Managing Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy with Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but it can also bring some uncomfortable challenges—like pelvic girdle pain (PGP). If you’re experiencing aches and pains around your hips, pelvis, or lower back, you’re not alone. Many pregnant women face this issue, but the good news is that safe and effective treatment options exist, including acupuncture and dry needling.
What Is Pelvic Girdle Pain?
Pelvic girdle pain refers to discomfort experienced in the pelvis area, often around the joints that connect your pelvis to your spine and legs. It can range from mild soreness to intense pain that makes walking, turning in bed, or even standing difficult. PGP typically develops in the second and third trimesters due to hormonal changes that loosen ligaments and the added weight of pregnancy, plus an increase in anterior pelvic tilt which puts extra strain on pelvic joints (O'Connor et al., 2017).
How Can Acupuncture and Dry Needling Help?
Both acupuncture and dry needling are modern techniques rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and modern pain management, respectively. They involve inserting fine needles into specific points or muscle trigger points to reduce pain and promote healing. Here’s how they can help with pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy:
1. Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation
Research shows that acupuncture can help lessen pelvic pain by stimulating the nervous system to release endorphins—your body's natural painkillers—and reduce inflammation (Vickers et al., 2018). This can lead to decreased discomfort and improved mobility. Pubic symphysis pain comes from inflammation at the actual joint (right at the front of your pubic bone) and acupuncture can not only help stabilize the pelvis as a whole, reducing the shifting and friction of this joint, but also lower the inflammation in the joint itself.
2. Improved Muscle Function and Reduced Tension
Dry needling targets tight, knotted muscles that contribute to pain. By releasing these trigger points, dry needling can help alleviate muscle tension around the pelvis, restoring better mobility and reducing strain on joints (Dommerholt & Huijbers, 2013).
3. Enhancing Circulation and Promoting Healing
Both acupuncture and dry needling can improve blood flow to the affected areas, supporting tissue repair and reducing swelling, which is common in pregnancy-related pelvic pain (Liu et al., 2019).
4. Safety for Pregnant Women
When performed by trained, licensed practitioners, acupuncture and dry needling are considered safe during pregnancy. They are non-pharmacological options that avoid medication-related risks, making them attractive choices for expectant mothers seeking relief.
Is It Safe and Effective?
Numerous studies support the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture for managing pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy. A review published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that acupuncture can significantly reduce pelvic pain during pregnancy when performed by trained professionals (Smith et al., 2018). Dry needling has also shown promising results in reducing musculoskeletal pain, including in pregnant women, with minimal side effects when done correctly (Kietrys et al., 2013).
What Should You Do?
If you’re experiencing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, consult with a healthcare provider experienced in prenatal care and acupuncture. They can develop a personalized, safe treatment plan tailored to your needs. Always ensure that your practitioner is licensed and certified in acupuncture or dry needling, especially for pregnant patients.
Final Thoughts
Pelvic girdle pain can be uncomfortable, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Acupuncture and dry needling are safe, drug-free options that can provide relief, improve your mobility, and help you enjoy your pregnancy experience more fully. If you’re in Calgary and interested in exploring these options, talk to a qualified practitioner to see how they can support you through this special time.
References
Dommerholt, J., & Huijbers, A. (2013). Dry needling: Contemporary perspectives and strategies. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17(4), 430–437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.04.005
Kietrys, D. M., Palombaro, K. M., & Azzaretto, E. (2013). Effectiveness of dry needling for upper-quarter myofascial pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 43(9), 620–629. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2013.4550
Liu, Y., Wang, Y., & Zhang, Z. (2019). Acupuncture therapy for musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1427163
O'Connor, S., Kiran, R., & O'Neill, A. (2017). Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy: A review of the current evidence. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 37(3), 295–302. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443615.2016.1185082
Smith, C. A., Collins, C., & Crowther, C. (2018). Acupuncture for pain management in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018(10), CD003869. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003869.pub4
Vickers, A. J., Cronin, A. M., & Maschino, A. C. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455–471. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005