Ache or pressure near the pubic bone
Worse after long sitting or bending at the hip, and it can feel deep even when the source is close to the surface.
Pain low in the abdomen and into the groin is a symptom with several possible sources. It may ache near the pubic bone, burn along the crease where the thigh meets the body, or tingle in the upper inner thigh. It can also move between these spots from week to week.
The lower abdominal wall is a frequent source. The rectus abdominis and the obliques can develop tender bands that refer pain toward the groin. The iliopsoas and the pelvic floor muscles share attachments and nerve supply with this area, so they often tighten along with it. Small nerves add another layer: the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerves all pass through these muscles on their way to the groin.
I treat this with dry needling, a form of acupuncture. The ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves travel between the deeper oblique muscle and the transversus abdominis. Tight layers there can squeeze them, and needling those layers aims to relieve that. An ilioinguinal or genitofemoral nerve can also turn irritable on its own. For that I use electroacupuncture, with fine needles near the nerve and a gentle current to help change its signaling.
Workups for this kind of pain usually look for a hernia, a urologic or gynecologic cause, or a labral tear. That’s appropriate, and when those are ruled out or treated, the pain sometimes remains. Medication can lower pain sensitivity without easing a tender band in the abdominal wall. Rest, stretching and core work, sometimes with a physical therapist or chiropractor, may not reach the right layer. In New York neither profession can perform dry needling, so needling the abdominal wall and groin muscles may be something you haven’t had.
I ask where the pain moves, what sets it off, and what your doctors have already checked or ruled out. Then the exam:
Primary care, general surgery, urology and gynecology often see this pain before I do, and I work alongside them. When my exam suggests one of them should take another look, I’ll let you know and share what I found.
Tender bands in the abdominal wall, a tight hip flexor and an irritated groin nerve rarely show on imaging. A careful hands on exam can often find them anyway. That’s the focus of my first visit.
Yes, and those need a doctor’s exam. Go to urgent care for sudden severe pain after an injury, a bulge that won’t push back in, or fever or chills. Persistent nausea and vomiting, fainting, blood in the urine, or new testicular pain or swelling also need urgent attention. So does abdominal pain or bleeding during pregnancy.
It’s often a good fit. Easing the abdominal wall and hip flexor muscles relieves pressure on the groin nerves that pass through them. Electroacupuncture comes in when a nerve stays sensitive after the muscle has relaxed. Muscle and nerve sources usually overlap here, so most treatment plans use both.
The lower abdomen, groin, inner thigh and pubic area share nerve supply and connective tissue. When one area tightens, pain can be felt in a neighbor. That’s why I test each area separately rather than treating only where it hurts today.
Some soreness in the abdominal wall or hip flexors for a day or two is common. I adjust the treatment to how reactive the area is. You’ll leave with guidance on training and activity for the next 24 to 48 hours.
It can. Long sitting keeps the hip bent and the lower abdomen folded, which can tighten the iliopsoas and press on the groin nerves. A tight waistband adds direct pressure over the groin crease. Breaking up long sits and loosening the waistband are simple changes worth trying while treatment takes effect.
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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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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