Pelvic Floor Acupuncture 
One in five people, both men and women, will experience a pelvic floor disorder in their lifetime. Pelvic floor disorders and lower abdominal dysfunction can occur with weakened pelvic muscles and connective tissue which contribute to pain, bladder control problems and bowel issues.
How do I know if I need help with my pelvic floor?
In women pelvic floor dysfunction is involved in conditions such as:
- Chronic constipation
- Bladder control problems such as urgency or dribbling,
- Urinary Incontinence
- Diffuse gluteal pain
- Diffuse lower extremity pain
- Dyspareunia, or pain with intercourse
- Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
- Endometriosis
- Vulvodynia (Vulvodynia causes severe pain, burning, and stinging of the vulva)
- Pain from an episiotomy or scaring
- Pain with urination or defecation
- Scarring from C-Section
- Tailbone pain
In women pelvic floor dysfunction can happen:
- During pregnancy such as pubic symphysis pain, (Pain felt in the front middle of the pubic bone, in the lower back on one or both sides, and/or in the perineum
- After childbirth
- After surgical intervention such as hysterectomy.
In men pelvic floor dysfunction is involved in such conditions as:
- Chronic constipation
- Straining or pain during bowel movements
- Lower back pain
- Testicular, groin or hip pain, pelvic or tailbone pain
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary incontinence
- Pain with urination or defecation
- Diffuse gluteal pain
- Diffuse lower extremity pain
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Acupuncture
Pelvic Floor Acupuncture involves needling local soft tissue and ligaments in the areas that have a direct effect on the pelvic floor. Acupuncture helps by releasing taut muscle tissue and fascial adhesions to create more space and range of motion in the tissue. This helps the muscles and ligaments involved with the pelvic floor to:
- Relax tight muscle tissue, ligaments and fascia that can have a direct impact on the pelvic floor and its functions.
- Make direct contact between the pelvic floor muscles and the central nervous system to lower pain signals.
- Create neurological reintegration and readjustment of your muscles. Inactive or weak muscles can be activated with gentle acupuncture stimulation and tight muscle tissue can be relaxed.
Common Questions
Where will you be needling?
Anatomical areas that affect the pelvic floor include the lower back, glutes, abdominal muscles, and adductors as well as local needling near sensitive areas of the rectum or groin if needed.
Does it hurt?
We use small size needles to minimize any discomfort during the needling process.
Who can benefit from pelvic floor acupuncture?
Both women and men can benefit. Acupuncture can benefit these conditions by releasing taut muscle tissue and fascial adhesions to create more space and range of motion in the tissue.
Women can benefit from pelvic floor acupuncture for conditions such as:
- Chronic constipation
- Bladder control problems such as urgency or dribbling,
- Urinary Incontinence
- Diffuse gluteal pain
- Diffuse lower extremity pain
- Dyspareunia, or pain with intercourse
- Dysmenorrhea (painful periods),
- Endometriosis
- Vulvodynia (Vulvodynia causes severe pain, burning, and stinging of the vulva)
- Pain from an episiotomy or scaring
- Pain with urination or defecation
- Scarring from C-Section
- Tailbone pain
Men can benefit from pelvic floor acupuncture for:
- Chronic constipation
- Straining or pain during bowel movements
- Lower back pain
- Testicular, groin or hip pain, pelvic or tailbone pain
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary incontinence
- Pain with urination or defecation
- Diffuse gluteal pain
- Diffuse lower extremity pain
Should I still see my pelvic floor physiotherapist?
Yes! Acupuncture helps release tight muscle tissue and restore homeostasis in the soft tissue. For best success with pelvic floor issues, we strongly recommend seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist in conjunction with acupuncture.