Pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE), also known as Alcock canal syndrome, is an uncommon source of chronic pain in which the pudendal nerve is entrapped or compressed in the pelvis. There can be a variety of causes including pregnancy, accidents, injuries or heavy, prolonged bicycling. This can lead to entrapment of the pudendal nerve when the muscles in this region are injured, particularly the obturator internus muscle.
When injury to the obturator muscle occurs, fibrotic adhesions or scar tissue can develop around the muscle which can entrap or pinch the closely associated pudendal nerve. This can cause neurological symptoms in the perineum and genital area.
If this is the case, utilizing Active Release Techniques can be very effective. ART works by breaking up and releasing the fibrotic adhesions of the obturator internus muscle. By releasing this muscle and other associated muscles we can alleviate the entrapment of the pudendal nerve and thereby relieve the associated pain and neurological symptoms.