Compassionate, individualized care for persistent pelvic pain and the ways it affects daily life.
When constant, strong pain continues for a long period of time, it can become physically and mentally exhausting. When pain has continued long enough that a person is changing emotionally and behaviorally to cope with it, this is known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
It is not “all in your head.” Your pelvis and nervous system are connected, and without the brain and spinal cord—the central nervous system—you could not experience pain. Pelvic pain is described as pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, perineum, or low back. Symptoms are considered chronic when they have been present for more than six months. The pain may be aching or burning in the perineum, abdomen, and/or back.
Because pelvic pain can also be related to organic disease processes, it is important to consult your physician to fully determine the cause of your pain.
Pelvic pain can be associated with pelvic joint dysfunction; muscle imbalance in the pelvic floor, trunk, and pelvis; incoordination of muscles related to bowel and bladder function; tender points in the pelvic floor; pressure on pelvic nerves; and weakness in the pelvis and pelvic floor.
It can also be related to scar tissue after abdominal or pelvic surgery. Injury or irritation of nerves in the abdominal wall, pelvis, pelvic floor, or genital area may play a role. Exercise, heavy lifting, accidents, prolonged sitting, pregnancy and childbirth, and pelvic surgeries may all be relevant parts of an individual history.
Chronic pelvic pain can involve more than one source. Successful care may include multidisciplinary therapy, such as physical therapy, psychological counseling, medications, nerve blocks, and surgery when appropriate.
There may be, or may have been, an injury where pain first started. Examples can include endometriosis, ovarian cysts, bowel or bladder pain, infection, adhesions or scar tissue from surgery, and nerve injury.
Peripheral nerves around the abdomen and pelvis can become irritated or compressed. The brain and spinal cord also influence how pain is perceived; when the nervous system is overwhelmed, fatigue, nausea, sweating, appetite changes, and other concerns can occur.
Myofascial pain may be a primary source of pain or may occur as a reflex response to another problem. Trigger points can develop in pelvic and abdominal muscles, and addressing them may significantly reduce pain for some people.
Men can experience similarly severe pain in different anatomy. Pain in the perineum may be confused with a prostate infection; urethral or bladder pain may be treated as infection; and testicular pain may be attributed to epididymitis. In some cases, pelvic nerve abnormalities, including pudendal nerve involvement, may be a factor.
Pudendal nerve pain can affect bladder, bowel, and sexual function. A history of sports activity, exercise, a fall onto the tailbone or buttocks, years of sitting for work, pregnancy, childbirth, or pelvic surgery can all be important information to share with your care team.
Physical therapy is one important part of multidisciplinary care for chronic pelvic pain syndrome. At Cutting Edge Physical Therapy, you receive an individualized evaluation and treatment plan in a private treatment room. Our therapists provide high-quality hands-on care and work to understand the movement, muscle, joint, and nerve-related factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Care is designed around your needs and goals, with the aim of helping you move more comfortably and get back to your life.
Persistent pelvic pain deserves thoughtful care. Contact Cutting Edge Physical Therapy to get help and find relief.