Pelvic pain
When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending.
Brené Brown
1 in 10 women can suffer from pain and Endometriosis.
1 in 5 women can have painful intercourse.
Up to 15% of men have persistent pelvic pain.
People who suffer from pelvic pain often have to contend with a myriad of other symptoms including painful intercourse, muscle spasm, bladder and bowel dysfunction (or pain), anxiety, psychological effects, and social and relationship issues.
Pain may have local triggers such as overactive pelvic floor muscles, changes to the sensitivity and stimuli around the nerves and skin, and conditions that escalate pain like prostatitis, urinary tract infections, recurrent thrush infections or autoimmune contributors including Endometriosis. The nervous system also contributes to the way information from the tissues is processed and perceives pain.
Pain physiotherapy includes many management options that can improve your pain, including:
Modern pain science education
Muscle retraining, stretching and tension release
Guided imagery and progressive de-sensitisation
Relaxation techniques
Good bladder and bowel habits and training
Appropriate graded exercise and lifestyle modifications
Sexual health advice
Surgery preparation and rehabilitation
Change starts with understanding pain.
When we are unsure of what is happening in our bodies, we feel out of control and threatened. Unfortunately, pelvic pain is still not well understood. We need to be speaking more about pelvic pain so that we can move towards early and better treatment. These are some great resources to get you started.
Endometriosis Australia
www.endometriosisaustralia.org
Professor Lorimer Moseley
www.tamethebeast.org
Pelvic Pain Foundation
www.pelvicpain.org.au