Pelvic pain can affect daily movement, sleep, exercise, bathroom habits, and intimate relationships. It may be sudden and severe or come and go for months. When pelvic discomfort lasts longer than three months and does not improve with treatment, specialized physical therapy might be the solution.
According to Juli Bell, a physical therapist at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers with special training in pelvic health rehabilitation, pelvic pain can affect the abdomen, back, pelvis or hips. Because the pelvic region contains muscles, nerves, and organs, the source of pain is not always easy to identify. Tight muscles, irritated nerves, infections, and chronic medical conditions may all contribute.
Symptoms can also vary widely. Some people experience low back, hip, or groin pain. Others may notice pain during urination, bowel movements, or sexual activity. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, menstrual cramping, unusual bleeding, or discharge may also occur.
Stress can worsen symptoms. “Mental and physical stress triggers your nervous system into ‘fight or flight’ mode, causing you to unconsciously clench and tighten your pelvic floor muscles,” Bell explains. Over time, this tension may contribute to muscle fatigue, spasms, and bladder symptoms in both males and females.
Pelvic discomfort may become more noticeable during lifting, bending, toileting, sexual activity, or other prolonged activities. Physical therapy can help identify muscle tension, weakness, movement limitations, and other factors that contribute to the problem.
Morris Hospital offers Pelvic Health Therapy at its Morris and Ottawa locations. Appointments are conducted one-on-one in a private room. Treatment begins with a detailed questionnaire and an evaluation of posture, strength, movement, and pain. With the patient’s consent, the assessment may also include an internal examination.
Therapy may include hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, functional retraining, education, and internal or external interventions. Because pelvic pain can affect both women and men, persistent symptoms should not be ignored.
To learn more about pelvic health therapy or to schedule an appointment, call 815-942-8301 for our Morris location or 815-431-9980 for our Ottawa location. You can also visit our Pelvic Health page by clicking here.