How Dry Needling Works: Techniques and Local Expertise in Lakeview

Dry needling works by inserting a thin needle directly into trigger points, which are taut, targeted areas of muscle that cause localized or referred pain and restrict movement. The needle produces a muscle response that releases tension, increases blood flow, and restores normal function to the affected tissue. Unlike massage, which uses external pressure to relax muscles, dry needling goes directly to the source.

A typical dry needling session at Health Traditions begins with an evaluation of your symptoms and movement patterns. Your provider will then insert needles into the identified trigger points to produce a twitching response deep in the muscle — a sign that it’s releasing.

For patients with deeper or systemic imbalances, dry needling may be combined with herbal medicine to support healing at a broader level and extend the benefits of treatment over time.

Why Choose Health Traditions for Dry Needling in Chicago

Health Traditions is a Lakeview neighborhood practice where dry needling is delivered by one of Chicago’s most experienced integrative medicine practitioners, Stephen Bonzak, MS, DCCM, FICEAM, LAc, Dipl. OM. Board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Stephen brings a depth of clinical expertise that sets Health Traditions apart from general wellness clinics.

Rather than treating dry needling as a standalone procedure, Stephen incorporates it into individualized treatment plans that integrate acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine. This comprehensive approach addresses both immediate pain and its underlying causes. Patients receive one-on-one care with a practitioner who takes the time to understand their full health picture before recommending a path forward.