Pain in the pelvis needs to be assessed by a doctor, as medical treatment may be required.
Pelvic pain can be associated with excessive muscle activity. Carrying high levels of tension in the pelvic floor muscles for long periods can lead to tenderness in the muscles themselves, and/or can refer pain to other parts of the pelvis. Pelvic pain associated with very tense pelvic floor muscles can affect both women and men.
In some people the pelvic floor muscles are held tense – in a protective way. This tension can cause problems if it is not released for months or years. It’s a bit like someone with a sore neck developing tense neck and shoulder muscles…if the muscles are held like this for a long time, tension headaches may result.
Pelvic pain associated with tense muscles may present in the bladder, anus, rectum, genitals – or can be vague and hard to localise. It can be associated with other bladder or bowel symptoms (incontinence, constipation), sexual problems, or even simple practical issues (inability to sit through a meeting or a movie).
There are many conditions, including endometriosis, that can cause pain in the pelvis. Endometriosis is a complex and painful condition experienced by about 10% of women – usually starting within a year or two of their first menstrual period. It is a common but under-diagnosed cause of pelvic pain and a range of other symptoms. It is just one of many reasons why the pelvic floor muscles may be overly tense.
How can physiotherapy help?
Often it is a relief simply to discover a reason for the pain.
A physiotherapist skilled in treating pelvic pain can help you to learn how to release the tension in the pelvic floor muscles. There are usually a range of treatment options that can be discussed at a consultation. Education and lifestyle advice are also important factors in achieving pain relief.
Chronic Pelvic Pain is one of the many conditions that can be treated by a suitably trained Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.