Are You in Need of Relief From Pelvic Pain? Physical Therapy Is the Answer
Are you a woman suffering from occasional or chronic pelvic pain? Are you looking for relief? Physical therapy can help. Pelvic pain can occur for a variety of reasons, and a type of pelvic therapy known as “pelvic floor rehabilitation” can help reduce or eliminate your pain and symptoms.
Patients who are typical candidates for our pelvic floor rehabilitation treatments include:
- Women with pelvic organ prolapse.
- Women dealing with urinary or fecal incontinence.
- Women dealing with pain during intercourse.
- Postpartum women.
- Postmenopausal women.
If pain is interfering with your daily life, call PhysioStrength Physical Therapy today to make an appointment with one of our qualified physical therapists!
Why do I have pelvic pain?
The pelvic area is a complex and vital part of the body that serves a variety of functions, particularly for women. Pelvic pain can occur at any time during your menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, after giving birth, following surgery, or as a result of an underlying condition such as endometriosis.
Some pelvic conditions can cause painful intercourse or infertility, which can be addressed and possibly resolved through pelvic floor rehabilitation. Among the most common pelvic conditions treated by our physical therapists are:
- Pelvic pain after childbirth. It is common for new mothers to experience strained muscles and/or connective tissue damage in their pelvic floor after giving birth. Pelvic floor rehabilitation aids in the reduction of pain as well as the strengthening of any damaged muscles or tissues.
- Pain following abdominal surgery. If you have recently had surgery, pelvic floor rehabilitation can assist you in breaking up scar tissue, improving strength, and regaining range of motion in your abdomen/pelvic region.
- Endometriosis. Endometriosis can affect the pelvic bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can help reduce pain and bloating caused by endometriosis while also strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
- Urinary frequency or leakage. Endometriosis has the potential to harm the pelvic bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can help reduce endometriosis pain and bloating while also strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
- Constipation. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can help relieve and eliminate constipation by loosening and relaxing the muscles in your pelvic and anal areas.
While these are just a few of the most common pelvic dysfunction conditions that can be treated with physical therapy, there are a number of other pelvic conditions that can be relieved with PT treatments.
Pelvic therapy, for example, can help with painful intercourse and infertility issues. Pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia, and diastasis recti are all less common conditions that can be treated.
What can I expect from pelvic floor rehabilitation?
This type of physical therapy focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When the muscles in the pelvic area become tight or weak, it can have a significant impact on your daily life, as this region supports the core of your body and is an integral part of everyday movement.
One of our experienced physical therapists will review your medical history and perform a musculoskeletal examination to determine the best course of treatment for you. This could include both proactive and preventative treatments. Pelvic floor rehabilitation, for example, can help a woman prepare for childbirth by ensuring an easier delivery and possibly avoiding the need for a C-section.
The following are some of the most common techniques used during pelvic floor rehabilitation:
- Postural exercises. These exercises are designed to improve posture and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which influence posture. Typically, these exercises are performed with large therapy or medicine balls.
- Myofascial exercises. These exercises will target the pelvic floor muscles and the fascia that connects them. In order to target painful trigger points and provide relief, this treatment may include light exercise, stretches, and massage.
- Diaphragmatic breathing. Deep breathing exercises allow your diaphragm to expand and contract, which aids in the relaxation of pelvic muscles. When the muscles relax, they drop and lengthen, providing pain relief and restoring function.
- Relaxation techniques. Relaxation is a significant aspect of physical therapy. It allows your muscles to relax, making it easier to stretch and massage them. In order to help you relax, your physical therapist may recommend techniques such as guided imagery or biofeedback.
Request an appointment today!
Don’t put off contacting PhysioStrength Physical Therapy if you are experiencing pelvic pain. We’ll assist you in resolving your pelvic floor issues so you can get back to living your life comfortably! Schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists.