Still feeling full after you go
Often worse later in the morning or after meals.
You pass stool but still feel full, or you sit a long time trying to get the last bit out. Stool may come in small pieces with stops and starts. It’s a symptom with more than one possible source, and stool consistency is only one of them.
The last step of a bowel movement depends on timing. Breathing, belly pressure and pelvic floor relaxation need to line up. Commonly, the pelvic floor and anal sphincter tighten as you push, called dyssynergia, so you press against a closed outlet. Past pain, hemorrhoids, fissures, childbirth or longstanding constipation can also leave these muscles guarded.
My part is the muscle side, using dry needling, a form of acupuncture, on the pelvic floor, hips and belly wall. The coccygeus and levator ani sit right where the pudendal nerve crosses toward the pelvic floor. When they’re tight and crowding it, I needle those muscles to ease the pressure. Your GI doctor stays involved for testing and medical care.
Most people have tried fiber, stool softeners or laxatives, and some have had imaging. These help with slow transit or hard stool, but they don’t retrain the outlet. Imaging is often normal because the issue is timing and muscle tone. Laxatives can add urgency without helping coordination. Pelvic floor PT and biofeedback help many people with coordination. Needling can add to that, and it isn’t something PTs or chiropractors are allowed to do in New York.
I start by asking about timing, stool form, how you strain, which positions you use, and any past pelvic or rectal pain. Then the exam:
Gastroenterology, colorectal surgery and pelvic floor PT are the people I work with most on this. When something on exam suggests one of them should take another look, I’ll let you know and send along what I found.
Not always. Some people go regularly with normal stool but still can’t fully empty because of how the outlet coordinates. Others have both slow transit and an outlet problem. Sorting that out shapes the plan.
Clues include heavy straining with little output, stop and start bowel movements, and needing to change positions. A blocked feeling that persists with soft stool is another. The exam helps confirm it, and GI testing is worthwhile when a medical cause is possible.
Yes. Many people do best with both. PT can retrain coordination and use biofeedback. Dry needling relaxes the guarded levator ani and coccygeus, which also eases their pull on the pudendal nerve. That can make retraining easier.
Most people begin with 1 to 2 visits a week, then taper. It depends on how reactive the area is and how long the pattern has been there. I track straining, time on the toilet and how predictable bowel movements are.
Sometimes, so persistent or worsening symptoms need a medical exam. See a GI or colorectal doctor promptly for new or unexplained rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, anemia or fever. The same goes for symptoms at night, severe worsening pain, or a sudden change in bowel habits. A family history that raises your risk is also a reason to be checked.
Avoid breath holding and hard pushing. A footstool under your feet often helps, and a long exhale encourages the pelvic floor to relax. If you feel stuck, it’s usually better to pause and try again later than to strain harder.
Adults with pelvic floor, nerve and orthopedic pain, along with neurological conditions. Most of my patients come to me after other care hasn't fully settled things. If you're looking for general wellness acupuncture, I'm not the right fit.
We review your history and what you've already tried. I assess the muscles and nerves involved, and you're treated the same day.
It depends on the condition. Pelvic and orthopedic plans usually run 4 to 6 weeks. Neurological plans are usually 2 visits a week for 6 weeks or 3 a week for 4. After that, visits space out so the changes hold. These are typical timelines, not promises.
Yes. I work alongside doctors, physical therapists and specialists. If something I find needs a closer look from one of them, I'll tell you.
I'm an out-of-network provider. You pay at the time of your visit, and my office submits the claim so any reimbursement comes to you. Free benefit checks are available before your first visit through the verification form, and HSA and FSA cards work. I don't take Medicare or Medicaid, though some Medicare Advantage plans reimburse out-of-network care. Full insurance details
Yes. I treat adults, teens and children, though I don't specialize in infants or toddlers.
Yes. Book a free discovery call to ask your questions and see whether we're a good fit.
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture. Fine needles go into tight bands of muscle and trigger points to lower muscle tension and change how the area is signaling.
You may feel a brief twitch or a deep ache as the needle reaches tight muscle. It passes quickly, and any soreness afterward usually fades within a day or two.
It's generally safe with a properly trained practitioner. Needles are sterile and single-use, and I check your health history first, including blood thinners. In New York, dry needling can only be performed by licensed acupuncturists, MDs and DOs. Physical therapists and chiropractors aren't permitted to perform it.
Eat something light beforehand and wear loose clothing that lets me reach the area being treated.
Usually not. Ultrasound helps in a few specific cases, but it hasn't been shown to improve results for common trigger points. A careful hands-on exam is what guides the needle. More on ultrasound-guided dry needling
Dry needling aimed at the pelvic floor and the hip and abdominal muscles around it, for pain, tension and urinary symptoms driven by those muscles and their nerves. More on pelvic floor dry needling
Sometimes, depending on the muscles involved, and you'll be draped throughout. Treatment always follows your consent and comfort. I don't do internal exams or internal treatment.
No, though it helps if you've already seen a doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist. Bring any notes or imaging you have.
Completely. I've heard it all, and there's no judgment here, just a straightforward conversation so we can treat what's going on.
Yes, I treat adults of every gender and identity. After gender-affirming surgery involving the pelvis, bring your surgical notes and we'll decide together what fits.
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118 W. 72nd St, Rear Lobby, New York, NY 10023
Evidence-based acupuncture and dry needling on the Upper West Side. From chronic pain and headaches to pelvic floor dysfunction, Dr. Jordan Barber pairs the highest level of training with care that actually listens.
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