Pelvic Health Education, Women's Health and Wellness Marysa Warnhoff Pelvic Health Education, Women's Health and Wellness Marysa Warnhoff

Pelvic Floor Dry Needling: A Powerful Tool for Pain Relief and Recovery

You may have heard of dry needling as a technique to relieve muscle pain, but did you know it can also be used to treat the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles?

Dry needling can be a valuable addition to pelvic floor rehabilitation, especially for symptoms such as:

  • Pelvic pain

  • Abdominal pain

  • Tailbone pain

  • Painful intercourse

  • Postpartum scar discomfort

  • Urinary urgency or frequency

    What Is Dry Needling?

    Dry needling is a safe and effective technique used by trained professionals to help relieve pain and improve mobility. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into muscles and painful points to:

  • Decrease muscle tension

  • Improve blood flow

  • Interrupt pain signals

  • Restore normal tissue function

What Is Pelvic Floor Dry Needling?

Because the pelvic floor is made up of muscles, it can also develop tightness or tender points - just like your neck, shoulders, or back. Dry needles can be inserted into these pelvic muscles to help:

  • Reduce pain

  • Improve circulation

  • Support better muscle relaxation and contraction

  • Enhance overall pelvic floor function

This can be done by carefully inserting the needles externally through the pelvis to reach specific pelvic floor muscles. Don’t worry, it’s not what you were thinking 😉

What to Expect During a Session

Your first session will include a thorough evaluation, including a detailed history of your symptoms and medical background, assessment of posture, breathing, movement patterns and pelvic floor function.

If dry needling is appropriate for you, it may be included as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, always with your informed consent. Of course, dry needling is always optional, and your comfort is our top priority! Your plan may also include:

  • Hands-on (manual) therapy

  • Breathing and core exercises

  • Lifestyle and movement education

  • Other targeted exercises to support healing

    What to Expect After Dry Needling

    It’s common to feel mild soreness in the treated area for 24–48 hours. This is similar to the feeling after a good workout. Gentle movement, walking, or light exercise can help ease the soreness and support recovery.

    Final Thoughts

    Pelvic floor dry needling is just one tool in a broader, holistic approach to pelvic health. When combined with other physical therapy strategies, it can help you move more comfortably, reduce pain, and feel more in control of your body again.

    If you’re curious whether pelvic floor dry needling could be helpful for you, book an appointment today!

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Pelvic Health Education, Women's Health and Wellness Marysa Warnhoff Pelvic Health Education, Women's Health and Wellness Marysa Warnhoff

Leaking with Sneezing, Coughing, and Exercising? Is It Just Pelvic Floor Weakness?

Have you ever sneezed, coughed, or jumped during a workout only to feel a small leak of urine? You’re not alone. Stress urinary incontinence (leaking with pressure or impact) is common, but it’s not something you just have to live with. It’s also not always about having a “weak” pelvic floor.

Why Does Leaking Happen?

Leaking with activity is a sign that your core system isn’t working together optimally. The pelvic floor, diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and back muscles form a team that should coordinate with your breathing and movement. When this system is off, leaks can happen.

Here are a few reasons why you might be leaking:

  • Core muscle coordination is off
     The timing between your breath, pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles may not be in sync.

  • Too much tension in the system
     A tight pelvic floor doesn’t always mean a strong one. Overactive muscles can’t generate power effectively, which can lead to leaks.

  • Muscle or connective tissue weakness
     Pregnancy, birth, surgery, or chronic strain (hello constipation!) can reduce the support structures of the pelvic floor and surrounding core.

  • Compensation from other muscles
     Sometimes the glutes, inner thighs, or abdominals aren’t functioning optimally.  This makes the pelvic floor overwork, leading to fatigue and leaking.

How Can Pelvic Floor PT Help?

A pelvic floor physical therapist looks beyond just “strength.” At your evaluation, we’ll assess:

  • How your pelvic floor contracts and relaxes

  • Your breathing pattern and core coordination

  • Muscle tension or restrictions in the hips, back, or abdominals

  • Posture, alignment, and movement strategies during daily activities and exercise

From there, treatment may include:

  • Teaching you how to coordinate your breath with movement

  • Relaxation techniques for an overactive pelvic floor

  • Targeted strengthening where it’s actually needed

  • Hands-on techniques to reduce tightness in the hips, back, or abdomen

  • Pelvic floor dry needling to decrease muscle tension, improve blood flow, and help muscles activate more effectively

  • Functional retraining so you can cough, sneeze, and exercise without leaks

The Bottom line: Leaking is common, but it is not normal and it doesn’t always mean you just need Kegels. Pelvic floor PT takes a whole-body approach including tools like breath training, manual therapy, and dry needling to restore coordination, strength, and balance so you can move confidently - without worrying about leaks.

Think pelvic floor therapy is the next right step for you? Give our office a call today or fill out an appointment form and we’ll be in touch!

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