One of the reasons patients are referred to pelvic floor physical therapy is to treat their PELVIC PAIN. Pelvic pain occurs in both men and women.
Pelvic pain constitutes a wide range of painful and irritating symptoms in the lower abdomen, the genitals, the bony pelvis (pubic symphysis, sacrum, coccyx, SI joints), the vaginal canal, the perineum, and the rectal canal. The pelvic floor muscles can sometimes become tight or go into spasm, leading to an array of symptoms interfering with bowels, bladder or sexual function including:
- painful bladder
- pain with intercourse, called dyspareunia
- vulvodynia
- vestibulodynia
- pudendal nerve impingement
- coccyx pain
- groin pain
- painful bowel movements
Often the muscles involved are responding to some form of trauma to the area: a gynecologic procedure, abdominal or pelvic surgery, a childbirth injury or tear, a sports injury or fall on the sacrum or coccyx, chronic poor sitting posture, an infection, chronic straining due to constipation, or an inappropriate muscle clenching in response to stress.
The goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to evaluate and determine the causes of the pain, and use a variety of treatment options to correct muscle imbalances or alignment problems. A treatment may include external or internal manual therapy techniques, myofascial release and trigger point release, muscle re-education using biofeedback and corrective exercises, and activity modification to allow painful areas to heal.
Not many physical therapists are trained in evaluation and treatment of these special muscles; our therapists at Phoenix Physical Therapy specialize in these particular muscles. You can be assured that we have the years of experience, professional training and certifications, and the specialized skills needed to treat your pelvic pain issues.