
At Cornerstone Health, your health and comfort are our top priorities, especially for acupuncture treatment and dry needling therapy. We combine cutting-edge treatments with compassionate, evidence-based care to ensure the best possible outcomes for you. Trust us to be your partner in achieving optimal health and well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the transformative benefits of our tailored treatments. Your journey to better health starts here.
Let’s work with your schedule to overcome pain and restore ability.
What Our Patients Are Saying
"I have heard about dry needle therapy just recently for arthritis and I asked a coworker if he does this therapy. He replied that he had great success with this doctor at Cornerstone Health in Evanston, and it’s worth the drive even though I live in downtown Chicago. I made an appointment with him and he explained the difference between dry needle therapy and acupuncture.
After a full evaluation, he went to work on my arthritic fingers. The catch was I was off on a golf trip in three weeks. The closure of my pointer finger and middle finger, especially after wrist surgery, nine months earlier ,was painful and not very flexible. I should also mention, I had less than 50% strength in one hand vs the other.
After two weeks and only four sessions, there was a remarkable improvement in the swelling, the pain and the flexibility. I am still following a two a week program just to see if there is even more improvement but I fully recommend Dr. Benjamin Fergus." - Randy G.
"My career as a professional orchestra musician, and my movement around the US, have given me extensive experience with chiropractors, and I would like to recommend and review Dr. Fergus’ practice without reservation.
His treatments provide lasting relief, the appointments are some of the longest I have experienced (close to half an hour), and the possibility to do physical therapy and acupuncture (both of which I took advantage of and found worthwhile) at the same office is both exceedingly rare for a chiropractor, as well as a great addition to the chiropractic services.
After only a couple of months of treatments I felt stronger, and my muscles lost unnecessary and limiting tension.
I recommend the care of Dr. Fergus, and the rest of the staff at Cornerstone Health, fully and unequivocally." - Georgi D.
"I was a new patient to Cornerstone Health and I'm so happy I found this place. Dr. Fergus is the best. He quickly diagnosed the reason for the tingling in my thumb and index finger and treated my forearm with massage and acupuncture and after just 3 treatment sessions, I am nearly symptom-free. Dr. Fergus also provided some helpful strength and stretching exercises so that I can avoid the symptoms from recurring. Everyone at Cornerstone Health is friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Dr. Fergus and Cornerstone Health to everyone!" - Stephanie M.
"I had suffered from a 20-year old knee injury. After visiting chiropractors and acupuncture clinics and massage therapists around the world, Cornerstone Health was the first place that is actually correcting the underlying mechanics and muscular weakness. I can't thank Dr Fergus and the team enough!" - Jason O.
Peer-Reviewed Articles About Acupuncture Treatment and Dry Needling Therapy
- Dry Needling and Myofascial Trigger Points: A Medically Reviewed Article by The Cleveland Clinic
- A Great Summary of How Acupuncture Works, Scientifically: An Article by Irina Szmelskyj
- Fang Li, et. al. What is the Acupoint? A preliminary review of Acupoints. Pain Med. 2015 Oct;16(10):1905-15. Published 2015 May 13. doi: 10.1111/pme.12761.
- Howard Moffet. How might acupuncture work? A systemic review of physiologic rationales from clinical trials. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006; 6:25. Published 2006 Jul 7. doi:101186/1472-6882-6-25/pmid:1682230
- Juan Antonio Valera-Calero, et.al. Efficacy of Dry Needling and Acupuncture in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug;19(16):9904. Published 2022 Aug 11. doi:10.3390/ijerph19169904.
- Darius McAphee, et. al. Dry Needling: A Clinical Commentary. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2022; 17(4):551-555. Published 2022 Jun 1. doi:10.26603/001c.35693/pmid:35693854
