Do you experience pain during your gynecological exam, tampon insertion, sexual intercourse or bowel movements? When sitting, do you find yourself shifting from side to side in attempts to find a comfortable position? Do you have pain in your lower abdominal region, hips or buttocks that you find difficult to pinpoint? You are NOT alone!

Pain in the pelvic area that lasts for 6 months or longer is called chronic pelvic pain. An estimated 15–20% of women aged 18–50 years have chronic pelvic pain that has lasted for more than 1 year.
Chronic pelvic pain can disrupt work, physical activity, sexual relations, sleep, or family life. It also can affect a woman’s mental and physical health.

Chronic pelvic pain is one of the most common medical problems of women. Twenty-five percent of women with CPP may spend 2-3 days in bed each month. More than half of the women with CPP must cut down on their daily activities 1 or more days a month, 90% have pain with intercourse (sex). In addition to all of this, almost half of the women with CPP feel sadness or depression some of the time because of their condition.

Chronic pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. If a cause is found, chronic pelvic pain usually can be treated. For some women, a cause is never found. For these women, treatment is directed at pain relief.

The causes of chronic pelvic pain include:

• Pelvic floor muscle tightness
• Vaginal muscle spasm
• Soft tissue tightness
• Scar pain from surgery
• Episiotomy pain

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes:

Chronic Pelvic Pain is a diagnosis given to pain in the lower abdominal and pelvic area that has lasted for more than 6 months.

Sometimes the pain us due to a problem in the lining of the bladder (Interstitial Cystitis) or due to organs/tissue adhesions from endometriosis or painful menses due to painful contractions of the uterus. In all these cases, the cause of pain is not from muscle spasm but the muscles surrounding the vagina and rectum may become painful as a result of this irritation. This sets up a Pain Cycle

Location: Lower abdominal area around the bladder, uterus, ovaries and/or the upper thighs and around the vagina and rectum.

Description of Symptoms: Differs depending on the condition. IC patients describe pain in the bladder, urinary frequency and sometimes pain with urination. Patients with endometriosis describe pain with sexual intercourse (deep)

Medical Treatment: (Following tests and accurate diagnosis by your physician) Medications and/or surgery.

Physical Therapy Treatment Options: To break up the "Pain Cycle"
• Manual therapy (therapists uses her hands) to release trigger points and stretch tight muscles.
• Electrical stimulation for pain control (to your level of comfort)
• Exercises to restore muscle function of the abdominals and pelvic floor. These "core" muscles need to be strong.
• Active training and relaxation of the muscles of the pelvic floor using biofeedback
• Education on comfort measures-what you can do at home to alleviate pain
• Education on dietary modifications if needed
• Teach you how to do soft tissue stretching at home
• Use of heat and icea and other comfort measures
• Possibly ordering a TENS unit or other electrical stimulation equipment to use at home to help manage the pain

We Treat Pelvic Pain Related To:

• Vulvodynia
• Vestibulodynia
• Dysparenuia
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Interstitial cystitis
• Pelvic floor muscle weakness
• Vaginismus
• Scar pain from c-section or episiotomy
• Scar pain from hysterectomy, myectomy
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids

Scars from surgery, childbirth, and tense muscles can cause sexual pain. Long term effects of pain from the bowels bladder or uteris will affect muscle tension and perpetuate the pain-spasm-pain cycle. At Action Physical Therapy we use a gentle, hands-on approach to interrupt this cycle and to relieve muscle tension and soften scars. Specially trained therapists will educate you on how you can help yourself and how to stay comfortable in your activities of daily living.

Our Personalized Care Includes :

• Gentle hands on therapy to soften muscle tension and/or scar tissue
• Computerized biofeedback to enhance awareness of pelvic floor muscles
• Low level laser therapy to decrease pain and inflammation, improve nerve function and circulation to the tissues
• Electrical stimulation to ease discomfort
• Heat and ultrasound to soften scar tissue
• Individualized flexibility and strengthening excercises
• Education in self-care and comfort measures

Benefits of the Program:

• Pain-free gynecological visits
• Recapture intimacy with your loved one
• Reduce pain and burning sensations
• Be able to sit without pain
• Live without a headache in your pelvis


Why Act Now?

Faster access to the proper treatment will result in a quicker recovery. Learn preventative techniques to avoid future reoccurances. Don’t put it off any longer. The more you wait the more serious your problem may become. Don't let your problem get to the point of no return.

• Call to schedule your 15 minute free consulation with a Licensed Physical Therapist Today!!


All services are provided by female Licensed Physical Therapists with specialized training in women's issues. All sessions are conducted in private treatment rooms. Our approach is gentle and respectfull. Most insurance companies provide reimbursement for Physical Therapy services.