May is Pelvic Pain Awareness Month

What is chronic pelvic pain?

May is pelvic pain awareness month! Pelvic pain pertains to pain in the abdomen and pelvis, which can refer to the low back, buttock, and/or thighs. In chronic pelvic pain, pain lasts at least 6 months or longer.  It can lead to problems with bowel, bladder, or sexual function. Chronic pelvic pain is a very common issue and can impact people across the gender spectrum, including cisgender, transgender, LGBTQ, and gender fluid people. Conventional treatments may provide little to no relief, which can lead to decreased physical activity and changes in behavior and psychological state. Many individuals with chronic pelvic pain also report depression, anxiety, poor sleep, difficulty with work, and/or relationship issues. Often there is associated fear of pain worsening with activity which may lead to some individuals staying at home and limiting their levels of activity. For this reason, a multifaceted approach is often more successful in managing symptoms.

How can PT Help?

Your pelvic physical therapist (PT) may evaluate your posture and pelvic alignment, range of motion of your back and hips, and soft tissue of your abdomen, pelvis and legs. Your PT may also do an internal examination to assess the pelvic floor muscles, either vaginally or rectally, to check the strength and look for areas that may be tight and tender. Your PT will then give you an individualized home program to improve muscle tone and strength. You will also learn relaxation and breathing techniques to help decrease pain symptoms.

Tips for Home

• Use a heating pad or take Epsom salt baths
• Pelvic floor squat stretch or happy baby pose