When it comes to managing pain without medication, two needle-based techniques frequently enter the conversation: acupuncture and dry needling. At first glance, they might appear interchangeable—both involve inserting thin needles into the body to relieve pain—but the similarities stop there.
Acupuncture is rooted in ancient Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing energy (Qi) in the body. Dry needling, on the other hand, is a modern, Western approach used primarily by physical therapists to target muscle tension and trigger points.
So how do you know which is right for you?
To help untangle the confusion, we spoke with Jordan Sudberg, a renowned pain management specialist who often integrates both techniques into personalized care plans for his patients.
“Each method has its place,” Sudberg explains. “It’s not about which one is better—it’s about which one works best for your specific condition and goals.”
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between acupuncture and dry needling, the science behind each, their benefits, and how Jordan Sudberg helps patients decide which approach to pursue.
Understanding Acupuncture: An Ancient Healing Practice
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practiced for over 2,000 years. Its fundamental theory is that energy—or Qi (pronounced “chee”)—flows through pathways in the body known as meridians. When that flow is disrupted, pain and illness can result.
How it works:
- Thin, sterile needles are inserted at precise acupuncture points on the body.
- The goal is to restore the flow of Qi and rebalance the body’s natural energy.
- Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes and may include other TCM practices like cupping or herbal remedies.
Although rooted in Eastern philosophy, acupuncture has gained Western medical acceptance, particularly for conditions like:
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Neck and back pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Post-surgical or chemotherapy-related nausea
Dr. Sudberg acknowledges the growing body of research supporting acupuncture’s effects.
“There’s clinical evidence that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, improves blood flow, and modulates the nervous system,” he says. “It may seem abstract, but the outcomes speak for themselves.”
What Is Dry Needling? A Trigger-Point Therapy for Muscular Pain
Dry needling is a technique developed within Western medicine, designed to target myofascial trigger points—taut bands of muscle fibers that cause pain, stiffness, or referred discomfort.
How it works:
- Very fine needles (similar to those used in acupuncture) are inserted directly into tight or knotted muscles.
- This causes a twitch response, releasing tension and improving mobility.
- Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is not based on energy flow or meridians—it’s anatomical and evidence-based.
Dry needling is often used to treat:
- Sports injuries
- Muscle spasms and stiffness
- Tendonitis
- Joint pain
- Sciatica and nerve-related pain
Jordan Sudberg often uses dry needling in his multidisciplinary approach to musculoskeletal pain.
“It’s a powerful technique for patients with mechanical pain—meaning their discomfort stems from muscle dysfunction, postural issues, or movement imbalances,” he says.
Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: The Key Differences
| Aspect | Acupuncture | Dry Needling |
| Origin | Traditional Chinese Medicine | Western physical therapy/sports medicine |
| Theory | Balances energy (Qi) through meridians | Targets muscle trigger points |
| Practitioners | Licensed acupuncturists (L.Ac.) | PTs, MDs, or pain specialists |
| Conditions Treated | Pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety | Muscular pain, tightness, dysfunction |
| Session Experience | Often relaxing and meditative | Can feel intense, with muscle twitching |
Do They Work? What the Research Says
There’s growing evidence that both techniques offer measurable benefits—though they work through different mechanisms.
- Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, affect neurotransmitter levels (like serotonin), and reduce inflammation.
- Dry needling improves muscle function by disrupting neuromuscular junctions and breaking pain cycles in the fascia.
“The research is catching up to what patients already know—these methods work,” says Sudberg. “Especially when integrated with physical therapy, exercise, or lifestyle changes.”
He often combines needling with complementary therapies like:
- Guided stretching or strength training
- Pain education and movement retraining
- Stress-reducing practices like meditation or breathwork
How Jordan Sudberg Decides Which Approach to Use
In his clinical practice, Dr. Sudberg doesn’t treat pain with a “one-size-fits-all” mindset. Instead, he evaluates each patient’s condition, pain history, stress levels, and goals before recommending acupuncture or dry needling—or sometimes, a combination of both.
Here’s how he breaks it down:
Opt for Acupuncture if:
- Your pain is chronic, widespread, or linked to stress
- You also suffer from sleep issues, anxiety, or digestive discomfort
- You prefer a more relaxing, holistic approach
- You’ve responded poorly to invasive treatments or medications
Opt for Dry Needling if:
- You have specific muscle knots or movement restrictions
- You’re recovering from a sports injury or surgery
- You need quick relief from muscle tightness or spasms
- You’re actively doing physical therapy or strength rehab
“There’s no rulebook,” Sudberg notes. “We try things and track results. The right approach is the one that works for the patient.”
Safety and Side Effects
Both acupuncture and dry needling are considered safe when performed by trained professionals, but they come with mild risks:
Common side effects:
- Bruising or minor bleeding at the needle site
- Temporary soreness or fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (rare)
Who should avoid needling:
- People with bleeding disorders
- Pregnant individuals (without clearance)
- Those with needle phobia (unless managed)
Jordan Sudberg emphasizes choosing a qualified, credentialed provider and ensuring your pain management plan is reviewed by a licensed medical professional.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Path That Heals You
In a world where chronic pain often leads to invasive surgeries or long-term medications, needle-based therapies offer a refreshing alternative—one that’s minimally invasive, personalized, and effective.
Whether you lean toward the ancient wisdom of acupuncture or the clinical precision of dry needling, both offer a pathway toward reduced pain and better function.
Jordan Sudberg encourages patients to stay open-minded and informed.
“The best medicine is the one that meets you where you are,” he says. “Pain isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal. That’s why we need a toolbox, not just a single tool.”
If you’re dealing with persistent pain and wondering whether acupuncture or dry needling might be right for you, start by having a conversation with a pain management specialist. As Dr. Sudberg often tells his patients: “You don’t have to choose between East and West—you can take the best of both worlds.”
