Dry Needling for Pelvic Pain
In this post, we’re going to unpack the benefits of dry needling for pelvic pain. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I find so much value in using manual therapy techniques to improve a client’s pain and comfort levels so they can tolerate higher level activities. Dry needling is a technique that can provide tremendous benefits for individuals suffering from chronic pelvic pain. Common conditions of pelvic pain include endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids, vaginismus, and dyspareunia.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a technique where thin needles are inserted into muscle knots or trigger points (TrP). These points often develop due to muscle overuse, stress, or trauma and can cause discomfort at the site and refer pain to other body areas.
When the needle is inserted into a trigger point, it often causes a local twitch response—an involuntary muscle contraction followed by relaxation. This response is believed to interrupt the cycle of muscle tightness or spasm. Additionally, dry needling is thought to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the muscle tissue, creating a more favorable environment for muscle function.
By releasing tight muscles and enhancing communication between muscles and nerves, dry needling can help restore proper muscle activation and improve movement patterns.
Which muscles are affected by chronic pelvic pain?
One of the distinct characteristic of chronic pelvic pain is myofascial pain and trigger points within muscles of the pelvic floor and outside of it. In fact, studies have shown that many people with chronic pelvic pain have trigger points in the abdomen, which can refer pain to the genital area. In addition to abdominal muscles, there are several other muscles with trigger point referral patterns that can refer pain to the pelvic floor. These include: obturator internus, adductor magnus, iliopsoas, quadratus lumborum, and piriformis.
How can dry needling help with chronic pelvic pain?
Dry needling muscles in the pelvic floor in addition to muscles that refer pain to the pelvic floor can be incredibly impactful for someone suffering from chronic pelvic pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments, such as therapeutic exercise, stretching, massage, or medication. By directly addressing trigger points and areas of muscle tension, dry needling can help alleviate pain, optimize muscle function, and improve mobility, providing relief where other interventions have fallen short. These positive effects can allow someone with chronic pelvic pain the ability to participate more fully in daily activities/work/school, exercise without discomfort or fatigue, and have optimal bowel/bladder/sexual function.
How do I get started with dry needling?
If you’re someone with chronic pelvic pain and interested in trying needling, I recommend setting up an initial physical therapy evaluation with me at Arlo Physical Therapy & Wellness. Before we initiate dry needling, it’s important for me to learn your medical history, understand the characteristics of your symptoms, and perform a comprehensive orthopedic/pelvic floor exam so I can decide if dry needling is in your best interest.
To schedule your first visit with me, click this link. I am accepting new patients for pelvic floor physical therapy at my office locations in Eagan and New Hope, MN.
I can’t wait to work with you!
Dr. Ariana Lopez, PT, DPT is a women’s health physical therapist serving the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. She specializes in treating women of all stages of life, from period to menopause. Ariana has a passion for serving the pregnant/postpartum population in addition to dancers/performing artists. Arlo Physical Therapy & Wellness was created as part of Ariana’s vision to better serve Minnesota women seeking relief from chronic pain, injuries, and pelvic floor issues. She offers in-person and telehealth physical therapy using a person-first approach rooted in trauma-informed care.
