Are you in need of pelvic pain relief and recovery? Know that you need not suffer from pain. AZCCPP offers non-invasive solutions to treat your pelvic pain and get you back on your feet, pain free!
What Is Pelvic Pain?
Pelvic pain is any discomfort felt in the lower abdomen, between the belly button and the hips. It can feel sharp, dull, constant, or come-and-go. The pain may stay in the pelvis or radiate to the lower back, hips, genitals, or thighs.
For many, pelvic pain is more than an ache—it disrupts sleep, intimacy, work, and simple daily tasks like sitting or walking. The good news: physical therapy is a first-line, non-surgical treatment that helps 70–90% of patients reduce or resolve symptoms when properly applied.
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
| Category | Examples | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal | Pelvic floor muscle spasm, SI joint dysfunction, pubic symphysis pain, coccyx injury | Worsens with movement, sitting, or posture changes |
| Gynecologic | Endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts | Cyclic with menstruation, deep dyspareunia |
| Urologic | Interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome, chronic prostatitis (CP/CPPS) | Urgency, frequency, pain with bladder filling |
| Gastrointestinal | Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation, anorectal pain | Bloating, changes in bowel habits |
| Neuropathic | Pudendal neuralgia, ilioinguinal nerve entrapment | Burning, electric, or shooting pain; worse with compression |
Why Choose Physical Therapy for Pelvic Pain Relief?
- Drug-free & surgery-sparing – Addresses root biomechanics instead of masking symptoms.
- Evidence-based – Level-1 studies show PT outperforms medication alone for chronic pelvic pain.
- Holistic – Treats muscles, nerves, fascia, viscera, breathing patterns, and lifestyle together.
- Customizable – No two pelvic floors are identical; your plan is 100% tailored.
What to Expect at Your First Pelvic PT Visit
| Step | What Happens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed History | 30–45 min interview: onset, triggers, bowel/bladder/sexual function, past trauma/surgeries | Guides exam & rules out red flags |
| Posture & Movement Screen | Standing, sitting, walking, squat, single-leg balance | Reveals compensatory patterns |
| External Exam | Palpation of abdomen, low back, hips, SI joints | Identifies tender points & joint restrictions |
| Internal Exam (with consent) | Gloved finger in vagina or rectum to assess pelvic floor tone, trigger points, coordination | Gold standard for diagnosis; can be declined—external techniques still help |
| Biofeedback (optional) | Sensors show muscle activity on a screen | Teaches awareness & control |
Core Physical Therapy Interventions for Pelvic Pain Recovery
1. Manual Therapy
- Myofascial release – Gentle sustained pressure melts trigger points.
- Visceral mobilization – Frees adhesions around bladder, uterus, or rectum.
- Joint mobilization – Restores SI, pubic, or hip motion.
2. Pelvic Floor Down-Training
- Diaphragmatic breathing – Syncs ribcage, diaphragm, and pelvic floor.
- Reverse Kegels – Lengthens hypertonic muscles (opposite of “squeeze”).
- Biofeedback – Visual proof you’re relaxing, not clenching.
3. Neuromuscular Re-Education
- Coordination drills – Quick flicks + long holds to balance strength & endurance.
- Dilator or wand progression – Desensitizes vaginal or rectal pain.
4. Functional Re-Integration
- Postural correction – “Stack & wrap” cues for sitting & lifting.
- Graded exercise – Walk-to-run programs, yoga flows, Pilates.
- Bladder/Bowel retraining – Timed voiding, fiber titration, defecation dynamics.
5. Pain Neuroscience Education
Explains why pain persists after tissue heals and empowers self-management.
Home Program Essentials (Start Today)
| Tool | How to Use | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Foam roller (soft) | Gentle lumbar & glute release | 2–3 min nightly |
| Yoga tune-up balls | Trigger point self-massage (sit on ball) | 1–2 min per side |
| Squatting stool | Elevates feet for easier bowel movements | Every BM |
| Pelvic clock visualization | Supine, imagine clock face under pelvis; drop 6 o’clock | 10 breaths 3×/day |
Sample 6-Week Progression (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome)
| Week | Focus | Key Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Down-train & breathe | Diaphragmatic 360° breathing + pelvic drops |
| 3–4 | Lengthen | Child’s pose with side bend, happy baby hold |
| 5–6 | Strengthen in length | Bridge with neutral spine, bird-dog |
When to Seek a Pelvic PT Specialist
- Pain > 3 months despite rest or meds
- Intimacy is painful or impossible
- Bowel movements require straining > 5 min
- Leaking urine with cough/sneeze (or urge so strong you can’t make it)
- Postpartum > 6 weeks with persistent pain
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is internal work mandatory? A: No. External techniques, education, and exercise reduce pain in >50% of patients who decline internal exam.
Q: How many visits will I need? A: Average 8–12 sessions over 3–6 months; some improve in 2–3.
Q: Will insurance cover it? A: Most plans cover pelvic PT under “outpatient rehabilitation.” Pre-authorization may be required.
Take the First Step
Pelvic pain is not something you have to “live with.” A pelvic-physical-therapy evaluation can map your exact impairments and build a roadmap to reclaim comfort, confidence, and control.
Schedule today — your pelvis deserves the same expert care you’d give a sprained ankle. See the different conditions we treat for women and also for men, and start living life pain free!
Partner with AZCCPP for Pelvic Pain Relief and Recovery!
Is pelvic pain troubling you and disrupting your way of life? The Arizona Center for Chronic Pelvic Pain, led by Michael Hibner, MD, PhD, offers specialized care to address your unique symptoms. From advanced diagnostics to minimally invasive surgery, our pelvic pain expert team creates personalized pelvic pain treatment plans to restore your health and fertility.
With decades of expertise in pelvic pain treatment, AZCCPP is Arizona’s premier destination for women’s pelvic health. Our compassionate, multidisciplinary approach ensures you receive holistic care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. We’re dedicated to helping you achieve lasting relief and confidence in your health journey.
Are you ready to take charge of your health? Contact AZCCPP today at (480) 599-9682 or email [email protected]. You may also check out AZCCPP on YouTube for more questions that need answers with Dr. Michael Hibner.
We proudly serve the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa. Follow us on social media for inspiring patient stories and expert insights. Let our pelvic pain doctors help you overcome chronic pelvic pain—schedule your consultation now!