Chronic Pelvic Pain

Not many people are aware that some physiotherapists can treat pain in the pelvic region, known as Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP). CPP is a term given to any type of pain in the pelvic region persisting for longer than three to six months. Common terms of CPP include Vulvodynia, Dyspareunia, Vaginismus, Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome and pain associated with endometriosis. Men can also experience CPP and two commonly known terms are Prostate Pain Syndrome and Pudendal Neuralgia.

There are many possible causes for and contributors to CPP, but sometimes the initial triggers may be multi-factorial or no longer there. Pain can be influenced by physical, social and psychological factors such as lack of sleep, sickness, stress and hormones. As a physiotherapist our focus is to work with you and your medical team to look at the things in your life that may be adding to your pain experience. Research shows that understanding your pain and the nervous system results in better treatment outcomes.

During your session your physiotherapist (me) will take a very detailed history, and an assessment of your posture, muscles and joints, bladder and bowels, and pelvic floor muscle function. Your physiotherapist will liaise with other health care professionals so that an optimal management plan can be developed. Physiotherapy management may include education on pain science and skin care, strategies for improvement of bladder and bowel function, manual therapy and desensitization to the pelvic floor and pelvic region.

Our aim is to help you understand your pain and empower you with knowledge and skills to improve your pain, your quality of life and your function.