Pelvic pain is described as pain felt below your belly button. It may come on suddenly and severely or could be mild and last for months, it affects both women and men.
Chronic Pelvic Pain is more intense than ordinary period pain, lasts longer and affects around 1 in 6 women. It is known as Chronic Pelvic Pain if the pain is experienced for 6 months or more. Common causes of Pelvic Pain are inflammation, infection, bowel spasms, surgery, and adhesions. If you're experiencing pelvic pain, see your GP as soon as possible, women may be referred to a Gynaecologist.
As Specialist Physiotherapists, we can treat the painful symptoms of pelvic pain. Women’s Health Physiotherapy is a specialist branch of physiotherapy that deals with pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction. At Tracey Miles Chartered Physiotherapist we are trained both in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, chronic pelvic pain therapy, and women’s health physiotherapy combining a unique skill set to comprehensively assess and diagnose problems affecting the pelvis.
The examination will include the lumbar spine, pelvis, hips, and pelvic muscles. Most of the examination will be external but may include direct palpation of the perineum or instruction to the patient to palpate their own perineum (saddle region in front of the anus). We may also palpate on the inside of the pelvis. This is called an internal examination and allows the physiotherapist to determine the presence of trigger points inside the pelvis that may be inhibiting muscle function or causing pain. Gaining access requires palpation through the vagina or anus, this is by no means an absolute necessity but remains the gold standard for assessment of the pelvic floor. We will ensure there is full understanding and consent by the patient before any internal examination takes place. Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback may also be used to assess the pelvic floor function.
If you can’t find what you are suffering from here and are in any doubt as to whether we can help, please contact us to discuss and we will advise accordingly.
You may also find the following websites useful:
- Pelvic Pain Support Network
- Pelvic Partnership
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
- Clear Passage Physiotherapy
