Acupuncture is an adjunct to Physiotherapy treatment that is widely used and effective to treat musculoskeletal conditions. It has also been shown to be successful in treating an overactive bladder by targeting nerve pathways in the body that can regulate the brain signals to the bladder via the spinal cord which may help the bladder muscle to be more relaxed and inhibit spontaneous contractions. It may also influence the nerves facilitating storage of urine in the bladder, potentially allowing for the bladder to fill more calmly. Recent evidence points towards acupuncture as a useful tool in the management of overactive bladder symptoms in men and women in addition to lifestyle advice, bladder retraining strategies and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation with a specialist physiotherapist. It is a safe, effective and relatively non-invasive strategy with minimal, if any, side effects.
