Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a diagnosis that describes pain in the pelvis lasting at least 3-6 months. 

Who has chronic pelvic pain?

  • About 1 in 7 women and 1 in 50 men men experience chronic pelvic pain
  • People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue, and interstitial cystitis are more likely to experience CPP
  • A history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder can increase risk of developing CPP

chronic pelvic pain What causes this condition?

  • There is no single cause of chronic pelvic pain. Although diagnostic tests can help identify contributors, about half of people will not be able to find one.
  • Biological, psychological, and social factors all contribute to a person’s pain experience. No two people are the same, so each person experiences CPP differently.
  • When someone has pain for a long period of time, the brain and spinal cord begin to change. This phenomenon is called central sensitization. 
  • In short, central sensitization lowers the threshold for the person to sense pain in the pelvis. This means that someone can have pain from a stimulus that would not normally be painful.

What can pelvic physical therapy offer to people with chronic pelvic pain?

  • Pelvic physical therapists are an important part of a multidisciplinary team. They can assist in diagnosis of CPP, and help rule in or rule out musculoskeletal contributors to pain.
  • A pelvic PT visit could include exercise, hands-on therapy, in-depth conversation about coping skills – and everything in between! Someone with chronic pelvic pain might be squatting a barbell or practicing mindfulness techniques. Each person’s needs are unique, and may change between visits! 

chronic pelvic pain exercise How is chronic pelvic pain treated?

  • Even without finding an exact cause of someone’s pain, we know there are many ways to influence it.
  • Prescription medications can be helpful depending on the contributors to pain
    • Pain medication, including for nerve-related pain
    • Hormonal medications and therapies
    • Psychiatric medications like antidepressants can reduce pain as well as be used to address mental health concerns
  • Specialists in bowel, bladder, and sexual health can help address specific medical contributions to pain. 
  • Massage therapists, fitness professionals, mental health counselors/therapists and others are also important parts of the team! They can help you build coping skills, improve function, and manage pain.

You Don’t Have to Navigate Chronic Pelvic Pain Alone

Chronic pelvic pain can have many different causes, and no two people experience it the same way. That’s why the first step toward feeling better is understanding what’s contributing to your symptoms. Research shows that pelvic floor physical therapy can play an important role in reducing pain and improving function as part of a personalized treatment plan.

At Agile Physical Therapy, our experienced pelvic floor physical therapists take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and goals before creating a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Treatment may include manual therapy, pelvic floor muscle retraining, movement education, breathing techniques, and strategies to help you return to the activities you enjoy with greater confidence.

We offer private, one-on-one, 60-minute pelvic floor physical therapy appointments at our San Mateo, Palo Alto, and Los Gatos clinics. If chronic pelvic pain has been limiting your daily life, we’re here to help you take the next step toward lasting relief.

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