From Pelvic Rehabilitation Therapist, Erin Hruska, DPT
If you have chronic pelvic pain, did you know Grove Street Women’s Health Therapies at Meadville Medical Center can help you?
According to Powell 20141, endometriosis is the leading cause of chronic pelvic pain. Chronic pelvic pain is defined as noncyclic pain at or below the belly button, lasting at least 3–6 months duration. This pain interferes with daily activities. Chronic pelvic pain is a symptom that we treat successfully at Grove Street Women’s Health Therapies.
Pain from endometriosis adhesions can cause the surrounding muscles to act as a fight or flight response. The muscles protectively contract to guard the area of pain. Over time, muscles remain contracted, and tightness around the pelvis, vagina, abdomen, and back occur. This increased tone or muscle tightness often results in pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy provides intervention to the musculoskeletal system and soft tissue dysfunction contributing to this pain. These interventions include, manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilizations, visceral mobilizations, muscle energy techniques, and education on down training strategies to reduce muscle tension and improve tissue mobility. In addition, therapeutic exercises targeting pelvic floor muscles and overall core strength, endurance, and coordination are prescribed to improve function and reduce pain.
An integral part of pelvic floor physical therapy for chronic pelvic pain is education and self-management strategies. We provide patients with extensive education about pelvic anatomy, knowledge of the neuromuscular connection with pain responses, and strategies for pain management. Patients learn techniques for relaxation, stress management, and self-care; encouraging them to take an active role in their recovery.
Endometriosis can be a debilitating part of a person’s life. A multidisciplinary approach is important and encouraged to address all aspects of a patient who is having chronic pelvic pain symptoms. Pelvic floor therapists can help to optimize the outcomes, reduce pain, and improve overall quality of life for patients with endometriosis.
If you have symptoms of chronic pelvic pain, and interested in a pelvic floor physical therapy consult, ask your PCP or OB/GYN if a referral is indicated for you, or call our office for any questions at 814-373-2075.
More Pelvic Rehabilitation Information
Meadville Medical Center’s physical therapy and occupational therapy departments have select therapists who specialize in the department of women’s health therapies. Erin Hruska, DPT, is also recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association as CAPP-Pelvic Certified. For more information about how the services of women’s health therapies can benefit you, call: 814-373-2075.
1. Powell J, 2014. The approach to chronic pelvic pain in the adolescent. Obstet. Gynecol. Clin. North Am 41 (3), 343–355.
