Skip to content

Pelvic & Sexual Pain

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Avila Physical Therapy? Who can come to your practice? What services do you offer? Find the answers to these questions and more by clicking on the button below.

Pelvic & Sexual Pain

“Until Avila I was in constant pain. After my first visit, I walked out pain free, feeling like someone cares, someone understands, and the quality of my life can be better. Thank you for your continued care, professionalism, and compassion.”

How can physical therapy help?

Physical therapists trained specifically in the area of pelvic health can identify the possible generators of pelvic pain and develop a treatment plan specific to the patient suffering from pelvic pain. A physical therapist trained in this area may utilize hands on techniques to address muscle tightness or targeted exercises to improve muscle strength and reduce faulty patterns of muscle recruitment. Other treatment strategies may include biofeedback, retraining of muscles, postural training and strengthening of the abdominal core muscles. While your physician may be able to identify and diagnose the problem for you, adequate and comprehensive treatments are only available through Physical Therapy. Talk with your doctor about PT and your condition. Patients may visit Avila without a physician referral, however we prefer a collaborative approach that involves your primary care physician or your OBGYN.

Typical diagnosis related to pelvic pain include:

  • Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
  • Interstistal Cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
  • Vaginismus
  • Vulvar Vestibulitis
  • Pudendal Neuralgia

What is pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain is described as pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, vagina or rectum, and is considered to be chronic when symptoms have been present for more than six months. The pain may be described as aching or burning in the area of the perineum or abdomen.

A couple cuddling in bed with a focus on the woman in the center. Both are smiling and happy and worry free.

What causes pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain can be caused by problems such as:

  • Pelvic joint dysfunction
  • Muscle imbalances within the pelvic floor, trunk, and/or pelvis
  • Incoordination of the muscles related to bowel and bladder function
  • Tender points in the muscles of the pelvic floor
  • Pressure on nerves in the pelvis
  • Weakness in the muscles of the pelvis and pelvic floor
  • Scar tissue after childbirth, and abdominal or pelvic surgery

What are the symptoms of pelvic pain?

Symptoms of pelvic pain, in addition to pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, may include:

  • Pain in the hip or buttock
  • Pain in the tailbone
  • Limited sitting tolerance
  • Pain in the joints of the pelvis
  • Sexual Pain
  • Tender points in the muscles of the abdomen
  • Reduced range of motion in the hips and lumbar spine
  • Urinary frequency, urgency
  • Or incontinence
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Constipation and/or straining with bowel movements