Pelvic Pain
How can we help?
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is most commonly characterized by painful periods, intercourse pain, pain with bowel movements, urination pain, infertility and/or diarrhea during periods. Endometriosis refers to a condition where the tissue similar to the one that lines your uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of your uterus. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a great option to manage your symptoms. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will help you reduce adhesions and scar tissue, and improve your movement through manual therapy, visceral mobilization, and home exercise programs.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial Cystitis, also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the deep and muscular bladder layers. It can cause bladder frequency, urgency, and/or pain.Over time, if there is chronic inflammation in the bladder, this can cause damage to the surrounding muscles and fascial tissues. Inflammation in the muscles and fascia can cause symptoms that may seem to originate from the bladder. Physical therapy can be used to release restrictions in fascia and address trigger points in the pelvis, hip, and pelvic floor muscles. Painful Bladder Syndrome symptoms can be relieved by rebalancing tissue and muscles.
PAINFUL INTERCOURSE
Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective treatment for reducing or eliminating sexual and vaginal pain. Our safe, gentle techniques focus on addressing the underlying causes of pain and discomfort, helping women to experience pain-free, enjoyable intercourse. Our therapists work to reverse issues and unravel the web of pain by increasing pelvic blood flow, releasing trapped nerves and adhesions (scar tissue), relaxing and stretching tight tissue, correcting postural imbalances, restoring mobility, and melting away painful tender points and trigger points. Our goal is to tone and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, restoring overall health and function to the pelvis.
Pudendal Neuralgia
Your pudendal nerve runs from the back of your pelvis to all the muscles and skin in your genital area, including your anus, vagina and penis. This nerve can become irritated or compressed and contribute to pain, numbness, or tingling in the pelvis or genitals. Pelvic floor physical therapy works with nerve mobilization, manual therapy, and other techniques to decrease your symptoms.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus refers to a condition where a woman’s vagina contracts involuntarily. This can cause discomfort or pain particularly with penetration. Vaginismus can be treated by addressing both the emotional and physical drivers. Physical therapy of the pelvic floor helps with vaginismus treatment by treating the physical response (the spasm). The treatment will vary depending on the individual.
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia, is hypersensitivity of nerves in the vulvar area causing pain. We are specialized in manual therapy and have extensive training in treating chronic pelvic dysfunction.
SI Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac dysfunction (SIJ), a lower back/pelvic condition, can be caused by joint stiffness (hypomobility), or slackness(hypermobility), at the sacroiliac bones in the pelvis. This condition can affect men and women of any age, but it is more common in females. Your physical therapist will evaluate your SI joint dysfunction to determine the extent of your pain. These findings will determine the treatment plan for you.
Low Back Pain
Your pelvis and tailbone are supported by muscles that include your back muscles, stomach muscles and glutes, and a small group of muscles located at the base called your pelvic floor. If you are not getting these checked out you are missing an important piece of the puzzle to your low back pain. We’ve known for a long time that low back pain and the pelvic floor are closely related. Many of our patients notice sciatica and other low back symptoms but they don’t realize that it could be due to their pelvic floor until they have their initial evaluation. To provide sustained relief from lower back pain, it is important to examine both the pelvic floor as well as the lower back.
Hip Pain
A pelvic floor specialist might be able to help you if you have hip pain as the muscles of your hip are directly connected to your pelvic floor. Your hip muscles, pelvic floor muscles and core muscles must all work together to allow your body to move efficiently. Each muscle group should be strong and flexible. Your body could rely on the other muscles for stability or movement, eventually causing more pain or dysfunction. To determine if the primary cause of hip pain is in one of these areas, a pelvic physical therapist will perform an internal assessment. An individualized plan can restore mobility, stability, function, and functionality of the pelvic floor and other hip muscles. You can return to the activities that you love by correcting any underlying muscle imbalances.
Tailbone Pain
Tailbone pain, also called Coccydynia, can be treated by our expert pelvic floor therapists. Tailbone pain limits sitting and is problematic when you transition from sitting to standing. This is a common problem that we treat all the time. Don’t let your tailbone pain get you down. Let’s make you feel better! Schedule your appointment today.
Book an appointment
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on my first visit?
After your initial appointment is scheduled you will receive new patient paperwork via email. It is required to complete prior to your first visit in order to allow your therapist time to prepare for your evaluation. Arrive on time to your appointment in comfortable clothing - ideally; exercise shorts/leggings and a t-shirt. (Minimize layers as much as possible). Your first visit depends highly on your needs and where you are in your journey, but you can expect a comprehensive assessment of your back, hips, pelvis, pelvic floor (as needed and when you are feeling ready), and movement. We will discuss your goals and an initial treatment plan to get you back to living your best life.
Do I have to have an internal pelvic floor exam?
You can expect an internal exam, but that may not always be the case. Your therapist will check the pelvic floor internally because that is the only way to get the most accurate knowledge of structure and function. Not all patients need or are ready for this, so we may use external techniques first. Please communicate your comfort level so we can provide the best care. It is extremely important that nothing is forced, or rushed by anyone involved in your care. You will never be asked to do something you are not comfortable with. Not every appointment requires internal work unless that is part of your program.
Should I come if I’m menstruating?
Yes! We want to avoid gaps in your care. However, if you are uncomfortable, we can make adjustments. If you are having increased pain, or difficulty relaxing, we can work in different ways. Take note that it may be valuable to see what your organ function is doing if your complaints involve painful menstruation. We can help you work with your body.
Do you do “other" types of physical therapy?
Our physical therapists are trained with expertise in anatomy, movement assessments, and exercise prescription based on any impairments or pain you might be facing. We can provide effective treatments for pain in any joint - head to toe!
Do you take my insurance?
We are not contracted or "in-network" with insurance and we have reasons for that. Unfortunately insurance really limits our abilities to provide the best care for you. They don’t have your best interests at heart, but we do. This also helps us to reduce overall cost. Some insurance plans include “out of network” coverage. This is typically a percentage that your insurance company will reimburse directly to you. You will need to submit documentation to them, which we provide for you at no additional cost.
You may use HSA/FSA cards for your PT visits.
If you are willing to use cash for massage, lashes, a hair appointment, acupuncture, gym membership, which are all valuable, why not for skilled, one-on-one, doctoral level care? What is your quality of life worth? What would you pay to be able to do what you love again, be out of pain, or be “normal”? YOU are worth it! Your HEALTH is worth it! We understand that there are many financial situations, and do not want this to deter you from the care you need. All costs will be discussed up front. No surprises. If you have difficulty with the cost for visits, we are happy to discuss options with you.
What is the cost of a visit?
The cost of the initial evaluation is $185. Follow up visits are $156!