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Pelvic Pain

Pelvic Pain describes pain in the pelvic region or lower abdomen between the hips which may radiate into the low back, buttocks, rectum and vagina (or scrotum for men). If symptoms persist longer than six months you can develop chronic pelvic pain (CPP). When CPP goes untreated you may develop depression, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, as well as problems with bladder, bowel, and sexual function. 

Conditions often associated with Pelvic Pain

  • Pain with intercourse (Dysparunia)
  • Pain with tampon use / pain with pelvic exams
  • Chronic constipation or painful bowel movements
  • Urinary urgency, frequency, or retention
  • Pain in the groin / abdominal pain
  • Painful ejaculation or erectile dysfunction
  • Pain in the buttock or tailbone (Coccydynia)
  • Vaginismus, vestibulitis, vulvodynia
  • Other painful musculoskeletal conditions (myofacial pain)

Causes

Dysfunction and pain in the pelvis may have many origins or can result from a combination of factors. Each joint, tissue, and organ (uterus, vagina, bladder, prostate, bowel), and may produce a specific pattern of pain or vague pelvic discomfort. However, the bones, muscles, and soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, and connective tissue) of the pelvis can also contribute to pelvic pain syndromes. Pelvic pain affects men and women of all ages and can be initiated by an event such as:

 
   
 
 
  • Childbirth
  • Endometriosis
  • Surgery
  • A fall or trauma
  • Prostatitis
  • Infection (yeast, bacterial, urinary tract)
  • Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional)
  • Interstitial Cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
  • Repeated faulty movement patterns and postures
  • Injuries or problems with abdomen, hips, lumbar spine, or pelvis (including sacroiliac joints, pubic bones, or tailbone)

 

Specially trained pelvic floor therapists will evaluate and treat:

  • Improper alignment or impaired mobility of the pelvic bones and joints
  • Overactive pelvic muscles (muscle spasms)
  • Underactive pelvic muscles (muscle weakness)
  • Restrictions or limited mobility of pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue.

 

What should I expect during my first visit?

  • Review your medical history
  • Screen for other musculoskeletal issues
  • Internal Pelvic Floor Muscle Exam to assess strength, motor control, and the endurance of your pelvic floor muscles as well as their ability to relax. Most accessible if done through the vagina or rectum
  • Develop an individualized exercise treatment program
  • Education on your role in the treatment.

Physical therapy treatment for Pelvic Pain may include:

  • Behavior and activity modifications
  • Exercises to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor and other supporting muscle systems
  • Biofeedback (an instrument that gives you visible feedback to help you understand how well your muscles are working)
  • Pain-management techniques
  • Manual therapy (joint mobilization and massage)
  • Therapeutic modalities (TENS unit, ultrasound, interferential current)
  • Myofascial release for tight pelvic floor muscles.

          

  You can access our services in Salt Lake, Summit, or Davis counties in one of our outpatient clinic locations
Salt Lake City | Murray | Draper | Park City | Bountiful