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PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR WOMEN'S AND MEN'S HEALTH Pelvic Pain |
| Evaluation, treatment and self-care strategies for those impacted by pelvic pain | What kinds of circumstances result in pelvic pain? Trauma to the pelvic floor muscle group can result from accidental injury or, for women, childbirth. Individuals with pelvic pain who are referred to us for physical therapy usually present with some kind of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. This can include muscle laxity (with or without organ prolapse), increased involuntary muscle tension (called hypertonus) and/or muscle incoordination and disuse atrophy. Muscle and joint problems in the areas surrounding the pelvis, such as the lumbar spine, hips and sacroiliac joints, can also contribute to pain and weakness in the pelvic floor.
| What is the outcome of pelvic pain? Reduced ability to participate in normal activities without pain and, in many cases, changes in bowel and/or bladder function, including incontinence and constipation. Pelvic pain is often not felt in a specific place - instead, it's poorly localized and felt in the perineal area, lower abdomen or below the low back at the base of the fold of the gluteal muscles. It can be sharp, dull, achy and/or nauseating. It can also be occasional, constant or brought on only with specific activities. | Which pelvic pain syndromes are included in those treated by Olympic Physical Therapy? Pelvic floor muscle tension myalgia, including levator ani syndrome, proctalgia fugax, piriformis syndrome, vaginismus, dyspareuniai, coccydynia, organ prolapse, interstitial cystitis and vulvar pain syndrome. | How does Olympic Physical Therapy treat pelvic pain issues? The physical therapist who provides your treatment has specific training in this specialized area. S/he will work closely with you to evaluate the musculoskeletal causes of your pain and dysfunction, starting with a thorough review of your history and followed by an evaluation of the pelvic floor muscle group - as well as the surrounding areas, including the low back, hips and sacroiliac joints.
With the evaluation complete, treatment can begin. Your services in the clinic may include the use of pain-relieving modalities and manual therapy techniques to restore flexibility and/or relieve symptoms. Your therapist will also provide a self-care program for you to implement at home, including pain relief strategies and exercises designed to restore normal function and muscle balance to the area.
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