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Physical Therapy for Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is most successfully treated with a combination of treatment approaches. The pelvis is a very complex area of ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, arteries, veins, and joints. Many procedures and tests are available to rule out vascular and organ involvement in pelvic pain without regard to the muscles and joints of the pelvis, hips, and spine. Physical therapy addresses the musculoskeletal components contributing to pelvic pain that might not be discovered through other diagnostic testing. Typical findings include muscle weakness in the abdominals, hips, lower extremities, and pelvic floor; joint instability or restriction in the sacroiliac joints, hips, or spine; poor coordination or endurance of the muscles of the lower extremities, trunk, and pelvis; and nerve compression or irritation in the trunk, hips, or pelvis. Another typical finding is poor pelvic diaphragmatic breathing patterns.
Physical therapists perform a musculoskeletal evaluation to include evaluation of the spine, abdomen, pelvis and lower extremities. This includes the following: strength, coordination, and endurance testing; lower quarter neurologic screening; joint mobility assessment; and other appropriate special tests which may include biofeedback for muscle strength, tone, and endurance. Physical therapists who have had advanced, specialized training may also perform pelvic floor muscle assessments. Generally, a combination of musculoskeletal findings is treated. For example, therapy targeting the pelvic floor, abdominals, and back may be needed instead of therapy for only one of these areas.
Typically, the physical therapist will send 45 minutes with the patient on each visit for one-on-one treatment. Treatments may include soft tissue and joint mobilization for muscle and joint restrictions; ultrasound for increased blood flow and decreased muscle guarding; interferential stimulation or TENS for pain; biofeedback for muscle coordination and reeducation; and therapeutic exercises and activities for strength, endurance, and coordination. Other appropriate modalities may be used as indicated.
K.Lynne Odom, P.T.
The following physical therapists have undergone special training in pelvic floor and groin conditions:
K. Lynne Odom, P.T.
Core Soulutions Physical Therapy
2000 Richard Jones Road
Suite 154
Century Plaza Building
Nashville, Tennessee 37215
615-292-0199
Suzzette Robinson, P.T.
Rehabilitation Services at Sumner Crossroads
491 Sage Road
Suite 1000
White House, Tennessee 37188
615-285-0557
Kelly Southard, P.T.
639 East Main Street
Suite B-102
Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075
615-473-3250
Kerry Becht, P.T.
1409 Baddour Parkway
Lebanon, Tennessee 37087
615-444-1408
Jesse Carter, P.T.
Highpoint Physical Therapy
291 Clearsky Court
Clarksville, Tennessee 37043
931-920-4333
Sumita Karwande, P.T.
Result Physiotherapy
520 Highland Terrace, Ste. A
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130
615-896-6866
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