Acupuncture in St. Louis

Licensed acupuncture care in Kirkwood, MO. No referral required.

Conditions We Treat with Acupuncture

We use acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and dry needling for a range of musculoskeletal pain and movement-related conditions.

• Knee pain and arthritis
• Low back pain and sciatica
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Joint pain and arthritis
• Muscle tension, trigger points, and myofascial pain
• Sports and overuse injuries

‍

Why Choose Acupuncture at Embody?

Acupuncture doesn’t have to be a stand-alone treatment. At Embody, we use it as one tool within a broader musculoskeletal approach.

Depending on your goals, acupuncture may be combined with movement, strengthening, chiropractic care, myofascial work, or other therapies to help reduce pain and improve function.

We also offer different needling approaches, including traditional acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and dry needling, so treatment can be matched to the problem rather than using the same approach for everyone.

Who Performs Acupuncture at Embody?

Acupuncture at Embody is performed by our chiropractic physicians, Dr. Jeffrey O’Guin and Dr. Logan Hagerman, both trained in acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and dry needling. Dr. O’Guin has 16 years of clinical practice and previously taught at Logan University.

Because we treat muscles, joints and movement every day, treatment is chosen based on your symptoms, exam findings, health history and goals, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

What Patients Say

"Had to come see Dr. Logan for an extremely locked up knee… we did electro-acupuncture to work those muscles some more and to finish he gave me some stretches to do at home to keep the healing going… I have my freedom of movement back and more optimism about my knee health in general. Well worth the hour drive to see him!!"

— Abigail M., Google review ★★★★★

"I have been a patient of Dr. O’Guin for the past two years, first for treatment of low back pain and have also added acupuncture for knees. I’m thrilled with the results and on-going exercise/maintenance advice to avoid injury and strengthen core."

— Tom A., Google review ★★★★★

“I decided just days later that I was interested in trying acupuncture as well. I came in and we did the dry needling therapy and I kid you not, the pain was completely relieved!”

— Bradley S., Google review ★★★★★

Acupuncture Cost and Pricing in St. Louis

Comprehensive first visit: $165 (40 minutes)
Most people start here. The extra time lets us go over your history, examine the problem, and treat without rushing. It isn’t required. If you’ve had acupuncture before or your situation is straightforward, you can start with a standard session.

Follow-up sessions: $110 (20 minutes)
‍Once your plan is set, follow-up visits focus on treatment and checking how you’re progressing.

Six-session package: $560 (save $100)
Acupuncture usually works best when sessions build on each other over a few weeks, not as a one-time treatment. That’s why we typically recommend a series of six, and why we offer the package at a lower price.

Payment: Embody is self-pay. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and we can provide a superbill if you’d like to submit your visits to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s worth checking with your insurer.

What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment

How Long Does an Acupuncture Session Take?

A typical acupuncture session at Embody is about 20 minutes.

For a more comprehensive first visit, we offer a 40-minute evaluation and treatment session. This gives us additional time to review your history, assess the problem, and determine whether acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, or another treatment approach makes the most sense.

If you’re unsure which appointment to schedule, feel free to call us first. We’re happy to help you decide how much time you’re likely to need.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Most people tell us it doesn’t. Acupuncture needles are very thin, much thinner than the needles used for shots or blood draws, and many people barely notice them going in.

What people do notice is a sensation that’s hard to describe until you’ve felt it: a dull heaviness, warmth, or unique glow around the needle. Some people have described a mild deep ache sensation that fades once the needles come out. However, many people find sessions relaxing.

With electro-acupuncture, you’ll feel a gentle pulsing or tapping. We adjust the intensity throughout so it stays comfortable for you.

First time trying acupuncture? If you’d like to talk it through before booking, schedule a [free consultation] or call or text us at 314-822-5300.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Will I Need?

The number of treatments varies depending on the condition, how long it has been present, and how you respond.

Some people notice a change after one or two visits, while persistent or chronic problems often respond better to a short series of treatments. This is one reason we offer a six-session package: it gives us enough time to assess how you are responding and adjust the treatment as needed.

We do not believe everyone needs the same number of visits. The goal is to use the amount of care that makes sense for your condition and your response to treatment.

