I haven't posted on this forum in years. I'm here to report back about my progress.
I had a major success last year in treating my symptoms with trigger point release, specifically using Dr. Wise's wand. My general pelvic pain and urinary symptoms are about 70% gone.
It's very surprising because over 15 years I had seen 8 pelvic floor physical therapists, who all said my pelvic floor was normal. I had many physical therapy sessions anyway, with no results. I flew across the country several times to see some of the best-known PTs. I attended Dr. Wise's clinic and tried using the wand, without success. I always knew that I have a habit of tensing my pelvic floor, but somehow could never find any trigger points.
Last year, during a flare, I decided to pull the wand out of my closet and just try it again one more time. To my surprise, I found trigger points for the first time. Afterwards my symptoms improved. I went back to see Tim Sawyer again and he located those trigger points. Soon my symptoms got way better. I used to have horrible frequency. Now it is much better and I can sleep through the night.
I think the main reason it took me so long to find the trigger points is that they are far in the anterior levator ani, where it is difficult for PTs to reach manually and apply enough pressure. The wand makes that possible. But even with the wand, it's hard to get the right technique. Here's what works for me:
- It only works when I lie down flat. When I first used the wand years ago, I was in my bathtub, in a reclined/seated position, which is why I think it didn't work then.
- Being on an empty stomach is important.
- Adjust the stopper so it's quite long, like 1.5 times the length of my finger.
- I go in forward, 20-60 degrees to the side, and usually I can hit several sore points. The sensation of hitting a trigger point for me is not as intense as some others describe (it doesn't make me jump or anything), but it clearly does refer pain throughout the pelvis and reproduces my symptoms.
- Hold for 60-90 seconds with firm pressure (but don't go above the limit on the pressure sensor, for safety).
Anyway, I hope this info is useful to someone. By the way thanks to webslave for doing a great service by running this forum.
Admin comment: excellent news! Perseverance pays off.
