Pelvic Pain & Sexual Health
Pelvic pain is a common and often debilitating condition that affects both men and women. "Pelvic pain" refers to discomfort around the lower pelvic and abdominal region and is thought to impact 25% of the population . There are many potential causes of pelvic pain and should always be investigated by your Medical Doctor. Some conditions where pelvic pain can be experienced include with conditions such as endometriosis or adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other causes may include pelvic surgery, trauma, or nerve damage.
The key areas of pelvic pain Physiotherapy can assist with managing include; pain associated with intercourse, pelvic pain associated with conditions such as Endometriosis, adenomyosis or PCOS, pain related to bowel motions, vulva conditions (vestibulodynia, vulvodynia), pain experienced with peri and post-menopausal changes and pelvic pain associated with trauma. Please see below for more information on our Pelvic Floor Physio approach to "pelvic pain."
Our Pelvic Floor Physio Approach to Pain
It's important for individuals experiencing pelvic pain to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the cause of the pain and receive an appropriate treatment plan. A thorough medical examination, including a pelvic exam, may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of the pain.
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An important concept with "pain" is that it is a unique experience for each individual, and a tailored approach should always be taken when assessing and treating pelvic pain. We approach pain with the latest research guidelines around pain science, which involve addressing biomedical, psychological and social factors which we know can impact our experience of pain. Before we consider pelvic examinations, we complete a thorough assessment of all medical history and your understanding of your condition to ensure we are providing an assessment based on your awareness and your health goals.
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Forms of Pelvic Floor Physio treatment may involve; soft tissue release and joint mobilisation, desensitization and neural retraining, muscle retraining, managing bladder/bowel habits, exercise therapy for at home, and internal release work (which may involve specific vaginal devices for you to use at home).
In addition to Physiotherapy treatment, lifestyle changes such as exercise, stress management and good sleep hygiene can also have a positive influence on symptoms of pelvic pain. Self-care measures such as heat therapy and relaxation techniques may also be useful.
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It's important to remember that pelvic pain is not a normal part of life and that there are many treatment options available. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, it's possible to manage and reduce the pain associated with your symptoms.
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