According to recent research findings, 60% of women have at one point in their lives experienced painful sex. The reasons for this vary; from pelvic floor dysfunction to hormonal shifts, and a change in the state of mind. This painful sex is referred to as dyspareunia.
In the United States, dyspareunia affects up to 20% of women, and it has been found to adversely affect the physical and mental health of these women, putting a strain on their relationships and even sometimes becoming an impediment to conceiving.
Dyspareunia is associated with a number of other sexual dysfunction disorders that affect women, including decreased arousal, anorgasmia, and decreased libido. At Oklahoma Physical Therapy, our certified women’s pelvic floor physical therapist is committed to helping women resume their normal lives by getting relief from pelvic pain.
Causes of Pelvic Pain
- Imbalance and weakness in the pelvic floor muscles
- Pregnancy and childbirth that cause undue stress to the pelvic joints and muscles
- Significant changes around the muscles that control the bladder and the bowel
- Tender points around the pelvis, lower back, abdomen, or groin regions
- Pressure on the nerves around the pelvis
- Endometriosis, cysts, or Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
- Scar tissue as a result of an abdominal surgery or episiotomy/tearing
- A significant shift in the location of the pelvic organs
Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Pain
- Increased inability to move the lower back and hips
- Reduced ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
- Difficulty sleeping, working or performing routine activities
- Numbness or pain in the pelvic region when doing exercises or recreational activities
- A painful experience during sexual activity
- Urinary urgency, frequency, pain, or incontinence when urinating
- Straining or constipation during bowel movement
How Oklahoma Physical Therapy Can Help
At Oklahoma Physical Therapy, our women’s health physical therapist will work with you to design a custom treatment program that will help you manage and improve your pelvic issues and symptoms. We are committed to helping you regain your dignity and wellness through evidence-based physical therapy.
A typical physical therapy program for alleviating pelvic pain includes myofascial release to the pelvic floor msucles, pelvic floor biofeedback, exercises designed to improve your condition, and behavioral modification designed to enable your pelvic floor muscles to regain their normal muscle activity and function.
Contact us today and let us create a pelvic pain physical therapy treatment for you.