Female pelvic pain is an extremely common condition that may often be the symptom of a form of pelvic floor dysfunction.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a hammock-like structure that supports the organs of the lower abdomen and assists with control of the bladder.

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction often have increased pelvic pain with intercourse or use of tampons, increased urgency and/or frequency of urination, or pain with specific positions or activities. The symptoms of pain are thought to stem from muscular spasm, abnormal amount of tightness, and excessive tension of the pelvic floor muscles.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy for pelvic pain will start with an assessment of your specific limitations in regards to flexibility, muscular strength, posture and skeletal structure. Assessment will include analysis of the musculature of the core, hips, and pelvic floor. Depending on the findings, your therapist may use a variety of treatment techniques to reduce symptoms and prevent future episodes of pain. Techniques may include manual therapies to reduce muscle tension and increase blood flow to affected area, as well as therapeutic exercises and stretches to strengthen or stretch affected soft tissues and promote better alignment and movement strategies.