Pelvic Pain

Don’t let pain interrupt your life…

IT’S TIME TO PEEL BACK THE LAYERS.

 

Assessing & treating pain is like peeling off the layers of an onion. Often people want to find ‘the cause’ of their pain, but it is often multi-factorial (especially if the pain is chronic or greater than 3 months in duration).

When pain drivers have not been identified and discomfort persists, the central nervous system gets upregulated and this adds another layer to pain management. Our goal is to identify what is driving your pain as well as compounding factors. We take an orthopedic approach to assessment (looking at nerves, joints, muscles & fascia), incorporate principles of brain-pain neuroscience in treatment, and consider personal & lifestyle factors. Expect a comprehensive evaluation and “ah-ha” moments!

 

Treatment for:

  • Vulvar pain

  • Penile or testicular pain

  • Rectal pain

  • Coccyx/tailbone pain

  • Abdominal pain

  • Endometriosis

  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)

  • Painful periods (dysmennorhea)

  • Vaginismus (tight & restricted pelvic floor muscles)

  • Interstitial cystitis

 

FAQs

  • Yes.

    Chronic pain can pose more challenges, but learning about your pain drivers and how to influence them will benefit you in the short and long term. Managing expectations and understanding more about your brain and body’s response to pain is an important component of therapy. We want you to feel safe and present living in your body. It is important that you feel empowered and supported when it comes to chronic pain management.

  • Nope! I want you to feel comfort and pleasure with sexual activity. Sure, occasional, mild discomfort with intercourse may be normal if it readily dissipates, but grinning and bearing pain with intercourse on the regular isn’t.

    There are many diagnoses and variables that can come into play when it comes to painful intercourse; scar tissue, tight pelvic floor muscles, irritated nerves, changes to vulvar tissue, nervous system readiness, and more. A pelvic PT assessment and treatment by a skilled provider can do wonders for improving sexual health!

  • Yes! Tampons or menstrual cups can be removed prior to starting an internal assessment and a pad will be placed under the patient’s hips for comfort. Bleeding with your cycle does not limit pelvic PT assessment and treatment, but if you prefer not to receive internal treatment while on your cycle; no problem…there is still plenty we can do!

  • Your treatment plan will be unique to you; there is no recipe for treating pelvic pain. We work together (I walk beside you) while you move towards more clarity, function and presence in your daily life. Treatment often includes:

    • Manual therapy; muscle energy techniques, myofascial release, strain counter strain, joint and soft tissue mobilization, visceral mobilization, manual lymphatic drainage, and more

    • Dry needling

    • Incorporating principles of brain-pain neuroscience

    • Cold laser (LTU-904) 

    • Neuromuscular reeducation and progressive therapeutic exercise

    • Education for home care and exercise progression as well as lifestyle modifications

 
 
 
 
 

Resources that might help you: