Acupuncture is a really useful treatment for many women with pelvic health problems. It can be useful in the treatment of a range of pelvic pain conditions and overactive bladder symptoms.
What is acupuncture?
Traditionally a Chinese treatment, Acupuncture has been around for over 4000 years. Acupuncture involves using fine needles to stimulate sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles of the body. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins, and an increase in blood to the area, encouraging healing.
In treatments, we combine traditional Chinese methods with western medical acupuncture. We may also use electroacupuncture (see below).
There is now a growing body of evidence which supports the use of acupuncture in chronic pain and NICE (National institute of clinical excellence 2021) recommends acupuncture in the management of chronic pain.
Benefits
It can offer;
- Pain relief
- Reduces stress; helps regulate the nervous system and induces relaxation
- Promotes the body’s natural healing
- Increases blood flow to the area
- Reduces muscle tightness
- Encourages better quality sleep
In problems with an overactive bladder, we also offer PTNS (Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation) through the use of Electroacupuncture. It can help with symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence.
Electroacupuncture
This involves inserting needles which are attached to the electrodes of an electroacupuncture machine. These units are designed to deliver variable amplitudes and frequencies of electrical impulses. Low-frequency electroacupuncture is intended to contribute to the mechanism of pain reduction, especially by stimulating chemicals in the brain that aid analgesia, relaxation and sleep.
Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture treatments will be offered and discussed with you only after a detailed initial pelvic health Physiotherapy assessment. It is often combined with other treatments and sometimes as a stand-alone treatment.