Physical Therapy For Pelvic Pain
The pelvic floor muscles are essential for bladder and bowel functions, yet when they become overly tense or weak they can cause pelvic pain, incontinence, and other issues. Fortunately, physical therapy can help alleviate pain and dysfunction by relieving muscle tension and improving flexibility.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, which may include an evaluation of your spinal column and hips, gait analysis and joint assessment. Your therapist may also inquire about your sexual, gynecologic or obstetric history as well as any medications taken.
Pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of things, such as pregnancy, childbirth, infection, poor posture, trauma and surgery. A trained pelvic physiotherapist uses physical therapy to alleviate symptoms and restore function.
Physical therapy for pelvic pain consists of various techniques and treatments designed to reduce discomfort, enhance function and boost your confidence. The goal is to get you back to your regular daily activities and routines.
Physical therapists use biofeedback to monitor muscle contractions during exercises. This involves placing electrodes on the outside of your body (e.g., between your vagina or anus), or using an internal probe to measure tension and relaxation in pelvic floor muscles. The results are then displayed on a computer screen and discussed with you by your PT.
Your therapist will use gentle techniques on your pelvic floor muscles and other surrounding areas to loosen tightness and muscle spasms. These may include kneading, massaging, and manual joint manipulations to improve circulation and mobility.
Your physical therapist will use a technique called connective tissue manipulation to release tightness and adhesions in the connective tissues surrounding your pelvic area, such as abdominals, inner thighs, groin, buttock and low back. They may also instruct you on proper body movements, posture and breathing to reduce strain on pelvic floor muscles.
Your pelvic therapist will prescribe a series of exercises to target specific pelvic floor muscles, strengthen weak ones, and enhance flexibility. These stretches will help loosen up those pesky muscles for improved comfort during childbirth.
The pelvic muscles provide support to bladder, bowel and sexual functions of the body; however, when these become overly tensed or weak they can lead to incontinence and other issues such as chronic constipation, faecal or stool incontinence and pelvic pain.
Education and hands-on care are the cornerstones of physical therapists’ treatment plans for patients with pelvic pain. Your therapist will teach you proper technique for using your pelvic floor muscles when standing up from a chair or squatting to pick something up off the floor.
Relaxation techniques and massage are also key in relieving pelvic pain and improving quality of life. Your therapist will teach you various massage and stretching techniques, as well as teaching you how to perform them on your own when not at the clinic.
Exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and a nutritious diet are also recommended. Your therapist can offer suggestions for managing stress and anxiety, as well as instruct you on ways to avoid future injuries.
