Pelvic Pain

Do You Have Pelvic Pain?

Pelvic pain can occur for many reasons, and physical therapy can help reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms you are experiencing. Contact us today for more information.

How can physical therapy help relieve pelvic pain?

Because your spine, abdominal and hip muscles attach to your pelvic bones, your treatment for pelvic pain will most likely include stretching and strengthening of those areas, as well specific pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation.

At your first visit, your pelvic health physical therapist (PT) will review your medical history, including medications, surgeries, and your current symptoms. Then your PT will assess the strength and flexibility of your spine and hip muscles, and explain how they interact with your pelvic floor muscles. If any of these muscles are not working properly, your “core” is not well supported and daily function suffers.

It is important to note that there are also a wide variety of conditions that could lead to pelvic pain, and our PTs at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL can help diagnose the root of the problem before providing treatment.

Some common techniques used during pelvic floor rehabilitation include:

Postural exercises

These exercises are designed to increase your awareness of posture habits that may impact spine and pelvic muscle function. Postural exercises may be performed in lying, seated or standing positions and often have the added benefit of improving balance.

Visceral manipulation

A gentle manual therapy technique used to improve the natural gliding motion of the internal organs, which can ease low back, pelvic and abdominal pain

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation is a large part of physical therapy. It allows your muscles to ease tension, making it easier for them to be stretched and massaged. Your physical therapist may teach you certain techniques, such as guided imagery or biofeedback, to help you relax.

Myofascial assessment and release

“Myofascial” is a term used to describe muscle and connective tissues. Myofascial pain can occur anywhere in the body, including the pelvic floor. Your pelvic health physical therapist may use specialized stretching and massage techniques to treat myofascial “trigger points” and provide pain relief. You will also learn breathing techniques, stretches, and exercises to do at home to help yourself stay strong and healthy!

Diaphragmatic breathing

Deep breathing exercises allow your diaphragm to expand and contract, which helps relax muscles in the pelvic area and decrease pain. Once you learn to relax your pelvic floor muscles, you are ready to begin strengthening them.

How can I get started?

If you are experiencing pelvic pain, you are not alone. GoodLife Physical Therapy is here to help make your daily life as comfortable as possible.

Consult with one of our physical therapists at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park or Evergreen Park, IL today to discuss potential treatment plans and discover how you can say goodbye to daily pain!

Reclaim Your Life With Our Men’s Health Program

Are you a male living with pelvic pain? If so, at GoodLife Physical Therapy, we understand how challenging that can be. Fortunately, with our men’s health programs, we can get you back to living your life comfortably and confidently.

Men who are dealing with pelvic pain should know that it can be addressed and possibly fixed through pelvic floor rehabilitation at our physical therapy practice at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL. Our physical therapists know how to treat all patients, regardless of what condition you may be experiencing.

Contact us today to consult with a physical therapist at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park or Evergreen Park, IL and discover how our men’s health treatment services can benefit you!

Common Causes Of Pelvic Discomfort

Pelvic floor dysfunction is defined by the inability to control the muscles of your pelvic floor, and there are several factors that may be causing your pelvic floor pain.

Below is a list of possible conditions you might have that a pelvic floor therapist can treat:

Tight pelvic floor muscles

Did you know that your pelvic floor muscles can clench up? There are many reasons why this happens (such as injury, operations, lifting heavy objects, stress, scar tissue, a sedentary lifestyle, etc) but thankfully, Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL physical therapists can help determine exactly what is causing your pain and how you can prevent it in the future.

Post-prostatectomy pain

There are several different types of prostatectomies, and you may be experiencing a complication from yours if you’ve had one. Many men deal with urinary incontinence after a prostatectomy.

Prostatitis

This condition results in inflammation and swelling, and occurs in the prostate gland. Prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection that can be cured through antibiotics. If you are diagnosed with chronic prostatitis, however, this is a long-term problem that will require more help than medication can offer.

Pudendal Neuralgia

Your pudendal nerve travels through your pelvic floor muscles. If those muscles are too tight, this nerve can become irritated. If this nerve is compressed for too long, you may begin experiencing painful symptoms.

Are You Experiencing Any Of These Symptoms?

The symptoms of pelvic floor pain and/or dysfunction can vary depending on a multitude of factors. You might notice some days that you experience more pain than others. This painful condition has been linked to events that weaken the pelvic muscles or tear connective tissue.

Common pelvic pain symptoms that can be remedied through our men’s health program include:

Aches and pains in your abdominal region
Pain in the testicles, groin, or hip areas
Burning sensations in the pelvic area
Frequent need to urinate
Incontinence
Pain with ejaculation
Pain in the rectum or tailbone
Difficulty urinating
Lower back pain
Constipation
Pain with bowel movements
Rectal spasms
Sexual dysfunction
GI disorders

Let Us Help You Get Your Life Back!

Pelvic floor rehabilitation focuses on improving the strength, endurance, flexibility, and motor control of the pelvic floor muscles. At GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL, we know that the topic of pelvic health can be embarrassing for our patients to talk about; however, you are not alone. Rest assured that our skilled physical therapists are here to start the conversation of how to relieve your pelvic pain so you can enjoy your life, rather than continue living in discomfort.

Schedule your consultation today to get started on the first steps of a men’s health treatment plan!