In this episode, Dr. Ryan Peebles, Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Core Balance Training, breaks down acupuncture and dry needling: what they are, how they work, who they help, and where their limitations lie. Drawing from personal experience, clinical knowledge, and years of observing thousands of back-pain cases, he explains why both treatments can feel amazing yet rarely solve chronic back pain at its root. You’ll learn the real difference between acupuncture and dry needling, why both can produce instant relief but not lasting change, and how to think about them inside a long-term healing strategy. Dr. Ryan also dives into the deeper cause of chronic muscle tension, why knots and trigger points keep coming back, and how core stability creates true, lasting change.

This episode covers:

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Disclaimer: All content is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any exercise or rehabilitation program.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 – Acupuncture for back pain, does it work adn what it acually does
00:01:52 – Dr. Ryan’s experiences with acupuncture
00:04:10 – When acupuncture is helpful
00:07:38 – Introducing dry needling: an orthopedic approach to trigger points
00:08:10 – What trigger points are 
00:11:18 – Ryan’s intense hip-flexor dry needling experience
00:14:33 – Q&A: sitting cross-legged, hip rotation, and lifelong mobility limitations
00:17:37 – Why muscles tighten
00:26:49 – Tight shoulders, reasons and what to do
00:29:00 – Back anchor concept explained