Pelvic Pain

How can pelvic floor physiotherapy help?

At your first pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment, your therapist will assess for the tone and strength of your pelvic floor muscles and check for any signs of prolapse. Often (but not always) pelvic pain is related to increased tone or tension of pelvic floor muscles, which may or may not be accompanied by hypersensitivity or other nervous system involvement. Based on the results of your assessment, the therapist will employ a variety of treatment techniques which may include manual therapy, exercises to relax and/or strengthen your pelvic floor and education on how to self-manage your condition.

What causes the pelvic floor to become excessively tight (hypertonic)?

Hypertonicity of the pelvic floor can sometimes develop as a result of stress or anxiety, or following trauma. In some cases, it may be due to compensation for muscular weakness or a guarding response to pain in the pelvic floor or nearby regions (i.e. hips, low back). Oftentimes we don’t know exactly what caused the pelvic floor to become tight. Thankfully however, we can still implement techniques to address the dysfunction.

I think I may have an excessively tight (hypertonic) pelvic floor, should I avoid performing Kegel exercises?

Not necessarily. Just because a muscle is tight does not mean it is strong. Muscles can be tight and weak, or tight and strong. As a general rule, we usually advise patients on how to relax a hypertonic pelvic floor before we begin strengthening. Each case is unique however which is why we recommend seeing a pelvic floor therapist for a thorough assessment and guidance before beginning a pelvic floor program at home.

Can pelvic pain, or pelvic floor dysfunction cause pain in other areas of the body?

Yes. The pelvic floor comprises the base of our core and has an incredibly important role in stabilizing the low back and the sacroiliac joint (where the spine joins to the pelvis). Pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly contribute to low back pain. Dysfunction in the pelvic floor can also refer pain to other areas including the inner thigh, pubic bone, tailbone and hips.

Do I need a referral to see a pelvic floor therapist?

No, you are able to access pelvic floor physiotherapy without a doctors referral. That being said however, we do recommend discussing any persistent pelvic pain concerns with your doctor as there are many conditions that are beyond the scope of physiotherapy alone to treat.