Pelvic Pain
In the past 10 years pelvic pain has become a more recognized diagnosis. Pelvic pain is now
one of the most commonly diagnosed problems of women. Pain anywhere in the pelvic and
abdominal area is usually labeled pelvic pain. Any pelvic pain needs to be evaluated
immediately by your family practice doctor, OB/GYN or a Urologist. The acute onset of pelvic
pain may indicate a serious medical condition such as a tubal pregnancy or appendicitis.
Once the physician rules out a serious medical condition, they then will evaluate the area to
determine where the pain is coming from.
WHAT CAUSES PELVIC PAIN?
The pelvis supports many organs, including the bladder, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries,
intestines, and appendix. Any one of these organs can be painful and irritated, thus irritating
the other structures around it. The pelvic floor muscles which support the organs of the pelvis
may become tight and tender due to the irritation of one ore more of the pelvic organs. The
bladder is a common irritant of the pelvic floor. Irritation of the bladder is call Interstitial cyctitus.
Frequently there is no obvious causing factor of pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain is considered chronic when it has been present for more than 6 months. Pelvic
pain may be present in females of any age not just the reproductive years. At Brookside we
have treated girls as young as 8 years old and women into their 70's.
HOW DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP PELVIC PAIN?
Physical Therapy addresses any musculoskeletal involvement that is contributing to the
problem. On the initial evaluation, the therapist will evaluate the back, legs and pelvis for any
dysfunctions that need to be addressed. For women who have had pelvic pain for several
years, there is usually involvement of the back and legs. In order to properly treat the area, all
adjacent areas need to be normalized as well. On the first or second visit the therapist will
perform a vaginal exam, similar to what the physician does. However, this is to determine the
condition of the muscles in the pelvic floor area. If there is involvement of the back and legs,
these are treated first, once they are cleared up, the pelvic floor is addressed. In order to get
the muscles of the pelvic floor to relax, we use various techniques. Frequently there is edema
in the abdominal and pelvic cavities, which is impeding the healing process. We will address
this with manual lymph drainage both in the clinic and with a home program. The reactivity of
the pelvic floor muscles is treated using PRRT, gentle massage and biofeedback.
WILL PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP ME?
Pelvic pain is a very personal and emotional problem. If you have been diagnosed with pelvic
pain or interstitial cystitis, and are not sure Physical Therapy will help, call for a free consult.
Both Sue Moore MS,PT and Jaime West MS, PT, would be glad to talk with you about your
concerns and the treatment approach we use.
REFERENCES
There are many great resources available through the Internet. The ones we most commonly
refer to are the International Pelvic Pain Society at www.pelvicpain.com, www.ichelp.org, and
www.ic-network.com.
In the past 10 years pelvic pain has become a more recognized diagnosis. Pelvic pain is now
one of the most commonly diagnosed problems of women. Pain anywhere in the pelvic and
abdominal area is usually labeled pelvic pain. Any pelvic pain needs to be evaluated
immediately by your family practice doctor, OB/GYN or a Urologist. The acute onset of pelvic
pain may indicate a serious medical condition such as a tubal pregnancy or appendicitis.
Once the physician rules out a serious medical condition, they then will evaluate the area to
determine where the pain is coming from.
WHAT CAUSES PELVIC PAIN?
The pelvis supports many organs, including the bladder, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries,
intestines, and appendix. Any one of these organs can be painful and irritated, thus irritating
the other structures around it. The pelvic floor muscles which support the organs of the pelvis
may become tight and tender due to the irritation of one ore more of the pelvic organs. The
bladder is a common irritant of the pelvic floor. Irritation of the bladder is call Interstitial cyctitus.
Frequently there is no obvious causing factor of pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain is considered chronic when it has been present for more than 6 months. Pelvic
pain may be present in females of any age not just the reproductive years. At Brookside we
have treated girls as young as 8 years old and women into their 70's.
HOW DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP PELVIC PAIN?
Physical Therapy addresses any musculoskeletal involvement that is contributing to the
problem. On the initial evaluation, the therapist will evaluate the back, legs and pelvis for any
dysfunctions that need to be addressed. For women who have had pelvic pain for several
years, there is usually involvement of the back and legs. In order to properly treat the area, all
adjacent areas need to be normalized as well. On the first or second visit the therapist will
perform a vaginal exam, similar to what the physician does. However, this is to determine the
condition of the muscles in the pelvic floor area. If there is involvement of the back and legs,
these are treated first, once they are cleared up, the pelvic floor is addressed. In order to get
the muscles of the pelvic floor to relax, we use various techniques. Frequently there is edema
in the abdominal and pelvic cavities, which is impeding the healing process. We will address
this with manual lymph drainage both in the clinic and with a home program. The reactivity of
the pelvic floor muscles is treated using PRRT, gentle massage and biofeedback.
WILL PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP ME?
Pelvic pain is a very personal and emotional problem. If you have been diagnosed with pelvic
pain or interstitial cystitis, and are not sure Physical Therapy will help, call for a free consult.
Both Sue Moore MS,PT and Jaime West MS, PT, would be glad to talk with you about your
concerns and the treatment approach we use.
REFERENCES
There are many great resources available through the Internet. The ones we most commonly
refer to are the International Pelvic Pain Society at www.pelvicpain.com, www.ichelp.org, and
www.ic-network.com.
| BROOKSIDE PHYSICAL THERAPY |
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| © 2006 Brookside Physical Therapy -- 8859 Fox Dr.-- Thornton, CO -- Phone: 303.428.4646 -- Fax: 303.429.6255 |
