Pelvic Floor Acupuncture in Calgary

A Different Perspective on Pelvic Health

Individualized acupuncture care for pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and the interconnected systems of the body.

Pelvic health is something we all have in common.

Yet when something isn't working quite right in this part of the body, finding answers isn't always straightforward.

Perhaps you're experiencing persistent pelvic pain, tension, urinary difficulties, or discomfort that seems to come and go without an obvious explanation.

Maybe you've seen several healthcare providers, undergone testing, or been told everything looks normal, but you're still experiencing symptoms.

Or perhaps you've recently started noticing changes and aren't quite sure where to begin.

Whatever brings you here, your experience deserves to be heard and taken seriously.

I'm Dr. Tanya Kelloway, a Doctor of Acupuncture practising since 2010, with additional training and a special clinical interest in pelvic floor health.

I work with people of all genders, combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with a contemporary understanding of anatomy, neurology, and musculoskeletal function to provide thoughtful, individualized care.

My goal is to help you better understand your body, explore the connections that may be contributing to your symptoms, and consider how acupuncture might fit into your care.

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Your Pelvic Floor Is More Than Just a Group of Muscles

The pelvic floor is a network of muscles and connective tissues that supports the pelvic organs and contributes to bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and movement.

But those muscles don't work alone.

The pelvis is a remarkable intersection of muscles, nerves, organs, blood vessels, and connective tissues, all working together in a relatively small space.

Your pelvic floor interacts with your hips, lower back, abdominal muscles, diaphragm, nervous system, and digestive and urinary systems.

When one part of this complex network isn't functioning comfortably, the symptoms can sometimes be felt somewhere else.

That's one of the reasons pelvic symptoms can be so difficult to understand.

And it's why I believe pelvic health deserves a broader perspective.

Pelvic Health Concerns I Work With

Pelvic floor concerns can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or stage of life.

People seek pelvic health care for a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Persistent or chronic pelvic pain

• Pelvic floor muscle tension and discomfort

• Perineal pain

• Vulvar, vaginal, penile, or testicular pain

• Pain associated with sexual activity

• Urinary urgency, frequency, or difficulties with urination

• Bladder-related pelvic discomfort

• Bowel-related pelvic discomfort

• Tailbone, groin, hip, and sacral pain

• Pregnancy- and postpartum-related pelvic concerns

• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)

• Pelvic symptoms that have not been clearly explained

These symptoms can have many different causes, and some require medical assessment or treatment.

Acupuncture may be considered as one component of a broader pelvic health care plan, depending on your individual circumstances.

Why I Take a Whole-Body Approach to Pelvic Health

One of the things that fascinates me most about pelvic floor medicine is how many different systems come together in such a small area of the body.

Muscles, nerves, urinary and reproductive organs, bowel function, circulation, and the nervous system all interact.

Our experience of pelvic pain can also be influenced by sleep, stress, previous injuries, movement patterns, and the way the nervous system processes pain.

Traditional Chinese Medicine encourages us to look at relationships and patterns rather than viewing symptoms in isolation.

In my practice, I combine this perspective with additional pelvic floor training and contemporary knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

Depending on your symptoms, we may explore connections involving:

• The pelvic floor and surrounding muscles

• The hips, lower back, and sacrum

• Nerve pathways involved in pelvic sensation and function

• Bladder and bowel health

• Musculoskeletal tension and movement

• Stress and nervous system regulation

• Sleep, digestion, and overall well-being

Two people may experience similar symptoms for very different reasons.

That's why individualized assessment and treatment matter.

Rather than assuming that every pelvic symptom has the same cause, my goal is to understand your particular experience and develop an approach that makes sense for you.

What Does Pelvic Floor Acupuncture Involve?

Your first appointment begins with a conversation.

We'll discuss your symptoms, health history, previous assessments or treatments, and what you're hoping to achieve.

Because pelvic symptoms can involve several different systems, I will ask questions about your bladder and bowel function, musculoskeletal health, sleep, stress, and other relevant aspects of your health.

Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

• Acupuncture

• Electroacupuncture, when appropriate

• Acupuncture targeting relevant musculoskeletal structures

• Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment

• Education about pelvic anatomy and function

• Individualized self-care recommendations

• Collaboration with other healthcare providers

Treatment is always discussed with you beforehand and adapted to your comfort level, preferences, and clinical needs.

What About Needle Placement?

One of the questions people sometimes have about pelvic floor acupuncture is whether treatment involves internal needling.

There are no internal needles used in my pelvic floor acupuncture treatments.

Depending on your symptoms and treatment plan, acupuncture may involve needles placed locally in the pelvic region, as well as in areas such as the lower back, sacrum, hips, abdomen, or legs.

All needles are placed externally, and I'll always explain the proposed treatment areas beforehand so you know what to expect.

Your comfort, privacy, and informed consent are always priorities. You're welcome to ask questions or decline any part of treatment at any time.

Pelvic Health Is a Team Effort

Pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction can be complex, and sometimes the best care involves several healthcare professionals working together.

Depending on your symptoms, you may benefit from assessment or treatment involving a family physician, urologist, gynecologist, pelvic floor physiotherapist, or another healthcare provider.

I practise at Naturally Balanced Therapy in Calgary, alongside practitioners offering physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, counselling, and naturopathic medicine.

I value collaborative care and believe that considering different clinical perspectives can be helpful when navigating persistent or complex pelvic symptoms.

Acupuncture is not a replacement for appropriate medical investigation or treatment, but it may have a role within an individualized, multidisciplinary approach.

You Deserve to Understand Your Body

Pelvic symptoms can be frustrating, particularly when you've been searching for answers for a long time.

And because pelvic health involves parts of the body that people don't always feel comfortable talking about, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to turn.

But pelvic symptoms are health concerns, just like symptoms anywhere else in the body.

They deserve curiosity, compassion, and thoughtful care.

You don't need to know exactly what's causing your symptoms before reaching out.

You don't need to explain everything perfectly.

And you certainly don't need to feel embarrassed about asking questions.

My goal is to help you feel informed, respected, and involved in your care.

Let's Start With Where You Are

Whether you're experiencing persistent pelvic pain, pelvic floor tension, urinary concerns, or other pelvic symptoms, I'd be happy to discuss whether acupuncture may be an appropriate part of your healthcare plan.

Every person's experience is different.

Your care should reflect that.