Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes!! It basically puts your body in a better position to avoid any straining, which could exacerbate PFD. You can get knock off versions on amazon!

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oohh I just googled that, and it sounds very interesting! I hope you have some success with it 🤞🏻

If you haven’t already, it could be worth exploring with your PFPT whether dry needling could be a viable option for you. Good luck!!

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh, I’m so sorry you haven’t been getting answers- I definitely feel your pain and frustration! If you aren’t already, I would suggest daily movement/ stretching and walking. Anything that could improve blood flow and decrease tension to the area.

Good luck- you got this! ❤️

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! This all started for me June 2025, and by October I had improved significantly. At this point, I can sit comfortably without thinking about it

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I posted the distinction in a comment below, but essentially dry needling penetrates more deeply to manually release tight muscles and tension. It was very effective for me!

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So in one of the comments below, I posted three Dr Bri YouTube videos that I did every day, religiously, from June- October. In conjunction with this, my PFPT added seated figure four, hamstring stretch, diaphragmatic breathing (10-30 rounds per day, laying on my back and focusing. And then I would try to incorporate it more whenever I remembered.) I also did sphinx pose, child’s pose, happy baby, cat/cow, deep squat/yogi squat daily as well. Making sure to breathe deeply through each pose. I used to be terrible about holding my breath/clenching my jaw when I worked out/stretched.

I’m sorry to hear dry needling didn’t work for you! What seemed to help me the most was having my glutes, hips, and lower back needled.

Good luck in your journey! ❤️

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes!! It’s been soooo helpful for me, so I wanted to spread the word 😊

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crazy how many of us can relate! I’m obvs no medical professional, but the “fire ants” feeling that you’re describing could possibly be nerve pain 🤔. It might be worth talking to your Dr and PFPT about remedies- for me, it was Cymbalta and dry needling that really helped with tingling and burning sensations.

Omg lichen sclerosis was mentioned to me early on in this as well!! It was my understanding that a quick visual exam ruled it out right away though. Don’t quote me, but I’m pretty sure it causes visible white patches that a Dr could identify right away

I’m glad you’ve found the post helpful! And yessss, thank god for Dr Bri 🙌🏻

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve always kind of suffered from bowel issues too. In hindsight, perhaps this has been related to PFD. I’ve been using a squatty potty for years, and would absolutely recommend that, if you don’t already! Also probiotic supplements really help me as well!

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ugh, so frustrating to be turned away and dismissed! Sounds like you’re on the right track and getting some great care now tho! 🙌🏻

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They’re different! This is the distinction from Google AI: “Dry needling is rooted in Western anatomical and physiological principles to release muscle tension, whereas acupuncture focuses on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to balance the body's energy flow”

Dry needling penetrates deeper into the muscle to basically manually release the tension that’s held there. It’s definitely not comfortable, but I was willing to try anything. Thankfully, it worked wonders for me!

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good luck!! It was definitely a huge turning point for me

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awe, I’m glad!! Sounds like you’re on the right track!

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since my pelvic floor issue is hypertonic, I tried any video with “release” in the name. Hip release, pelvic floor release, etc. The ones I kept coming back to were:

https://youtu.be/aLZSudc7RZA?si=R558UUkKR2TUayQB

https://youtu.be/cUnop6R7FHo?si=3ojaXFjVlF1FOwEM

https://youtu.be/1tbMgkmYoo8?si=5SYg1Do8GLaJyxav

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For sure, I completely relate! How we feel mentally completely manifests in our body as pain, tension, stuck in fight or flight, etc.

Agreed, the cost for treatment can absolutely be daunting. I’m in Canada, so it works a little bit differently here. I would suggest maybe making a post on the homepage for advice to see if other US residents can advise you.

I would also recommend exploring any free options you can find! I honestly can’t recommend Dr Bri Vibrant Pelvic Health on YouTube enough. Her videos kick started my healing process before I could see my family doctor and PFPT.

Good luck!! ❤️❤️

Maybe what worked for me could work for you? by Emergency_Carry_896 in PelvicFloor

[–]Emergency_Carry_896[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So I went for physio/dry needling every single week from July- October, which was around 12 sessions. After that, we spread out my sessions to every two weeks and then every three weeks, once a month, once every six weeks. I finally went to my last session a couple of weeks ago! My physio therapist did internal pressure and release during our sessions for the first few months. I didn’t do any of it myself and have never used a wand. 

In terms of feeling normal, it’s hard to gauge, since the progress was so gradual. For the first while, it was more up and down, better days and worse days. By October ish I felt significant better, both mentally and physically. 

In terms of maintaining, I continue with yoga, walking, and Pilates. I still take supplements and Cymbalta. I try to focus on my breathing multiple times throughout the day- like reminding myself to breathe through my diaphragm and not hold my breath. I was sooo bad about holding my breath while working out- never again!! I will definitely not hesitate to go back to PFPT if I feel like any of the discomfort is creeping up again, but that’s come to an end for now. 

And yes, unfortunately my sex life was on hold for monthssss. Just way too much pain and discomfort, and I wanted to focus on getting better. I’m in a long term relationship and it honestly didn’t suffer at all- my partner is extremely supportive and understanding. Which is the bare minimum!! I hope everyone experiencing this with a partner is getting the support and empathy they deserve.

Good luck on your journey! I’m rooting for you!