Understanding Pelvic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What it is, how it manifests, and how physical therapy can help.

Overview

Living with pelvic pain can feel overwhelming and isolating, but you're not alone. This persistent discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or perineum area affects millions of people across all ages and genders, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life.

Recent studies indicate that up to 26% of people experience chronic pelvic pain at some point in their lives. While the complexity of pelvic pain can make it challenging to diagnose and treat, pelvic floor physical therapy offers hope through evidence-based treatments that address both symptoms and underlying causes. At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we specialize in helping patients understand and overcome their pelvic pain through personalized care and comprehensive treatment approaches.

Understanding Your Symptoms

Pelvic pain manifests differently for each person, but common experiences include persistent discomfort or pressure in the pelvic region that may worsen with certain activities. Many patients describe feeling:

  • Deep aching or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis that impacts daily activities like sitting at work or exercising
  • Sharp or burning pain during intimate activities or bathroom visits, which can lead to anxiety about these essential functions
  • Muscle tension that radiates into the lower back, hips, or thighs, making it difficult to find comfortable positions

The impact of these symptoms often extends beyond physical discomfort, affecting sleep patterns, emotional well-being, and relationships. Understanding these widespread effects is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

Pelvic pain rarely stems from a single cause. Instead, it typically involves multiple factors interacting with your body's systems. Common contributors include:

Physical Factors:

  • Muscle tension or weakness in the pelvic floor muscles
  • Previous surgeries or injuries that have affected the pelvic region
  • Changes related to pregnancy and childbirth
  • Endometriosis, prostate conditions, or other organ-specific conditions

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors:

  • Prolonged sitting or restrictive movement patterns
  • Chronic stress affecting muscle tension
  • Previous trauma or anxiety affecting the nervous system
  • Inflammatory conditions or autoimmune responses

The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we take a comprehensive approach to treating pelvic pain. Our specialized physical therapy services focus on:

Understanding Your Pain
Our initial evaluation creates a detailed map of your symptoms, helping us understand how pain affects your daily life and what factors might be contributing to your discomfort. This thorough assessment guides the development of your personalized treatment plan.

Hands-On Treatment
We utilize gentle, targeted manual therapy techniques to address:

  • Muscle tension and restricted mobility
  • Nerve sensitivity and irritation
  • Tissue healing and recovery
  • Movement patterns and compensation strategies

Education and Self-Management
We empower you with:

  • Understanding of pain science and your body's responses
  • Specific exercises and stretches for home practice
  • Strategies for activity modification
  • Tools for long-term pain management

What to Expect at Mendwell

Your treatment journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation in a comfortable, private setting. We take time to listen to your story and understand your goals. Treatment sessions typically include a combination of:

  1. Manual therapy techniques tailored to your comfort level
  2. Targeted exercises to improve strength and coordination
  3. Education about pain management strategies
  4. Progressive activity modification plans

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes pelvic floor physical therapy different from regular physical therapy?
Pelvic health specialists have advanced training in treating the complex interactions between the pelvic floor muscles, organs, and surrounding structures. This specialized knowledge allows us to address the unique challenges of pelvic pain effectively.

How many sessions will I need?
While every patient's journey is different, most people begin to notice improvements within 6-8 sessions. A typical treatment course may range from 8-12 weeks, with frequency of visits decreasing as you improve.

Will I have to undress for treatment?
While internal examination can be helpful for assessment and treatment, it is never required. We always discuss treatment options thoroughly and respect your preferences and comfort level.

Is physical therapy painful?
Treatment is always gentle and within your comfort level. We use pain-free techniques to gradually decrease sensitivity and improve function.

Can pelvic floor physical therapy help if I've had pain for many years?
Yes, even long-standing pelvic pain can improve with appropriate treatment. Our approach addresses both recent and chronic pain conditions.

Experiencing

Pelvic Pain

or related symptoms? Pelvic floor physical therapy can help.

Mendwell is a Pelvic Health Physical Therapy clinic serving patients in Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and Tualatin. Our team of specialists are passionate about helping patients improve pelvic function, relieve pain, and get back to feeling their best. Reach out to learn how we can help.

Other names for this condition

  • Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)