About acupuncture for pelvic floor dysfunction

Acupuncture for pelvic floor dysfunction (with Eva)

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a surprisingly common condition that can lead to pain and frustration, and treating it successfully is not always as simple as doing Kegels or deep breathing exercises.

The pelvic floor is a dynamic set of muscles and connective tissues that manage bladder and bowel function and support the reproductive organs. Dysfunction can arise as the result of injuries and accidents, pregnancy and childbirth, emotional stress, and even poor posture. The muscles of the pelvic floor can become tight (hypertonic), weak (hypotonic), or both tight and weak.

If you have been dealing with unexplained urinary frequency or urgency, incomplete voiding, pain with sex, chronic constipation, or hemorrhoids, pelvic floor dysfunction might be to blame.

How acupuncture helps

The pelvic floor is highly responsive to the state of the nervous system. When the body is in a constant low-grade stress response, muscles tend to guard and tighten. Over time, that can contribute to pain, urgency, and difficulty relaxing. Acupuncture helps to calm the nervous system and release overly tight muscles so that the muscles can begin to function more normally.

One of the more consistent patterns we see is the relationship between jaw tension and pelvic floor tension. If you’re someone who clenches your jaw, grinds your teeth, or carries tension in your neck and shoulders, there’s a good chance your pelvic floor is responding in a similar way. As those patterns begin to shift, pelvic symptoms often change as well.

For this reason, acupuncture for pelvic floor dysfunction only rarely involves needling in the muscles of the pelvic floor. Instead, treatment starts with regulating the nervous system and working with the broader muscle patterns that influence how the pelvic floor functions, which often involves needling in the lower abdomen, hips, and glutes, as well as the neck, shoulders, and jaw. If local pelvic needling is ever appropriate, it’s something we discuss first and approach gradually. Any pelvic needling is strictly external, and can be done with the patient wearing thong underwear.

What to expect

This is a process. Pelvic floor issues tend to develop over time, and treatment focuses on gradual, sustainable change. Most patients begin to notice shifts within a few visits, with continued improvement over time.

Please note: Due to the sensitive nature of pelvic floor issues, this service is only available as a private appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Will you be placing needles in the pelvic floor?

Many patients improve without any local pelvic needling. Any needling of the pelvic floor muscles is only done with your full consent and after a full discussion of what to expect.

Can this help if my symptoms seem stress-related?

Yes. The pelvic floor often reflects what’s happening in the nervous system. Acupuncture is well known for its calming effects.

Do I need pelvic floor physical therapy, too?

We highly recommend doing both if you can! Pelvic floor physical therapy and acupuncture work well together. If you’ve tried pelvic floor PT but stopped because of physical or emotional discomfort, acupuncture can help improve your tolerance to PT in the future, should you choose to revisit it.

How long does this take?

Most patients notice some change within a few visits. Longer-standing issues take more time, but tend to respond well to consistent treatment.

I’m a man, but I have some of these symptoms. Do men get pelvic floor dysfunction?

Everyone has a pelvic floor, so everyone has the potential to develop pelvic floor dysfunction.

Can I talk to Eva before booking an appointment?

 Of course! Contact me to set up a time for a free phone consultation.