Pelvic Pain and Incontinence

Pelvic pain does not discriminate. It can occur in adults of either gender and at any age. Though the medical diagnosis differs, and the symptoms may be different, the primary cause may be similar in many cases. Pelvic pain often develops rapidly and without a known cause. Chronic pelvic pain is a disabling condition that too often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Medical tests are often negative. Antidepressants and anxiety drugs are often prescribed. Nevertheless, some people continue to experience severe disabling pelvic pain. When all medical tests have been exhausted and treatments have failed to eliminate pain, an evaluation and treatment from a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction may be just what the doctor will order.

The root of pelvic pain may be due to muscle, nerve or soft tissue disorders such as:

• Muscle spasm or hypertonus,
• Nerve entrapment
• Myofascial restriction
• Muscle weakness or instability
• Joint alignment issues
• Trigger points
• Inflammation
• Muscle inhibition
• Scar tissue or adhesions

A physical therapist can evaluate you and determine if there are any neuromusculoskeletal problems that can contribute to your pelvic pain.
Physical therapy evaluation may include

• Complete posture and strength assessment
• Internal and external pelvic muscle strength, tone and condition
• Movement assessment including
• Muscle imbalances and joint integrity
• Balance and Flexibility
• Scar tissue elasticity and mobility
• Treatment may include
• Manual physical therapy techniques
• Joint mobilization or stabilization techniques
• Posture balancing and core strengthening
• Muscle inhibition or facilitation
• Myofascial release techniques
• Cranial Sacral Therapy
• Visceral mobilization and release
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Trigger point release
• Modalities including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, moist heat and or ice
• Relaxation exercises
• Education in what can be done at home to relieve the painful symptoms
   

Individuals who suffer from pelvic pain may also have conditions such as:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Interstitial Cystitis
• Spastic colon
• Coccyxadynia/Coccyxalgia
• Vulvodynia
• Prostadynia

Once medical tests are completed and the physician rules out an active disease process, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor dysfunction will be able to evaluate the problem and provide appropriate treatment for any underlying muscle, skeletal or soft tissue causes.

• Individuals who suffer from chronic abdominal, pelvic, vaginal or rectal pain
• Pain during intercourse or preventing intercourse
• Pelvic floor, groin or abdominal pain with normal activity such as sitting, standing, walking or climbing stairs
• Pain in groin or pelvic floor from contact with clothing
  Painful urination, urgency or frequency

Linda Van Alstyne is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and is a licensed Occupational Therapist. Linda has specialized in evaluation and treatment of the pelvic floor, including bladder and bowel dysfunction and sexual pain and dysfunction since 1995. She is trained in the enhancement of pelvic floor function and continence management through the American Physical Therapy Association, Women’s Health Division. Linda has had training in Connective Tissue Release techniques from the Society for Pudendal Neuralgia. Her doctorate work includes application of the Stanford protocol to patients with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Linda is a member of the International Pelvic Pain Society and the International Urogynecological Association.
 

With a referral to physical therapy, Linda can start you on the path that leads you to the healthy and enjoyable life you deserve