Dry Needling

✳️ What Is Dry Needling?

A Precise, Evidence-Based Technique to Release Deep Muscle Tension and Relieve Pain

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a skilled technique used by licensed physical therapists to release tight muscles, reduce pain, and restore movement. It involves inserting a very thin, sterile needle into muscles and trigger points—especially those that are deep, overactive, or not responding to stretching or manual therapy alone.

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Unlike acupuncture (which is based on energy meridians), dry needling is based on modern anatomy and neurophysiology. It targets myofascial trigger points, which are tight, sensitive knots in muscle tissue that can cause local or referred pain and dysfunction.

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Why Use It in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Many people with pelvic floor dysfunction have deep muscle tightness or spasm in hard-to-reach areas—such as the obturator internus, levator ani, piriformis, glutes, or deep hip rotators. These muscles can contribute to:

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• Pelvic pain (vaginal, rectal, or deep hip)

• Painful sex or pelvic exams

• Tailbone pain

• Urinary urgency or frequency

• Constipation or difficulty emptying

• Postpartum or post-surgical muscle guarding

• Core, hip, or low back dysfunction

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Dry needling allows your therapist to release these trigger points quickly and directly, often in a way that hands-on therapy can’t reach—especially in the pelvic floor itself.

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Yes, We Can Needle Pelvic Floor Muscles Internally

Our team includes pelvic health specialists with advanced certification in dry needling of the internal pelvic floor muscles. This includes the ability to safely and precisely needle:

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• Levator ani complex

• Obturator internus

• Coccygeus and puborectalis

• Deep gluteal or perineal muscles

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This internal needling is always done with your full consent, privacy, and comfort in mind. It’s not required and is only offered when it is appropriate for your condition, and when you feel ready and safe.

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What Does It Feel Like?

You may feel:

• A deep ache, twitch, or cramping sensation (a “therapeutic muscle twitch”)

• Mild soreness during or after, like post-workout fatigue

• Relief or release of pressure within minutes or hours

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Most people tolerate it well and often feel lighter, looser, or more mobile after treatment.

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What Are the Benefits?

✅ Release stubborn muscle tension
✅ Reduce pelvic, hip, or low back pain
✅ Improve muscle coordination and activation
✅ Restore blood flow and reduce inflammation
✅ Accelerate healing alongside other therapies
✅ Help muscles "reset" and respond to retraining

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Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes—when performed by a licensed physical therapist with advanced training, dry needling is safe, effective, and research-supported. Our clinicians are trained specifically in internal and external needling for pelvic health, and we prioritize:

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• Your informed consent and choice

• Clean, sterile technique

• Gentle, patient-led progressions

• Respect for trauma history, sensitivities, and emotional safety

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You are always in control, and we will explain every step before beginning.

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What Conditions Might Benefit?

• Chronic pelvic pain (including vaginismus, vulvodynia, or dyspareunia)

• Coccydynia (tailbone pain)

• Endometriosis-related muscle guarding

• Painful ejaculation or chronic prostatitis

• Urinary urgency or retention

• Scar tissue restriction (e.g., C-section, perineal tear, surgery)

• Core and hip dysfunction

• Postpartum or post-surgical pelvic muscle spasm

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In Short:

Dry needling is a powerful, precise tool to help release tension, relieve pain, and reset overactive muscles—including the deep internal muscles of the pelvic floor. When combined with holistic pelvic physical therapy, it can support real and lasting progress in your healing journey.

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You Deserve Options and Control

Dry needling is just one tool in your care plan. You never have to say yes to anything that doesn’t feel right for you. We’re here to offer expert guidance, and help you heal in the way that feels safest and most effective for you.