About Us

What is Chronic Pelvic Pain?

Pain in the pelvic girdle and all the areas that surround it which lasts for 6 months or more.

Who suffers from Chronic Pelvic Pain?

What are the signs and symptoms of Chronic Pelvic Pain?

Pain in the groin, buttocks, low back, hips and abdomen that doesn’t go away.
Pain in the genitalia (the vagina, penis, scrotum and scrotum)
Painful intercourse (or painful ejaculation for men)
Urinary symptoms which may include frequency, urgency or the inability to urinate.
Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking without pain

Where does Chronic Pelvic Pain come from?

The research is still being done and there is no conclusive answer yet. It is possible that just as some people get headaches from muscular tension in the neck, some people get pelvic pain from muscular tension in the pelvis.

How does Chronic Pelvic Pain impact clients’ lives?

According to the International Pelvic Pain Society, pain puts about 25% of affected women in bed for much of the day for an average of 2.6 days a month; 58% must at least cut down on their usual activity one or more days a month. Emotionally, 56% noted significant changes; 47% felt “downhearted and blue” some of the time. Intercourse is compromised with pain in almost 90% of Chronic Pelvic Pain patients.

Does Chronic Pelvic Pain go undiagnosed?

According to the International Pelvic Pain Society, nearly 15% (1 in 7) of all American women ages 18–50 suffer from Chronic Pelvic Pain. Yet of these 9.2 million sufferers, a surprising 61% still have no diagnosis!

Can Chronic Pelvic Pain be misdiagnosed?

Yes, for women it can be misdiagnosed as Urinary tract infection, Yeast infection, Back pain, Groin pain or Hip pain.
For men, it can be misdiagnosed as Inflamed prostate (non-bacterial prostatitis), Back pain, Groin pain or Hip pain.

Why are physical therapists treating Chronic Pelvic Pain?

For the same reason, they treat shoulder or neck pain. Specially trained physical therapists are experts at how the muscles and bones of the pelvic girdle interact.

How do H&D’s physical therapists treat Chronic Pelvic Pain?

With biofeedback technology we assess muscle tension and strength.
With our hands, externally and internally, we can assess and release where the muscle is most tight (which are called trigger points).
We also prescribe exercises targeted to relax and strengthen the muscles surrounding the pelvis.
We coordinate with our Director of Yoga to prescribe Yoga postures and breathing techniques for overall relaxation and to manage the mental and emotional stress that comes from having chronic pain.

What role does Yoga play in the treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain?

Specially modified Yoga postures and breathing techniques are used for overall relaxation and to manage the mental and emotional stress that comes from having chronic pain.
Clients learn to broaden their experience of their bodies, so their focus isn’t limited to their pain.

Do all physical therapists treat Chronic Pelvic Pain?

Do all Yoga teachers and styles of Yoga treat Chronic Pelvic Pain?

No. Standards for certifying Yoga instructors require between 200-500 hours of training which precludes much in-depth anatomical training, let alone education in adapting postures, breathing & meditation practices to specific conditions. Advanced training is required as well as coordination with specially-trained physical therapists.