refresh physio
pelvic pain
Overview
Pelvic Pain Physiotherapy & Support
Persistent (chronic) pelvic pain can be complex, but physiotherapy has been shown to be one of the most effective treatments for managing & reducing symptoms.
High quality research highlights that multimodal physiotherapy—a combination of movement-based treatment, education & self-management strategies—has positive effects on:
- Pelvic floor muscle function
- Sexual function
- Physical movement & daily activities
- Psychological well-being
- Overall quality of life
We adopt a (biopsychosocial) whole-person approach to pelvic pain, using evidence-based methods to help you better understand your symptoms & regain confidence in movement. Our approach includes:
- Education & pain neuroscience – Understanding how pain works & how to best manage it effectively.
- Self-management strategies – Practical tools to improve function & reduce discomfort in daily life.
- Graded exposure & cognitive-behavioural approaches – Helping you make a gradual return to physical activities, ones that matter to you.
- Personalized movement & rehabilitation – A plan tailored to your body & needs.
Studies emphasize that engagement in meaningful activities is a key part of managing chronic pain, so the goal is to help you move better, feel better, & get back to the things you love.
(Starzec-Proserpio et al, 2024; Johnson et al, 2024).
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Pelvic Pain
Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse) & Physiotherapy
Pain during or after intercourse—known as dyspareunia—can have a significant impact on physical, sexual, & emotional well-being. It may present as:
- Superficial pain – affecting the vulva or vaginal entrance.
- Deep pain – felt in the cervix, bladder, or lower pelvis.
Dyspareunia can also be primary (present from the beginning of sexual activity) or secondary (developing later in life). Understandably it can often lead to frustration, anxiety, low self-esteem & even depression.
The good news is that physiotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment, helping to reduce pain and improve quality of life. Treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle training – one or a combination of – improving strength, coordination & relaxation.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – to help manage pain.
- Manual therapy & massage – to release muscle tension & improve comfort.
- Education & self-management strategies – empowering you with tools to regain confidence & ease.
(Fernández‑Pérez et al, 2023).
If pain is interfering with your well-being, physiotherapy can help you take back control. Book an appointment today to start your journey towards some relief.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Comprehensive Treatments for Pelvic Pain
Treatment for pelvic health presentations involves a comprehensive assessment, this may at times benefit from an internal examination. Followed by a specific programme & advice around strengthening (or relaxation), self management strategies & advice on possible lifestyle adaptations which can help improve quality of life. Catherine also has some other biofeedback device options which can assist practical learning.
An outline of the pelvic health presentations Catherine treats is as follows:
- Bladder Control – incontinence, urgency incontinence, frequency & prolapse.
- Bowel Control – faecal incontinence, constipation, urgency & prolapse.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse – pre & post surgery & physiotherapy can improve long term outcomes.
- Pelvic Pain/Sexual Dysfunction – Endometriosis, persistent pelvic pain, vaginismus, dyspareunia, pudendal neuralgia & bladder pain syndrome.
- Pregnancy & post natal care.
- Men’s Health – bladder control issues, bowel control, persistent pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, sexual pain, pre & post prostatectomy advice regarding return to continence & erectile function.
- Pelvic floor safe exercise – Catherine has a large repertoire of safe pelvic floor exercises & will advise you what exercises are appropriate for your level of pelvic floor function.
- Surgery – post surgery for bowel, bladder or gynaecological issues & advice regarding the role of pelvic floor strengthening & safe return to appropriate exercise with a tailored exercise programme.
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