Electrical Stimulation
âš¡ Electrical Stimulation in Pelvic Floor PT
A Modern, Evidence-Based Way to Calm Pain, Activate Muscles & Support Healing
What Is Electrical Stimulation?
Electrical stimulation (or "e-stim") refers to the use of low-level electrical currents to either:
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Calm overactive nerves and reduce pain
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Gently wake up and retrain weak or underactive muscles
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Help the brain reconnect with pelvic floor function
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Heal surgical and nonsurgical wounds
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It’s a safe, comfortable, and research-supported tool used in many areas of physical therapy—including orthopedic rehab, sports recovery, and now, pelvic floor therapy.
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1. Dry Needling with Neuromodulation
In this advanced technique, your therapist combines dry needling with gentle electrical current applied to the needles. This creates a mild, rhythmic stimulation that can:
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Calm irritated nerves and reduce pain
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Improve blood flow and tissue healing
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Relax tight muscles (especially deep pelvic muscles)
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Re-educate the brain-muscle connection
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Help rewire dysfunctional pain patterns in chronic conditions
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We use this method specifically with patients experiencing:
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Chronic pelvic pain
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Pudendal neuralgia
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Post-surgical muscle guarding
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Endometriosis-related pain
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Deep gluteal syndrome or piriformis syndrome
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Painful muscle tightness unresponsive to manual therapy alone
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Important: We have specialized training and certification in internal and external dry needling with neuromodulation, including for pelvic floor and deep hip muscles. It is always done with your consent and comfort as the top priority.
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What Does It Feel Like?
Most people describe it as:
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A mild pulsing or tapping sensation
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Slight tingling or warmth
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Sometimes followed by a gentle soreness, like post-workout fatigue
The intensity is always adjustable, and your therapist will guide you through it step by step.
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2. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
TENS uses small, adhesive pads placed on the skin to deliver gentle, surface-level stimulation. It’s used to:
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Relieve pain by “distracting” pain signals from reaching the brain
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Calm the nervous system (especially helpful with chronic pelvic pain or nerve irritation)
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Support at-home pain relief between sessions
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TENS is often used for:
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Menstrual or endometriosis pain
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Pudendal neuralgia
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Tailbone or low back pain
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Postpartum recovery
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Scar sensitivity
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Overactive bladder or pelvic tension
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TENS is non-invasive and comfortable, and we can teach you how to use it safely at home.
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What Are the Benefits?
✅ Decreases pain and nerve irritation
✅ Relaxes overactive muscles
✅ Activates and strengthens weak pelvic muscles
✅ Supports the nervous system’s shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and repair”
✅ Enhances neuroplasticity (your brain’s ability to rewire and heal)
✅ Complements manual therapy and movement re-training
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Is It Safe?
Yes—electrical stimulation is safe and well-tolerated, especially when guided by a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist with advanced training. Contraindications and precautions are reviewed with each patient, and we adjust everything to your needs and comfort.
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Common Questions
Q: Will it hurt?
A: No. Most people find it relaxing or mildly stimulating. You’re in control the entire time.
Q: Do I have to do this?
A: Never. Electrical stimulation is one of many options. We’ll only use it if you’re curious and comfortable.
Q: Is it safe internally?
A: Yes—internal neuromodulation with dry needling is done only by therapists with specialized pelvic training and is performed with strict safety and consent protocols.
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In Short:
Electrical stimulation is a powerful, non-invasive way to decrease pain, improve muscle function, and support your healing—especially when used alongside skilled pelvic floor physical therapy. Whether you’re managing chronic pelvic pain, muscle tension, or nerve-related symptoms, we’re here to guide you through every option that supports your goals and safety.
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Your Healing, Your Pace
Electrical stimulation is just one tool in a personalized plan designed around you—your body, your history, and your healing timeline. You never have to go faster than you're ready, and every technique we offer is optional and explained clearly.