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Pelvic pain and Incontinence
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<%
%>Who is appropriate for physical therapy evaluation and treatment?
- 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. |
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.
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