pelvic pain? physical therapy specialists in Missoula offer help - by brent dodge

On one hand, the notion of pelvic pain may seem a bit “off topic.” On the other, if you have it, you’re not alone and you deserve answers.
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Were you aware there are two specialized physical therapists in Missoula who offer help for this condition? Tara Mund and Morgan York-Singer, both Doctors of Physical Therapy at Alpine Physical Therapy, continue to help area women with a host of different conditions. They are compassionate and caring experts in the treatment of pelvic pain as well.

Here’s an excerpt from the Her Health webpages on the topic of pelvic pain.

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Pelvic pain can be described as an ache, burning or sharp discomfort located in the abdomen, pelvis, or perineal area.  It usually is present for greater than six months and may prevent or interrupt sexual intercourse and may make gynecologic pelvic exams uncomfortable.

Pelvic pain can be caused by several problems including muscular imbalances within the muscles of the pelvic floor, trunk or hips, pelvic joint dysfunction, tender points or trigger points located in the deep hip muscles or pelvic floor, pressure on nerves through the pelvis or dysfunction of the muscles related to bowel and bladder function.  It can also be attributed to the presence of scar tissue after pelvic or abdominal surgery.
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Patients may describe pain through the pelvis, hip, back or tailbone including difficulty sitting or wearing tight clothing. Patients with pelvic pain may also experience disruptions in bowel or bladder habits such as frequent urination, incontinence, constipation, or straining with bowel movements.

How Can Physical Therapy Help? 

Physical therapists are trained in the assessment and treatment of muscular imbalances, movement analysis, and joint dysfunction. They commonly treat impairments including joint restrictions or instability, muscular tightness and weakness, as well as motor control difficulties.  The Her Health physical therapists at Alpine have additional specialized training in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.

A thorough examination is necessary to design an individualized plan of care for the patient suffering from pelvic pain.  Treatment may include manual techniques to address muscular restrictions as well as motor control and breathing strategies for relaxation. Targeted strengthening may be included to improve strength, muscular endurance, and correct faulty muscle recruitment patterns during the rehabilitation process.
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For more information on the services available through Her Health at Alpine Physical Therapy, click here.