Why is Pelvic Health So Important?
Pelvic health plays a vital role in overall well-being, especially for those assigned female at birth. Good pelvic health supports bladder and bowel function, pelvic floor muscle performance, and visceral sensation (the ability to sense pain or discomfort in organs). Unfortunately, pelvic pain and dysfunction often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Studies show that 1 in 4 women experiences pelvic floor disorders and pelvic pain at some point, impacting daily life and mental health (Burgio KL et al., 2014).
The Importance of Understanding Pelvic Anatomy
The pelvic area includes interconnected organs, muscles, nerves, and ligaments. Issues in any part of this system can impact surrounding regions like the hips, thighs, or lower abdomen. Limited space in the female pelvis often means pain or dysfunction in one area can lead to related conditions, contributing to chronic pelvic pain (Spitznagle et al., 2016).
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
Identifying the root cause of pelvic pain is essential for effective treatment. Here are some frequently seen conditions associated with pelvic pain:
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Overactive or weakened pelvic floor muscles.
- Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome): Chronic bladder pain without infection.
- Endometriosis: Growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus.
- Adenomyosis: Uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods due to uterine contractions or underlying conditions.
- Pudendal Neuralgia: Irritation of the pudendal nerve.
- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Veins that carry blood away from your ovaries and uterus become engorged with blood
- Bowel-Related Issues: IBS, Crohn’s disease, and others.
How Pelvic Physiotherapy Supports Our Pelvic Health
A strong, balanced pelvic floor is essential for supporting pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus and rectum. Pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFT) is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of pelvic health management. It involves targeted exercises and therapies that help reduce tension or strengthen weak areas in the pelvic floor.
Research shows that pelvic floor physiotherapy improves symptoms for many patients with pelvic pain or dysfunction. One study found that nearly up to 60% of individuals with chronic pelvic pain saw improvement through physiotherapy (Bedaiwy et al., 2013).
How to Find Relief and Reclaim Your Life
Pelvic health issues affect everyone differently. Physiotherapy and other treatment methods may provide relief for some and less so for others. However, trying pelvic physiotherapy with a certified therapist may help you regain function, comfort, and control in your daily life.
Additional Resources
Consider exploring resources like the International Pelvic Pain Society and recent studies on pelvic health to further understand your options and potential treatments.
References:
Bedaiwy MA, Patterson B, Mahajan S. Prevalence of myofascial chronic pelvic pain and the effectiveness of pelvic floor physical therapy. J Reprod Med. 2013 Nov-Dec;58(11-12):504-10. PMID: 24568045.
Spitznagle, T., Cabelka, C.A., Clinton, S.C., Abraham, K., & Norton, B. (2017). Diagnosis Dialog for Women’s Health Conditions: The Process and Proposed Pelvic Floor Muscle Diagnoses. Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy, 41, 154–162.
