Pelvic Pain

Pelvic Pain and Its Impact on Women’s Health

Pelvic pain is a common issue that affects many women and can significantly impact daily life. It is often associated with conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic organ prolapse, and other underlying health issues. Whether it’s acute or chronic, pelvic pain can affect physical, emotional, and social well-being. At L&P Lymphatic & Pelvic Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating pelvic pain through a personalized, holistic approach, empowering you to regain control and live without discomfort.

What is Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain is any pain felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscular dysfunction, organ issues, or nerve irritation. Pelvic pain can be acute, arising suddenly, or it can be chronic, lasting for months or even years.

Common types of pelvic pain include:

• Chronic pelvic pain: Persistent pain lasting for months or years, often interfering with daily activities.
• Pain during intercourse: Often associated with pelvic floor dysfunction or conditions like endometriosis or vulvodynia.
• Painful menstruation: Intense menstrual cramps or pain that disrupts daily life, commonly caused by conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
• Pain after childbirth: Postpartum pelvic pain may occur due to changes in the pelvic floor muscles or ligaments during pregnancy and delivery.

Common Causes of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can stem from a variety of conditions, ranging from pelvic floor dysfunction to reproductive system issues. Some of the most common causes of pelvic pain in women include:

1. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
   • Pelvic floor muscle tightness, weakness, or imbalance can cause pain in the pelvic region, affecting the bladder, bowels, and reproductive organs. This dysfunction can be caused by trauma, childbirth, aging, or injury.
2. Endometriosis
   • A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and severe pelvic pain, especially during menstruation.
3. Uterine Fibroids
   • Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pressure in the pelvic region.
4. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
   • A condition where the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, or rectum) drop down into the vaginal space due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, leading to discomfort and pain.
5. Ovarian Cysts
   • Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries that can cause sharp, severe pelvic pain if they rupture or become twisted.
6. Vulvodynia
   • Chronic pain or discomfort around the vulva, often triggered by touch, clothing, or sexual activity. It can occur without any apparent underlying cause.
7. Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
   • Conditions like interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome) or constipation can cause pelvic discomfort and contribute to pain during urination or bowel movements.
8. Postpartum Pelvic Pain
   • After childbirth, some women experience lingering pelvic pain due to weakened or overactive pelvic floor muscles, or changes in the ligaments and muscles that support the pelvic organs.

How We Treat Pelvic Pain

At L&P Lymphatic & Pelvic Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive, individualized approach to treating pelvic pain. Our therapies are designed to address the underlying causes of your pain while promoting healing, restoring function, and improving quality of life.

1. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
   • Pelvic floor assessment and treatment: We assess the strength, coordination, and function of the pelvic floor muscles and develop personalized plans to address dysfunction.
   • Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and soft tissue mobilization to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve pelvic floor function.
   • Kegel exercises and biofeedback: Strengthening and training the pelvic floor muscles to improve control and reduce pain.
2. Post-Surgical Pelvic Pain Management
   • For women recovering from pelvic surgeries (e.g., hysterectomy, prolapse repair, cesarean section), we provide rehabilitation to reduce scar tissue formation, alleviate pain, and restore normal function to the pelvic area.
   • Scar tissue management: Techniques to reduce adhesions and improve mobility post-surgery.
3. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
   • Relaxation strategies and diaphragmatic breathing can help reduce pelvic floor muscle tension and ease pain, particularly during flare-ups of chronic pelvic pain conditions.
4. Core and Pelvic Floor Strengthening
   • Targeted exercises to improve core and pelvic floor strength, which can relieve pain and enhance stability in the pelvic region.
5. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Education
   • We educate patients on ergonomic adjustments and lifestyle modifications to help reduce pain, such as proper posture, body mechanics, and daily movement patterns that minimize pelvic strain.
6. Exercise and Stretching
   • We offer stretching exercises to release tight muscles and strengthening exercises to rebuild pelvic floor function, helping to prevent long-term pain recurrence.

The Benefits of Pelvic Pain Physical Therapy

• Pain Relief: Specialized therapies help reduce or eliminate pelvic pain by addressing muscle imbalances, tightness, and dysfunction.
• Improved Pelvic Floor Function: Strengthening and training the pelvic floor muscles can improve bladder and bowel function, as well as alleviate pain during intercourse.
• Increased Mobility: Restoring normal pelvic movement helps prevent restrictions and discomfort, improving overall function.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: With effective treatment, many patients experience a significant reduction in pain, allowing them to return to normal daily activities and improve their emotional well-being.
• Non-Invasive Treatment: Physical therapy offers a natural, non-surgical approach to managing pelvic pain, helping to avoid medications or invasive procedures.

Why Choose L&P Lymphatic & Pelvic Physical Therapy for Pelvic Pain?

At L&P Lymphatic & Pelvic Physical Therapy, we specialize in providing compassionate care for women experiencing pelvic pain. With evidence-based treatments, private one-on-one sessions, and a healing, supportive environment, we are dedicated to helping you manage and overcome your pelvic pain.

Our goal is to help you restore balance, regain control, and feel comfortable in your body again. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pelvic pain, discomfort after childbirth, or pain related to pelvic floor dysfunction, we are here to provide the treatment and support you need for lasting relief.