Can Acupuncture Help Reduce Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Acupuncture is an excellent therapeutic modality to use in conjunction with physical therapy
Guest blogger, Mindy Pickard *
Acupuncture is an excellent therapeutic modality to use in conjunction with physical therapy. Both women and men can benefit from having an acupuncturist on their care team. Whether you are experiencing hormonal issues, e.g., endometriosis or PCOS, bladder or bowel conditions, penile or prostate pain, menopause or physical trauma from childbirth, acupuncture may help you feel better by:
Reducing pain intensity
In the same way that it helps calm, over-used, shortened and tight muscles in the low back or shoulder, acupuncture can relieve pelvic muscle pain. Similarly, weak and inactive muscles can be activated with gentle acupuncture stimulation. The needling techniques create direct communication between the pelvic floor muscles and the central nervous system, allowing for the readjustment of muscles and reduction of pain signals.
Dialing down the nervous system and balancing the autonomic nervous system
Recent research conducted by Jennifer H. Fang, BA of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School**, suggests that acupuncture balances the parasympathetic nervous system which is part of the autonomic nervous system. It does this through the release of oxytocin and neurotransmitters - endorphins, norepinephrine and enkephalin. When the body receives these “feel good” and pain-relieving substances, a true feeling of calm permeates the body and mind. Weekly acupuncture can help shift the body into this “calm and connect” mode, as opposed to “flight or fight” mode.
Balancing body systems and improving functionality
It’s not just musculoskeletal issues that improve with acupuncture. Digestion and elimination, urinary and bowel function, immune and metabolic function, and even skin quality of the vulva region may improve with acupuncture.
If you would like to discuss further with one of our physical therapists, email us at info@solsticept.com or call (929) 269-2505 to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation.
**Fang J. 7513: Acupuncture for Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Literature Review. Presented at: AAGL’s 51st Global Congress on MIGS; December 1, 2022; Aurora, Colorado.
*Owner and founder of Three Treasures Acupuncture, PC, a private practice in Manhattan and West Hurley, NY since 2005. Ms. Pickard specializes in treatment of pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in men and women, in addition to other women’s health issues, allergies and acupuncture physical medicine. She believes that collaboration among practitioners is the ultimate key to success with respect to pelvic issues and frequently works with the Solstice Physiotherapy team.