Women's pelvic pain can be a debilitating condition that can impact all aspects of life. Pelvic pain is defined as pain that is felt below the belly button and above the legs. This type of pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including menstrual cramps, endometriosis, bladder infections, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Pelvic pain can be chronic or acute and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Symptoms of Pelvic Pain
The symptoms of pelvic pain can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms of pelvic pain include:
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Pain in the pelvic area or lower abdomen
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain during bowel movements
- Pain during urination
- Menstrual cramps or pain during menstruation
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation
Pelvic pain can be a symptom of many different conditions, so it is important to speak to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing pelvic pain.
How Physio Can Help
Physiotherapy can be a very effective treatment for women's pelvic pain. A physiotherapist can help to identify the underlying cause of the pain and develop a treatment plan to address it. Physiotherapy for pelvic pain may include a combination of the following:
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Pelvic floor muscle exercises: These exercises can help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce pain.
- Manual therapy: This includes hands-on techniques to help release tension in the muscles and tissues of the pelvic area.
- Biofeedback: This is a technique that uses sensors to measure muscle activity and help women learn to relax their pelvic floor muscles.
- Education: A physiotherapist can educate women on proper posture and body mechanics to reduce the risk of further pain.
- Relaxation techniques: This may include deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation to help reduce stress and tension in the body.
- Modalities: Various modalities can be used to help with pain management, including heat or ice therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.
It is important to work with a physiotherapist who specializes in women's health and pelvic pain. They can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
Conclusion
Women's pelvic pain can be a challenging and debilitating condition. However, physiotherapy can be a highly effective treatment for this condition. If you are experiencing pelvic pain, speak to your healthcare provider about how physiotherapy may be able to help you. Remember that early intervention is key, and the sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
Vanila Somalinga at Back In Motion Hawthorn is a Pelvic, Women's & Men's Health Physio.
Reference:
- “Pelvic Pain.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 27 Apr. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20370797.
- “Pelvic Pain.” Physiopedia, 16 Mar. 2021, www.physio-pedia.com/Pelvic_Pain.
- “Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Women.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Jan. 2021, www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-floor-muscle-training-for-women.
- “Pelvic Pain.” American Physical Therapy Association, www.choosept.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/physical-therapy-guide-to-pelvic-pain.
- “Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy.