4 reasons for chronic pelvic pain

Research estimates that nearly 4% to 16% of women, in particular, experience chronic pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain is a general term used to describe pain that frequently occurs in the pelvis. It is usually due to an underlying pelvic condition. It can cause difficulty using the restroom, standing up and sitting down, and even having sex. It isn’t limited to women, however. Men can experience pelvic pain, too. Are you experiencing pelvic pain more often than you would like? Take a moment to read through the top causes and learn how physical therapy can improve your pelvic health. 

What are some of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain?

There are many conditions that can lead a person to experience chronic pelvic pain. The most common include:

• Pelvic organ prolapse — Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which the pelvic organs migrate away from their normal position. It’s usually the result of muscle weakness. When someone has pelvic organ prolapse, their uterus, bowels or bladder move down from their original position and into the vagina. This condition can cause pain, discomfort and bulging around the pelvic area. That is, at least until a professional has treated it. Many people with mild cases find that physical therapy treatment can help them manage their symptoms. It can also prevent their prolapse from worsening. In some cases, it can help their organs return to their original position. 
• Muscle weakness —Muscle weakness is another common cause of chronic pelvic pain. Do you have poor abdominal and pelvic muscle strength but often use those muscles to perform strenuous bowel movements? You could increase your risk of developing chronic pelvic pain. Many people with muscle weakness and chronic pelvic pain find that physical therapy treatment can help them. Physical therapy utilizes strength building to combat muscle weakness.  
• Pregnancy — Women who are pregnant or have recently delivered a baby often report feeling chronic pelvic pain. Women’s bodies accommodate the growth of a baby and undergo changes such as joint loosening; the effects of these accommodations can leave recently pregnant women vulnerable to chronic pelvic pain. 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease — Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition that is characterized by infection of one or more organs in the pelvis. The organs that are most commonly affected are the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. This disease is sexually transmitted and involves bacteria that travels from the vagina all the way to the reproductive organs. PID is known to cause sharp pain in the pelvis, fatigue, and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

What are some of the benefits that physical therapy can provide to someone with chronic pelvic pain?

Physical therapy is known to benefit people who experience chronic pelvic pain. Key benefits include:

• Reducing pain — One of the top benefits that physical therapy can provide people with chronic pain is pain reduction. Physical therapy exercises and techniques can target the source of your pain and address it at the root. Whether your pain is caused by inflammation, muscle weakness or muscle tension, a physical therapist can use intentional movements and instruments to alleviate your discomfort.
• Decreasing inflammation — Another way that physical therapy can help someone with chronic pelvic pain is by using exercise to increase circulation and reduce inflammation. Inflammation can be responsible for much of the pain and swelling that a person experiences in their pelvis, but intentional exercises can often remedy inflammation. 
• Improving muscle strength — Improving muscle strength in the pelvis and abdomen can prove especially beneficial for those who have chronic pelvic pain from muscle weakness and pelvic organ prolapse. Stronger muscles have a better capacity to bear greater loads and withstand tension or strain.
• Increasing control over bowels — Many people with chronic pelvic pain will also experience difficulty controlling their bowels. Strength-building treatment from a physical therapist can improve bowel control and reduce the symptoms of urinary and bowel incontinence. 

Armor Physical Therapy can provide the PT treatment you need for your pelvic pain

Are you ready to get relief from the pain and discomfort you’ve been experiencing in your pelvis? Our team of physical therapists at Armor PT can address your disorder or condition. We perform free screenings designed to determine the root cause of your pain so that you can better understand how treatment may help you. Once you’ve undergone a screening to evaluate your symptoms, we can create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and reduce future occurrences of pelvic pain.

Is getting to and from your sessions with chronic pelvic pain your main concern? Don’t let that stop you from getting treatment. Our physical therapy team offers virtual physical therapy services to treat you at home.

Contact us today for more information about how we can treat your pelvic pain or to schedule an initial appointment.