Pelvic pain and the use of acupuncture

Author(s): K. L. Rothwell - Pages: 39–44

Abstract

A 44-year-old mother of one who worked as a legal secretary was referred to a women’s health physiotherapist via a consultant gynaecologist for treatment of long-standing pelvic pain and rehabilitation of her pelvic floor. Assessment revealed a multifactorial presentation. Dysmenorrhoea (i.e. painful menstrual cramps of uterine origin), urinary frequency, constipation, and a painful dragging sensation in the pelvis and lower back that was associated with uterine descent and poor core stability were revealed as the primary complaints. Six sessions of physiotherapy/acupuncture were attended, and a Visual Analogue Scale reduction from 8 to 3 has been elicited to date. Treatment is ongoing since only one menstruation has passed since treatment began and cyclical treatment is envisaged.

Keywords: acupuncture, cystocoele, dysmenorrhoea, pelvic pain, pelvic floor muscles.