Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can be described as an ache, burning, or sharp discomfort located in the abdomen, pelvis, or perineal area. It is commonly present for greater than six months and may prevent or interrupt sexual intercourse and potentially lead to discomfort with pelvic examinations, particularly gynecologic pelvic examinations in women with pelvic pain.
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.
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.
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.
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 pelvic 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.
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.
