Vaginismus is often described as a psychosexual condition characterized by involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor musculature that interferes with vaginal penetration. However, this definition alone fails to capture the complexity of what is truly occurring within the nervous system, musculature, and threat-response pathways of the body. Vaginismus is not simply a muscle problem. It is not simply a psychological issue. It is a learned, protective, nervous system response. Clinical...

As pelvic health rehabilitation continues to evolve, clinicians are expanding their understanding of how to assess and influence the complex neuromuscular systems that regulate pelvic floor function. Pelvic floor dysfunction is rarely isolated to muscle tissue alone—it reflects an interaction between the peripheral nervous system, central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. Dry needling is increasingly recognized as a valuable and evidence-informed intervention in pelvic health...

Dry needling has grown rapidly in clinical physical therapy practice, yet state practice acts and Board regulations vary in how they define the physical therapy scope as it relates to dry needling and what they require for clinicians to perform the skill legally and safely.  At its core: Physical therapy practice acts are state-specific laws and regulations that define what therapists may legally do under a PT license in said state. Dry needling may be expressly included in that scope,...