Your First Visit at
Morningside Acupuncture
A comprehensive evaluation and targeted treatment for pain, sports injuries, and headaches, so we understand exactly what your body needs.
Book Your First Visitor call/text (917) 830-4440
Single session $290 · Superbills provided for possible reimbursement
900 West End Ave, one block from the 103rd St stop on the 1 train
What to Expect
Your First Visit Includes a Full Evaluation and Treatment
We don't do rushed first appointments. Your initial visit includes a comprehensive evaluation where we assess your pain history, movement patterns, and goals, followed by your first treatment in the same session. Sessions generally run 45 to 60 minutes.
- Comprehensive Evaluation We take time to understand your pain history, movement patterns, and what you've already tried. No clipboard questionnaires followed by a quick once-over. We listen first.
- Targeted Treatment Based on your evaluation, you receive a customized combination of acupuncture, dry needling, and myofascial release focused on your specific condition.
- Your Treatment Plan Before you leave, we outline a clear plan: what we found, how we'll address it, and how many sessions we recommend. No vague promises, no endless treatment plans.
During Treatment
What Treatment Feels Like
Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and solid, several times thinner than the hollow needles used for injections. With acupuncture you often won't feel the insertion at all. When you do, it's usually a brief dull, achy, or tingling sensation that fades within a few seconds. Many patients feel relaxed during treatment, and some fall asleep on the table.
Dry needling is a needling technique that uses acupuncture needles to target trigger points and tight muscles. When the needle reaches a trigger point, it can produce a brief involuntary twitch and a strong ache that releases quickly. It is more intense than acupuncture, and mild soreness for 24 to 72 hours afterward is normal, similar to what you might feel after a hard workout. This is expected and is not a sign that anything went wrong.
Preparing
Before Your Visit
- Eat a light meal one to two hours beforehand. Arriving hungry or lightheaded isn't ideal.
- Skip coffee and other stimulants right before your appointment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Shorts and a t-shirt work well.
- Don't schedule anything demanding right after. Do any exercise before your appointment, not after.
- Afterward, drink extra fluids, eat a good meal, and get some rest.
Your Practitioners
Meet the Morningside Team
Every session is with a licensed, board-certified acupuncturist who specializes in combining acupuncture with dry needling for pain relief and injury recovery.
Teddy Levarda
M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), CMTPT/DN
Specializes in acute and chronic pain, sports injuries, and stress-related tension. Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist in dry needling through Myopain Seminars. Soccer player and runner.
Marina Ferraro
M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)
Specializes in acute and chronic physical pain, sports injuries, and stress-related disorders. Trained in traditional acupuncture, dry needling, and Japanese acupuncture. Certified yoga instructor and former touring Broadway performer.
Nick Dill
M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), C.SMA
Specializes in pain, sports injuries, and headaches. Certified in Sports Medicine Acupuncture, combining orthopedic assessment with dry needling and motor point acupuncture. Marathon runner and run coach, and a former dancer and yoga instructor.
What Our Patients Say
Real Results for Real People
From first-time patients to marathon runners, over 500 patients have left five-star reviews.
"This was my first time doing dry needling and it's been extremely helpful (and it's not as scary as it looks!). Teddy knew I was nervous and took the time to explain how dry needling works and the difference between it and acupuncture."
Lisa · Google review"Marina is incredible! I have had the most relief from chronic neck and shoulder pain I've gotten in YEARS because of her and her use of dry needling in particular. I look forward to continuing to work with her and would recommend her to anyone I knew who needed support that acupuncture could provide."
Lila · Google review"From the moment I walked into Morningside Acupuncture, I knew I was in good hands. Nick is so welcoming and listens to what your body needs. As someone who struggles with frequent back pain, Nick is always able to relieve my back pain before I get a major flare up."
Melissa · Google review"Teddy is very knowledgeable and patient, which made for a great first acupuncture experience. I am 6 months postpartum and the treatment was very helpful for tightness in my back and legs, from lifting/holding a growing baby all day long."
Alison · Google review"I was rehabbing my knee and hit a wall in PT. A few sessions with Marina and I was walking pain free! Highly recommend!"
Suzanne · Google review"I have been receiving acupuncture/dry needling for my tennis elbow for the last few months and it has helped me tremendously! Nick has been so kind, welcoming and extremely professional. I highly recommend Morningside Acupuncture."
Elissa · Google reviewPricing
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Most conditions benefit from a short treatment plan. Packages are available: 5 sessions at $245 each ($1,225) or 10 sessions at $200 each ($2,000). If you choose to continue after your first visit, you can upgrade to a package and only pay the difference. We'll discuss the best path for you at your first appointment.
Insurance and Payment
We are out-of-network with all insurance plans and can provide superbills for possible reimbursement. Patients may receive reimbursement as high as 50-100% of treatment depending on your insurance plan. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, HSA, FSA, cash, and check.
How to Book
Two Easy Ways to Schedule
Cancellation policy and other details
There is a $125 late cancellation fee for missed appointments or appointments canceled within 24 hours of your scheduled time.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Treatments may involve accessing points on the chest, abdomen, back, or upper thighs.
If dry needling or trigger point release is performed, mild soreness in the treated areas for 24 to 72 hours is normal. We recommend limiting strenuous exercise while the soreness is still present.
Not Ready to Book Yet?
Send Us a Message
Have questions about your condition, our approach, or whether acupuncture is right for you? Fill out this form and we'll get back to you shortly.