Dry needling is a physical therapy technique in which the therapist inserts long, thin needles into tissue that’s tense, stiff or tight. It allows for deep, targeted relief of muscle tension, scar tissue and nerve irritation in places that are hard to reach. It can help with pelvic floor therapy by getting below the surface of the skin to reach specific muscles and connective tissue. It can also relieve pain felt in the pelvic area that’s referred from other parts of the body.
In general, pelvic floor physical therapy has the following benefits:
- Reduces urinary incontinence
- Decreases acute or chronic pelvic pain
- Improves bowel function
- Enhances sexual health
- Supports pregnancy and postpartum recovery
- Aids in postsurgical recovery
- Boosts core stability
Dry needling is just one tool your PT may use for pelvic rehabilitation. In this article, we’ll share five ways it can help with the most common treatment goals.
How dry needling supports pelvic floor therapy: 5 key insights
In pelvic floor therapy, the PT may insert needles in different locations around the front, back and side of the abdomen and glutes. Most often, the PT will be targeting superficial muscles close to the surface. The positioning or angle of the needle is strategic, and they may move the needle for more stimulation. Your PT will communicate throughout the process to let you know exactly where the needles are going and to ensure your comfort.
Here are five ways dry needling can support pelvic floor therapy goals:
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Releases deep muscle tension
Various conditions in the pelvic area can create muscle tension and weakness. These symptoms can also exacerbate other conditions or affect the functioning of healthy tissue and organs. Dry needling provides a specific type of stimulation to activate the body’s healing response and cause muscles to contract or twitch. This helps relieve tension and pain.
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Reduces nerve hypersensitivity
The pudendal nerve, which runs through the pelvic area, can become compressed or irritated from a lack of movement, repetitive movements, trauma, or surgeries and health conditions. This can cause pain, burning, tingling and numbness sensations. It can also affect the function of various pelvic organs. Dry needling is one tool your PT may use to help rehabilitate or reset irritated nerves.
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Improves muscle coordination
To control urinary and bowel functions, your pelvic muscles need to receive impulses from the nerves and respond accordingly. Sometimes, these messages can get scrambled or not make it to their destination. Dry needling helps restore normal muscle firing patterns, which can make other rehabilitation exercises more effective.
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Accelerates tissue healing
Stimulation from dry needling helps increase blood flow to tissue that’s damaged, tight or scarred over. This brings oxygen and nutrients to the area, helping to reduce inflammation and support cellular repair. Scarring from cesarean section births goes deep into the abdomen and uterus. Dry needling can help ensure that scar tissue is flexible and doesn’t cause continued pain, tightness or limited movement.
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Enhances overall treatment outcomes
Dry needling usually isn’t the only technique used in pelvic floor physical therapy. Your PT may incorporate therapeutic stretching, exercises, manual techniques and biofeedback. By providing deep stimulation, eliciting a twitch response and increasing blood flow, dry needling helps make these other therapies more effective. It can make the treatment process work a bit faster so you can achieve your goals sooner.
Try a new approach to pelvic floor dysfunction at Forever Fit
Pelvic floor dysfunction can be disruptive to your day-to-day activities and affect your quality of life. Many people don’t realize there are natural, effective and noninvasive treatments that can help. Dry needling comes with unique benefits — it’s more precise than other physical therapy techniques and acupuncture. However, it’s not the best treatment for everyone. If you have a significant fear of needles, or if you have other health risks that may interfere, your PT will be able to recommend other treatments.
During your first visit, you can expect a comprehensive assessment in which your therapist will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms and goals with you. This may include an external or internal assessment, with your consent. You’ll learn about pelvic floor anatomy and how it relates to your symptoms. Finally, the therapist will outline a plan tailored to your needs, which may include exercises, manual therapy and lifestyle advice. You’ll work together to fine-tune the plan and set achievable goals.
At Forever Fit, our PTs put each patient at the center of their treatment process. All assessments and treatments are performed with respect for your comfort and privacy in a private treatment room with a closing door. We’ll never insist that you try a treatment you’re not comfortable with. We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and provide education so you can make informed decisions. Most of all, we want your treatment to support your overall quality of life.
Ready to try something new for pelvic floor dysfunction? We offer pelvic rehabilitation and dry needling at select Forever Fit Maryland locations, including Severna Park and Frederick. Our Crofton and Bowie locations offer all pelvic floor therapy treatments except for dry needling. Find a location near you and give them a call to find out if they offer these specific services. You can also fill out our online appointment request form to get started.
