May is Pelvic Pain Awareness month! We are dedicating today’s blog to shedding light on a condition that affects 1-in-7 women and 1-in-10 men. At Treasure Valley Pelvic Health (TVPH), we are dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their pelvic health. We will help you understand your symptoms, identify the underlying causes and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your pain and improve your quality of life. Today we will explore what pelvic pain is, common causes and how pelvic floor physical therapy can be a game-changer in your journey towards relief and restoration.
Defining Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can be a signal from your body that something is amiss. This pain or discomfort may be experienced in the lower abdomen, pelvis or perineum. Whether the symptoms include dull aches, sharp stabbing sensations, or pressure, pelvic pain affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting everything from mobility and intimacy, to mental and social well-being.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is a complex issue with many possible underlying causes, each of which require specialized care and attention. Here is just a glimpse into the types of pelvic pain our team can address for you:
● Gynecological Pain
○ Pain associated with the female reproductive system can be caused by conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or menstrual cramps. While we cannot treat these conditions, we can help alleviate pain that may be associated.
● Male Reproductive System Pain
○ Conditions such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, epididymitis and testicular cancer are associated with the male reproductive system and can cause pelvic pain. Similar to the bullet point above; we cannot treat these conditions, but we can help alleviate any associated pelvic pain.
● Musculoskeletal Pain ○ This can be caused by problems such as muscle tension, weakness or imbalances, joint dysfunction or even nerve irritation in the pelvis, low back or hips. ● Bladder Pain
○ Bladder dysfunctions such as interstitial cystitis or frequent bladder infections can cause pelvic pain that is often accompanied by urinary urgency and frequency. Prostatitis can also lead to pelvic pain and urinary symptoms.
● Bowel Pain
○ Bowel pain can be caused by conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), constipation and any other gastrointestinal disorders or surgeries that may increase bloating or changes in bowel habits.
● Neuropathic Pain
○ This is pain that is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction resulting from compression or other injury in the back, hips, abdomen or pelvic floor, such as pudendal neuralgia, and results in symptoms of shooting or burning pain.
It is important to understand the specific type of pelvic pain that you are experiencing to ensure effective treatment. Our team of pelvic physical therapists specialize in treating a variety of these conditions to provide you with a personalized care plan that helps you find relief and improve your quality of life!
The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Living with pelvic pain can be challenging, but you are not alone! Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialty that addresses pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain. Together with other medical assessments, it is one of the first-line defenses and can be incredibly beneficial in managing and resolving pelvic pain symptoms! Based on the assessment findings and your reporting, your PT will create a personalized care plan designed to relieve your symptoms and get you back to doing the things you enjoy. Your PT will use a variety of skilled techniques in your treatment to address muscle tension, weakness or imbalances, joint dysfunction, bladder and bowel dysfunction and more. Here at TVPH, we are all about empowerment! We will educate you and provide you with strategies for self-management so that you feel empowered to take an active role in your pelvic health journey. At TVPH we also recognize that taking a holistic approach to treatment is crucial to success, and we acknowledge the many factors that may be contributing to your pain. Reach out to a qualified pelvic floor PT in your community or here at Treasure Valley Pelvic Health, and take the first steps toward relief. Together, we will embark on a journey towards better pelvic health and a life free from pain!
Conclusion
Pelvic pain may be a complex and challenging condition, but with the right support and guidance, relief is possible! If you or someone you know is suffering from pelvic pain, reach out to us or follow along on our social media all month to find out more about how pelvic floor physical therapy can assist in your care and recovery. Our goal is for everyone experiencing pelvic pain symptoms to receive the support and care that they need to live the life they desire, unlimited by pain!
Thank you for reading, and please feel free to share your experiences, thoughts or any questions you might have in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow us on social media as well for additional information and resources!
In Health,
The Team at Treasure Valley Pelvic Health
