What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses thin, sterile filament needles to release tension in muscle tissue and reduce pain. Unlike acupuncture, which follows traditional Chinese medicine meridians, dry needling targets trigger points: specific areas of tightness within a muscle that can cause localized pain, referred pain, or restricted movement.
When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it creates a brief local twitch response. That response signals the muscle to release and reset, improving circulation and reducing the tension that was contributing to pain. Sessions are typically short and well-tolerated, even for patients who are new to the technique.
Dry needling is used to treat a range of conditions, including low back pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder tension, sports injuries, tension headaches, and hip or knee pain. It is often combined with chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue work for a more complete result.
How We Approach Dry Needling at Evolve Wellness
Evolve Wellness has three chiropractors on staff, each bringing distinct training and clinical focus.
Dr. Jenson Gillette, DC, CCEP, holds a Master's degree in Sports Rehabilitation from Logan University and is certified as a Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner. He performs dry needling at the clinic and leads care for sports injuries, extremity conditions, and complex musculoskeletal presentations. Dr. Marija Popadic, DC, is Webster Certified and works with a wide range of patients including pregnant women, athletes, and touring musicians, focusing on root-cause care and full-body function. Dr. Heather Graham, DC, brings over 25 years of chiropractic experience and a background rooted in thorough, patient-centered assessment.
Dry needling is performed by Dr. Gillette and is typically integrated with chiropractic care from the broader team. Before treatment, your chiropractor evaluates your movement patterns, posture, and pain distribution to identify the muscle groups most likely contributing to your symptoms. Needling is then applied with precision to those areas, often alongside adjustments and soft tissue work.
The goal is a targeted, efficient result: meaningful improvement without a prolonged care schedule.
What to Expect from a Dry Needling Session
Step 1: Assessment
Step 2: Treatment
Step 3: Follow-Up
What Dry Needling Can Help With
Dry needling at Evolve Wellness is commonly used for:
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Muscle pain and trigger points: Particularly in the neck, mid-back, low back, glutes, and shoulders
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Sciatica and nerve-related pain: Reducing muscle tension that compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve
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Sports injuries and performance recovery: Addressing muscular imbalances and adhesions that limit movement or slow healing
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients describe a mild twitch or dull ache at the needle insertion point, which resolves quickly. The sensation is brief and is generally well-tolerated. Post-session soreness for a day or two is common and typically indicates the muscle has responded to treatment.
Both use thin filament needles, but the approach is different. Dry needling is based on musculoskeletal anatomy and targets specific trigger points within muscle tissue. Acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles and focuses on energy pathways. At Evolve Wellness, dry needling is performed within a chiropractic and sports rehab framework.
That depends on the condition and how long it has been present. Many patients notice a meaningful change within two to four sessions. Your chiropractor will give you a realistic picture of what to expect based on your specific assessment, without recommending more visits than necessary.
Evolve Wellness operates on a cash-pay basis. Superbills are available upon request so patients can submit to their insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
Yes, and in many cases it is. Combining dry needling with spinal adjustments and soft tissue work tends to produce better results than either treatment on its own. The team at Evolve Wellness frequently integrates these approaches within a single visit.
Ready to Book a Dry Needling Appointment in Nashville?
Evolve Wellness serves patients across Nashville, Green Hills, 12 South, Brentwood, Franklin, and the surrounding Middle Tennessee area. Dr. Jenson Gillette, Dr. Marija Popadic, and Dr. Heather Graham are accepting new patients for chiropractic care, and dry needling is available as part of your treatment plan.