What Should I Wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy to access the area being treated. Depending on the location of your symptoms, we may need access to areas such as the knee, lower leg, shoulder, back, or hip.

If clothing limits access to the treatment area, we can help you determine the easiest option while maintaining your comfort and privacy.

What Happens During the Appointment?

Your treatment will depend on what you are coming in for. We may use traditional acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, dry needling, or a combination of techniques depending on your symptoms and goals.

When appropriate, acupuncture may also be combined with movement, strengthening, chiropractic care, or other musculoskeletal treatments as part of a broader plan.

What Should I Expect After Acupuncture?

Many people feel relaxed after treatment. Others notice temporary soreness, heaviness, or mild sensitivity around some of the points that were treated.

Responses vary, and improvement does not always happen immediately. With chronic problems, we are often looking for changes in pain, movement, function, or activity tolerance over a series of treatments rather than judging the entire response from a single visit.

Types of Acupuncture We Use at Embody

Acupuncture is not a single technique. Different approaches can be used depending on the condition, the tissue involved, and what we are trying to accomplish.

At Embody Performance & Recovery, treatment may include traditional acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, dry needling, or a combination of approaches. The goal is not to use the same treatment for everyone, but to select the technique that best fits your symptoms and goals.

Traditional Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture uses very thin needles placed at specific points throughout the body. Points may be chosen near the painful area as well as in other locations based on the condition being treated.

We may use traditional acupuncture to help manage pain, reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, and support comfortable movement.

Electro-Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture uses acupuncture needles connected to a gentle electrical stimulation. This creates a controlled pulsing sensation that can be adjusted throughout treatment based on your comfort.

We frequently use electro-acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain, particularly knee pain and knee osteoarthritis, as well as other persistent joint and muscle conditions. The electrical stimulation allows us to provide a consistent stimulus to the targeted area while still using the precision of acupuncture needles.

Dry Needling

Dry needling uses the same type of thin filiform needles used in acupuncture, but the treatment approach typically focuses more directly on muscles, trigger points, and areas of increased tension.

We may use dry needling when a painful or restricted muscle appears to be contributing to the problem. In some cases, it can be combined with acupuncture or electro-acupuncture as part of the same overall treatment plan.

Which Approach Is Right for Me?

You do not need to decide which technique you need before your appointment. We’ll consider your symptoms, examination findings, treatment goals, and previous response to care and recommend the approach that makes the most sense.

Acupuncture for Knee Pain and Knee Arthritis

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons we use acupuncture and electro-acupuncture at Embody. This can include pain related to osteoarthritis, persistent joint stiffness, overuse, and other musculoskeletal causes of knee discomfort.

Electro-acupuncture is often especially useful because it allows us to deliver gentle, controlled stimulation through selected acupuncture points around the knee. Treatment is aimed at helping reduce pain, improve comfort with movement, and make activities such as walking, stairs, exercise, and strengthening more manageable.

Acupuncture does not replace the need for strength and movement. When appropriate, we combine treatment with progressive exercise so the goal is not only to feel better, but also to improve the knee’s ability to handle activity.

Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis

For people with knee osteoarthritis, acupuncture may be used as part of a conservative approach to managing pain and stiffness. Some people notice that reducing discomfort makes it easier to stay active, which is especially important because maintaining strength and movement is a major part of long-term knee health.

Treatment plans vary depending on symptom severity, activity level, and response to care.

Acupuncture for Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Acupuncture may be used to help reduce low back pain, muscle guarding, and sensitivity associated with sciatica and other radiating leg symptoms. Depending on the presentation, treatment may include local acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, or dry needling of tight or sensitive muscles contributing to the problem.

When appropriate, we combine acupuncture with movement and strengthening so the goal is not only to reduce pain, but also to improve tolerance for sitting, walking, lifting, and exercise.

Acupuncture for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Acupuncture can be useful for persistent neck and shoulder pain, particularly when muscle tension, trigger points, or restricted movement are part of the problem.

Treatment may include acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, or dry needling to help reduce sensitivity and excessive muscle tension. This can make it easier to move more comfortably and participate in the strengthening and movement work needed for longer-term improvement.

Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines

Acupuncture may help reduce the frequency or intensity of headaches and migraines for some people. It can be especially useful when neck tension, muscle tightness, or other musculoskeletal factors contribute to symptoms.

Treatment is individualized based on the type of headache, associated symptoms, and whether neck or shoulder tension appears to be part of the problem.

Acupuncture for Myofascial Pain and Trigger Points

Myofascial pain often involves tight, sensitive areas in muscle commonly referred to as trigger points. These areas may cause local pain, referred pain, stiffness, or a sense that a muscle never fully relaxes.

Dry needling and electro-acupuncture can be especially useful in these situations because they allow us to target specific muscles and areas of increased sensitivity. The goal is to reduce excessive muscle tension, decrease pain, and improve comfortable movement.

Acupuncture for Joint Pain and Arthritis

Acupuncture may be used to help manage pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and other persistent joint problems. In addition to the knee, treatment may be useful for areas such as the hips, shoulders, hands, or other joints depending on the condition.

The goal is to reduce discomfort, improve movement, and help people remain active. When appropriate, acupuncture is combined with strengthening and mobility work to support longer-term function.

Acupuncture for Sports and Overuse Injuries

Acupuncture can be incorporated into care for sports and overuse injuries when pain, muscle tension, or sensitivity is limiting activity.

Depending on the problem, we may use traditional acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, or dry needling alongside progressive strengthening and movement. The goal is to help manage symptoms while continuing to build the capacity needed to return to training and activity.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture uses very thin needles placed at specific points in the body to stimulate sensory nerves and local tissues. Research suggests acupuncture can influence pain-processing pathways in the nervous system, muscle tone, and local tissue response.

For musculoskeletal problems, we use acupuncture primarily to help reduce pain, decrease excessive muscle tension, and make movement and rehabilitation more comfortable.

Traditional Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture uses specific points based on established acupuncture systems and may include both local points near the painful area and points elsewhere in the body.

Medical Acupuncture

Medical acupuncture uses acupuncture needles within a modern musculoskeletal and neurophysiological framework. Point selection may be based on anatomy, pain patterns, muscle tension, and the nervous system’s response to stimulation.

Electro-Acupuncture

Electro-acupuncture adds a gentle electrical current between selected needles, allowing us to provide consistent stimulation to the targeted area. We frequently use electro-acupuncture for knee pain and knee osteoarthritis, as well as persistent muscle and joint pain.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Both acupuncture and dry needling use very thin filiform needles, but they are generally applied using different treatment frameworks.

Dry needling typically focuses more directly on muscles, trigger points, and areas of increased tension.

Acupuncture may use local and distant points and can be applied using traditional acupuncture principles, modern neurophysiological approaches, or a combination of both.

At Embody, we use the approach that best fits the problem rather than forcing every patient into the same technique.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered a low-risk treatment when it is performed by a properly trained, licensed provider using appropriate technique and sterile equipment. At Embody, we use sterile, single-use acupuncture needles and adjust treatment based on your health history, symptoms, and comfort level.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects?

Most side effects are mild and temporary. Some people may experience brief soreness, tenderness, minor bruising, or a small amount of bleeding where a needle was inserted.

It is also possible to feel temporarily tired, lightheaded, or relaxed after treatment. Let us know if you are uncomfortable at any point so the treatment can be adjusted.

When Should Acupuncture Be Modified or Avoided?

Certain medical conditions, medications, or circumstances may require us to modify the treatment or avoid particular areas or techniques. Please let us know if you take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, have an active infection, or have another significant medical condition that could affect treatment.

We also want to know about implanted medical devices. Electro-acupuncture may not be appropriate around certain electronic implants, such as some pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Acupuncture is commonly used during pregnancy and, when appropriately performed, appears to have a low rate of adverse effects. Treatment should still take pregnancy into account, including positioning, comfort, medical history, and the reason for treatment.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, let us know before treatment so we can make sure the approach is appropriate for you.

Are Acupuncture Needles Sterile?

Yes. We use sterile, single-use, disposable acupuncture needles. Each needle is used once and then properly discarded.

Find Out if Acupuncture Is Right for You

Prefer to talk first? Call 314-822-5300