Physical Therapy & Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is pain felt in the lower abdomen (stomach area), pelvis, or perineum (the area between the rectum and the scrotum or vagina). It has many possible causes. Pelvic pain affects up to 20% of people in the United States, including women and men, more commonly found in women. Pelvic pain is called chronic when it lasts for more than six months. When a medical provider is trying to diagnose pelvic pain, they will ask questions about symptoms related to activities such as eating, sleeping, sexual activity and general functional movements.
What can symptoms include?
- Sudden onset of pain
- Localized pain within the abdomen, pelvis or perineum
- Slow developing pain
- Pain aggravated by movement or during a vaginal / rectal examination
Some diagnoses include, but are not limited to:
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Interstitial cystitis
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Uterine fibroids
- Cancers of the reproductive tract
- Menstrual cramps
Pelvic Health and Physical Therapy
Pelvic health is a newer specialty that many are not aware of. With October being Physical Therapy Month, it is important to recognize the role that PTs play. Physical therapists help people with pelvic pain restore strength, flexibility, and function to the muscles and joints in the pelvic region. Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. A pelvic floor PT is an extremely essential part of the interdisciplinary team in managing pelvic pain. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation where they will tailor a plan of care to meet your specific needs and movement patterns while working to decrease daily pelvic pain.
Body Harmony PT specifically specializes in pelvic and orthopedic conditions and we are always more than happy to answer any questions you have regarding your symptoms.
Reference:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pelvic-pain
