Pelvic Pain: 5 Tips For Relief

Hey Team,

Today's column is all about pelvic floor rehabilitation and pelvic pain. These are common issues that many older people experience but are often not discussed. Pelvic pain can be frustrating and debilitating, but there are ways to manage and even overcome it.

One effective method is pelvic floor rehabilitation. A common concern is people need to learn they have a problem that can be helped. Here is an example of a recent patient in our physical therapy office.

Mary was a woman in her early 60s who came to our office with pelvic pain. She had been experiencing chronic pelvic pain for several months, which was impacting her daily life and causing her significant distress. Mary had visited several doctors and specialists, but none could provide a precise diagnosis or effective treatment.

She was confused and frustrated and wasn't sure where to turn next. After an initial evaluation, we determined that her pelvic pain was likely due to weak pelvic floor muscles. We developed a personalized treatment plan that included pelvic floor exercises, manual therapy, and education on bladder and bowel habits.

After several weeks of treatment, the patient reported significant improvements in her symptoms and could resume her daily activities with less discomfort. She was relieved to have a precise diagnosis and effective treatment plan and grateful for the care and support she received at our office.

At our physical therapy office, we work with many patients who experience pelvic pain. We understand it can be a sensitive and uncomfortable topic, but we want to encourage everyone to seek help and not suffer in silence. With that in mind, we've put together some top tips to help with pelvic pain.

Top Tips to Help with Pelvic Pain

1.         Pelvic Floor Exercises: The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause pelvic pain and incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, can help to strengthen these muscles. Start by contracting your pelvic floor muscles for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Repeat this ten times, three times a day.

2.         Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the affected area can help to relieve pelvic pain. You can use a hot water bottle, a heating pad, or a warm bath. Heat can help to relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.

3.         Dietary Changes: Certain foods, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy, and acidic foods, can aggravate pelvic pain. Avoid these triggers and incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

4.         Mind-Body Techniques: Pelvic pain can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Mind-body techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

5.         Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy can effectively treat pelvic pain. A trained physical therapist can assess your pelvic floor muscles and create a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs. This may include exercises, manual therapy, biofeedback, and education on bladder and bowel habits.

Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can help alleviate pelvic pain and improve your quality of life. However, it's important to note that pelvic pain can have many underlying causes and may require a comprehensive treatment plan. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or severe pelvic pain.

Just like the example of Mary discussed earlier, we have seen firsthand the benefits of pelvic floor rehabilitation for pelvic pain in our clinic. Many of our patients have reported significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can be a valuable tool in managing pelvic pain, but it's essential to seek help from a trained professional.

In conclusion, pelvic pain can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but it's important to remember that you don't have to suffer in silence. There are many resources available, including pelvic floor rehabilitation, to help manage and overcome pelvic pain. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine and seeking professional help, you can take control of your pelvic pain and improve your quality of life.

• The author, Rob Sumner, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Sumner Specialized Physical Therapy. He's happy to answer any questions about this article, wellness, fitness, or physical therapy overall by phone at (509) 684-5621 or by email at Rob@SumnerPT.com