Physical Therapies

Physical therapy (PT) is a very important part of pain control for many forms of pelvic pain. Your physical therapy plan will depend upon your diagnosis and symptoms. Research studies show that internal manual massage, pelvic floor exercises and breathing exercises can decrease pain and symptoms in people with urgency-frequency syndrome and interstitial cystitis. Electrical stimulation can help decrease spasm of the muscles surrounding the rectum, vagina, and urethra. PT with biofeedback may help with pelvic floor relaxation. A therapist can work with you to plan regular exercises to work on muscle stretching, strength and control at home too. Pilates is an exercise form that helps develop core control including muscles of the pelvic floor through carefully controlled breating while on the Reformer (stretcher-like equipment) with the feet above the pelvic level. Pelvic floor muscles are reeducated and reoxygenated to provide greater support and less pain.

Patients may need to do their own research to find a physical therapist trained in pelvic floor pain in their area. Search the American Physical Therapy Association's directory to find a PT who specializes in pelvic floor pain in your area.