The pelvis is the area of your body below your abdomen and above your thighs. The muscles, bones, joints and soft tissue in the pelvis play an important role in supporting your body and movement.
Several conditions and injuries can cause pain in the pelvis, making it difficult to function, including:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain during sex
- Increased menstrual pain
- Pain in the hips
Occasional pelvic pain is a normal part of life. For example, pelvic pain is common during menstruation or in pregnant women. However, whether your pelvic pain is expected or unexpected, physical therapy can help lessen its severity.
Treating pelvic pain with physical therapy
Pelvic pain accompanied by symptoms like bloody stool, fever, constipation and diarrhea may need medical treatment like surgical intervention. Fortunately, many cases of pelvic pain can be treated by physical therapy instead.
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in methods and using technologies that are noninvasive. Even in cases where surgical intervention is required to treat the source of your pelvic pain, you can still benefit from physical therapy for better recovery after surgery.
Treatments for pelvic pain vary depending on the severity or cause of the pain. Many physical therapy treatments for pelvic pain include:
- Stretches and exercises — Exercising the pelvic floor often provides relief for pelvic pain and immobility caused by the pain. These exercises can help regain bladder and bowel control as well.
- Hands-on therapy — Physical therapists use hands-on (also known as manual therapy) techniques to mobilize the joints and soft tissue in the pelvis. This helps improve posture, flexibility and blood circulation.
- Electrical stimulation — Physical therapists can apply controlled bursts of electricity to specific areas in your pelvis for contracting and releasing muscles. This helps exercise inactive muscles and improve circulation. This is especially helpful when an injury or condition causes your body to shut down the use of certain muscles while recovering.
Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy for pelvic pain treatment
Our team at Whatcom Physical Therapy can analyze the condition of your pelvis to decide which treatments are best for you. Whether you’ve had to have surgery or if you’re just looking for noninvasive pelvic pain treatment, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about back pain treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.
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