Pelvic Pain and Incontinence...A Growing Concern

Initial studies funded by the National Institute of Health reported that almost 20% of American women have suffered from chronic vaginal pain and 40% of these women never sought treatment. Another study showed one in four women ages 30-59 have experienced some form of urinary incontinence.

Men also suffer from pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction and incontinence due to prostate problems, abdominal surgeries or pelvic floor muscle weakness but most don't talk about it with their health care professionals.

These problems are not normal, no matter what your age and physical therapy can help!

The Connection between Low Back Pain and Pelvic Floor Pain

The pelvic floor includes the muscle and fascial systems that form a sling at the bottom of the pelvis which supports the bladder, rectum, uterus and other structures within the abdominal cavity. Normally, the pelvic floor prevents urinary leakage, the passing of gas and/or fecal incontinence and is important for sexual function. Its muscles and ligaments have connections to the pelvis, sacrum, coccyx and the femurs.

Structural or muscular imbalance within this complex system can cause abdominal, low back or hip pain, incontinence and/or sexual dysfunction. Fascial restrictions, muscle weakness or structural mal-alignments within these areas may be caused by adhesion formation from surgeries, traumatic injuries or pregnancy and child birth and can compress pain-sensitive structures including the Pudendal nerve that innervates the genital region.

Someone with long-standing sacroiliac joint, coccyx, lumbar spine or hip dysfunction(s) may eventually develop pelvic floor pain or vice versa.

A thorough assessment of the entire structure is necessary to determine what might be causing the pain and/or dysfunction. A treatment plan is then developed to address the specific needs of the patient to alleviate the problems.

Our specialized treatments can help resolve the following problems for men and women:

Abdominal Pain Constipation Fecal Incontinence Genital Pain Hip Pain and/or Bursitis Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome Low Back Pain Menstrual Pain/Endometriosis Muscle Weakness and/or Imbalance Low Back Pain Muscle Weakness or Imbalance

Painful Intercourse Pelvic Pain Pelvic Fractures/Traumas Post Radiation Pain and Restrictions Post Prostatectomy Pain Pre/Post Natal Pain Pudendal Nerve Pain/Vulvodynia Sacro-Coccygeal Dysfunction Urinary Incontinence (Urgency, Stress)

We utilize the following techniques:

Joint Mobilization & Muscle Energy Techniques Mobilization of the Viscera and Soft Tissue Modalities for Pain and/or Relaxation Myofascial Release (MFR) and Trigger Point Release

Neuromuscular Re-education via Pelvic Floor and Pilates Exercises Postural Awareness and Alignment Training Specialized Home Exercise Programs Surface EMG Biofeedback

If you suffer from any of these problems, ask your doctor for a referral.
We can help!

IT'S YOUR CHOICE WHERE YOU GO FOR PHYSICAL THEAPY.
CHOOSE US...YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.
Call for more information: 530.877.7744