The pelvic region is located between
the abdomen and thighs. If you experience pain between your belly button and
above your legs, then it is pelvic pain. There are several causes of pelvic
pain. Though the pain can be cured by following some medications, physical therapy or pelvic floor therapy is considered to be improving the stability of
pelvic muscles.
Pelvic pain in women is the main
indication of a problem with any of their reproductive organs such as the uterus,
ovaries, cervix, or vagina.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is more common in women but
some men also experience it. Following are the most common reasons for pelvic
pain.
●
Pregnancy and childbirth affect pelvic
muscles
●
Abdominal or pelvic surgery that leads
to scar tissues
● Pelvic joint problems from causes aside from pregnancy and
childbirth
● Changes within the muscles that control the bowel and bladder
● Pressure on the nerves in the pelvis
●
Muscle weakness in the muscles of the
pelvic floor, trunk, or pelvis
●
The condition called prolapse is
a shift in the position of the pelvic organs
Symptoms of Pelvic Pain
The common symptoms of pelvic pain may
include any of the following and it differs in each individual.
●
Pain during bowel movements
●
Bloating
●
Constipation
●
Pain in the pubic bone
●
Heaviness feeling in the pelvic region
●
Pain in the hip area
●
Urinary incontinence
●
Difficulty performing daily activities
●
Pelvic joints pain
How the Causes of Pelvic Pain are Diagnosed
To find out the cause of your pelvic pain, your therapist may perform a physical exam. He will also ask about your past medical problems, family history, symptoms, and the accurate place where the pain exists. Then your doctor may suggest the following tests and exams.
●
Pelvic Examination
●
Evaluation of muscles while sitting,
standing, walking
●
Reflex testing
●
Sensation Testing
●
Pelvic girdle screening
How Physical Therapy Helps?
Pelvic floor therapy or rehabilitation
is done by a specifically trained pelvic floor physical therapist who helps
with pelvic floor dysfunction and other functional impairments.
1) Manual Therapy
Hands-on massage will be carried out to
relax, and strengthen the weakened muscles. In women, pelvic floor tension
occurs after pregnancy and childbirth. Manual therapy helps to ease muscle
tension and reduces pain after regular treatment. It also helps to increase the
mobility of joints and nerves, improves contraction and relaxation of muscles, and promotes coordination in the muscles.
2) Strengthening Exercises
Your therapist may teach you some
exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles that are weakened and affected
by the above causes. You may experience pain while performing these exercises
but your therapist may assist you in developing strategies to manage the pain
These exercises help in retraining the muscles so that they can work together
normally.
3) Transcutaneous
Electrical Nerve Stimulation(TENS)
TENS is an electrical stimulation
technique that directly addresses the pain associated with pelvic muscles. An
electric current sent through the electrodes that are placed in the areas of
pain stimulates the release of endorphin which is the natural pain killer of
the human body.
4) Biofeedback Therapy
This is a painless therapy that helps to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles to improve bowel or bladder function and reduces pelvic pain. A computer monitor and special sensors are used in this therapy. Muscle activity is displayed on the monitor and the information is used to gain sensitivity and control over the function of pelvic floor muscles.
Your therapist may suggest you some
pelvic floor muscle exercises at home which is an important part of biofeedback
therapy. This therapy provides you with the knowledge to start using the
correct muscles and stop using the incorrect muscles.
5) Dry Needling
This technique is done by a small
needle that is used to target a trigger point in the muscle and its connective
tissues. It reduces the pain in the hip and the lower back.
Final Thoughts
Pelvic physical therapy sounds unusual and invasive, but
it is more effective. Patients see an honest success rate and an improved
quality of life after treatment. Patients may also return for periodic therapy
for a regular diagnosis and to keep their problems in check.
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