According to research, 1 in 10 women has experienced painful sex, also known as dyspareunia. There are several potential causes for this, including hormonal changes and overactive muscles.
Dyspareunia affects 20% of women in the United States. Apart from the physical pain felt by dyspareunia patients, this condition can trigger mental health challenges and also cause conception difficulties in women within the childbearing age range. Dyspareunia may also lead to other sexual dysfunction disorders in women such as decreased libido, decreased arousal, and inability to orgasm.
Here at Oklahoma Physical Therapy, our certified women’s pelvic floor physical therapists are experienced in helping dyspareunia patients to get rid of the pelvic pain.
What are the causes of pelvic pain?
- A shift in the positioning of the pelvic organs
- Weakened pelvic floor muscles
- Scar tissue which formed as a result of abdominal surgery
- Internal Cystitis or Endometriosis
- Pressure on the nerve structures around the pelvic region
- Changes around the muscles that control the bladder and the bowels
- Stress on the pelvic joints and muscles as a result of pregnancy and childbirth
What are the signs and symptoms of pelvic pain?
- Constipation or straining during bowel movement
- Urinary incontinence and pain during urination
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Pain in the pelvic area during exercises and recreational activities
- Impaired mobility around the hips and lower back
- Inability to sit for prolonged periods
- Insomnia
- Difficulty engaging in everyday tasks.
The Oklahoma Physical Therapy solution
Here at Oklahoma Physical Therapy, we have qualified women’s health physical therapists that can design a personalized treatment program for your pelvic pain. Our evidence-based physical therapy has helped many women to get back to optimum wellness.
Our pelvic pain therapy program will include elements such as:
- Behavioral modification to induce regular muscle activity and function
- Pelvic floor biofeedback
- Myofascial release to the pelvic floor muscles
- Exercises targeted explicitly at improving typical pelvic pain symptoms