Pelvic Pain

​

Pelvic pain affects a significant number of women; unfortunately, it also is poorly understood and rarely discussed. Pelvic pain may include conditions such as:

​

• vulvodynia: pain in the vulvar area, which refer to the female external genital organs including the labia, clitoris, and entrance to the vagina; and pain that also may extend to the area between the vagina and anus, thigh orbuttock and is often associated with discomfort in the urethra and rectum

• vaginismus: vaginal tightness causing pain with penetration and makes intercourse painful, difficult and sometimes impossible

• vulvar vestibulitis: inflammation,redness and pain at the opening of the vagina

• pelvic muscle tension syndromes: pain, tightness or spasm in the pelvic muscles

• coccydnia: pain in the tailbone/coccyx

• endometriosis: tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, also found elsewhere in the body, mainly in the abdominal cavity, with associated pain, especially during menstruation

• dysmenorrhea: pain with menstruation

• dyspareunia: pain with intercourse

• interstitial cystitis: recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region

• irritable bowel syndrome: pain associated with IBS

​

 

Causes of Pelvic Pain

​

A diverse amount of structures may contribute in pelvic pain. These include the reproductive, urinary, gastrointestinal, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems as well as psychological components. Common experiences that can cause pelvic pain include:

​

• Childbirth, vaginal or cesarean section

• Surgery, abdominal, pelvic, or spinal

• Trauma, such as a car accident or sexual abuse

• Injury, like a fall on the sacrum or tailbone

• Habitual postures, positions, or movements

 

These situations often affect the muscles, facial tissue, organs, nerves, blood supply and joints of the pelvis. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia can become overstretched, partially torn, or cut during trauma, childbirth, injury or surgery. Muscles may become weak or tight, joints may be hypomobile (stuck or too little movement) or hypermobile (unstable or too much motion).

​

Repeated poor posture or adverse movements can slowly stretch or tighten structures around the pelvis and lead to dysfunction and pain. In addition, organs which have a particular movement and rhythm and may become scarred down or have excessive movement, affecting their function. If the abdominal, low back, pelvic floor, and hip muscles weaken or tighten, the pelvis can experience dysfunction and pain.

​

​

What does a treatment include?

• Soft tissue mobilization including myofascial release, connective tissue release, trigger point therapy, massage therapy techniques to pelvic floor and other pelvic muscles

• Vaginal stretching

• Movement reeducation, reinforming habitual movement patterns

• Pelvic floor education

• Organ Massage, visceral manipulation, and Maya Abdominal Therapy

• Instruction on self-care techniques

• Relaxation and breathing techniques

• Vaginal Dilators 

• Essential oils for pain and healing

 

​

​