One out of every 5 Americans suffer with one type or another of pelvic pain which is also known as pelvic floor dysfunction. Many Americans go untreated as for most the pain has been unidentified.
What is Pelvic Floor Pain?
The pelvic floor is made of tissues and muscles which form a sling that goes from the pubic bone to the tailbone which assists in supporting the pelvic organs as well as the abdominal organs. This support helps control the bladder, bowels and sexual activity. When the muscles of the pelvic floor are tight, weak or there is an impairment in the lower back and/or hip joint, a wide array of problems may occur. This pelvic pain is caused by irritation or an increased/decreased sensitivity of the tissues surrounding the pelvic organs.
What causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
There are many causes that could be a result of this dysfunction. They are
- Infections that are undiagnosed
- Pregnancy or childbirth
- Insidious onset
- Poor Posture from Chronic Low Back
- Trauma from a bad fall
- Surgery
Why would I be referred to a Physical Therapist?
Many patients are referred to Physical Therapists for various reasons. If you have one of the following symptoms and/or problems you should consider seeing a Physical Therapist.
- Disorders of the bladder such as
- Urinary-Frequency Syndrome: urinary frequency, urgency or hesitancy
- Interstitial Cystitis: a.k.a. Painful bladder syndrome
- Urinary Incontinence: a loss of urine from the bladder due to muscle weakness or muscle spasm/tightness
- Disorders of the bowel such as
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Feeling of fullness that creates abdominal pressure and bloating
- Sexual Dysfunctions
- Pelvic Pain/Dysfunction such as
- Pudendal Neuralgia
- Vaginismus: Muscle Spasms creating an inability to penetrate the vagina
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Infection of reproductive organs with pelvic adhesions or scar tissue formation
- Pelvic Congestion
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lichens sclerosis and Planus: Skin lesions that are inflamed; narrowing of the vagina may occur with scarring and adhesions
- Lichens sclerosis: Skin eruption that is chronic; creates lesions that are associated with itching, painful intercourse and burning
- Coccydynia: Pain found near or in the tailbone area
- Post surgical procedures such as hernia, laparoscopy, hysterectomy, appendectomy, ceasarean section, episiotomy and prostatectomy
What type of treatment can I expect?
At Oklahoma Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will partner with you to create a customized treatment plan. Treatments may include:
- Trigger Point Dry Needle
- Heat and Cold Therapy
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Myofascial
- Soft Tissue Mobilization (External and Internal)
- Connective Tissue Manipulation
Contact Oklahoma Physical Therapy at www.oklahomapyshicaltherapy.com today to set up an appointment to meet with our trained physical therapists so we can create the best treatment plan for you that will allow you to enjoy your daily activities with less pain.
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Mackenzie Barnes earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas in 2017, where she graduated Cum Laude.
She has traveled around the country taking courses for Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation and is seeking her Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) to become one of few in the state of Oklahoma.