LifeMotion Offers New Game Changing Service: Pelvic Floor Dry Needling
Dr. Hartley Bowman and Dr. Megan Bojko, recently completed advanced training in pelvic floor dry needling. Now we know that sounds a little intimidating, but dry needling techniques during the pregnancy period have been shown to be safe and effective for treatment of a variety of conditions. You may be interested, but have a few questions. We are here to answer them!
What is dry needling?
To briefly summarize, dry needling is a safe and effective treatment to address muscular pain and trigger points that are related to dysfunction in the body. In this procedure, a thin monofilament needle (similar to an acupuncture needle) is inserted into the skin and muscle to stimulate the underlying muscle, typically in conjunction with electrical stimulation through the applied needle. Results can often be immediate and powerful! Patients often experience a relief of pain and increased range of motion in the affected area. Treatment afterward consists of guided exercise to further improve muscle health.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is the group of muscles that sits like a sling in the base of the pelvis in women and men. These muscles provide stability to our core, support to our pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, uterus), maintain bladder and bowel function, allow for sexual function, and help move blood and lymphatic fluid from our legs into our torso.
What is pelvic floor dry needling?
With pelvic floor dry needling, we can utilize the technique described above to address a variety of pelvic dysfunctions, including:
- Urinary and fecal incontinence or urgency
- Constipation
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse and much more!
This technique can be used to reduce high levels of tension in the pelvis, as well as help improve the brain’s ability to communicate effectively with the muscles. Pelvic floor dry needling is available to both women and men to address any of the above concerns, no matter if they are a new problem or have been going on for years.
What about needling during pregnancy and postpartum?
Two of the most common complaints related to pregnancy and postpartum are headaches and hand/wrist pain. Migraines affect around 20% of pregnant women and 30-40% of postpartum women. Additionally, the classic “Mommy Thumb” experience is found to occur in about 31-62% of women during pregnancy and often persists up to 12 months later, noted as pain and swelling in the wrist and hand with use. Due to the constraints on pharmacological interventions during pregnancy and postpartum, many women are often left at a loss for how to manage their symptoms. Dry needling alongside skilled therapeutic care can be an excellent alternative to manage pain while you care for your little ones!
How can I receive this intervention?
If you have a musculoskeletal pain complaint or are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction and are wondering if dry needling is right for you, please reach out to our office today to schedule an evaluation. We would love to meet with you and help you get back to living your life in motion!
