NYC Marathon Runners Turn to Acupuncture and Dry Needling for Pain Relief and Recovery

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As training intensifies for the Berlin, Chicago, and New York City marathons, runners across New York are seeking strategies to manage pain and stay healthy through high-mileage weeks. Increasingly, many are turning to acupuncture and dry needling, approaches once considered niche in sports medicine but now widely adopted by endurance athletes.

Morningside Acupuncture, based on the Upper West Side, is among the only fully licensed clinics in New York City offering dry needling. Its team of licensed acupuncturists are trained in orthopedic assessment and sports medicine, making it a resource for athletes looking for targeted recovery care.

"When runners are in peak training, even small imbalances can create significant stress on the body," said Theodore Levarda, L.Ac., founder of Morningside Acupuncture. "Needle-based treatments give us a way to target specific muscles, calm irritation, and help athletes sustain their training volume."

Medical professionals have long emphasized that strength work and rest are critical to safe training. Now, athletes are adding needle-based recovery sessions to their regimen. Unlike general wellness acupuncture, trigger point dry needling targets specific muscles linked to overuse injuries, while acupuncture can enhance circulation and neuromuscular function.

Jessie Zapotechne, a New York City based performance coach and founder of Girls Run NYC, said, "As an ultra-marathoner with over 50 races of marathon distance and above under my belt, I've come to rely on acupuncture and dry needling as part of my recovery and injury risk management strategy. Over the past six years, Morningside Acupuncture has helped me manage the load of training and recover better from races and workouts."

"We see a surge of runners every fall as marathon season approaches," Levarda said. "They are looking for ways to manage the extra miles without breaking down, and acupuncture and dry needling provide a safe, evidence-based option."

About Morningside Acupuncture

Morningside Acupuncture specializes in acupuncture and dry needling for pain relief and sports injuries, helping patients improve mobility, recover faster, and sustain long-term performance. Located at 900 West End Ave, Suite 1C, New York, NY 10025, the clinic provides evidence-based care tailored to athletes and active New Yorkers.

With more than 450 five-star Google reviews, Morningside Acupuncture has earned a reputation in New York City for those seeking trusted care for training and recovery.

SOURCE Morningside Acupuncture PLLC