Pelvic pain rehabilitation

Abstract

Chronic pelvic pain is defined as persistent painful condition which lasts for at least six months under umbilicus. Numerous factors are blamed for etiopathogenesis, and quality of life of individuals is adversely affected. Chronic pain as well as functional disorders are accompanied to chronic pelvic pain. The treatment and rehabilitation program should be tailored for specific causes, targeting general pain treatment. Consequently, chronic pelvic pain management can be used to propose personalized treatment options and include patient education, behavioral therapy, and a biopsychosocial approach. Interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration are essential for facilitating patient-centered rehabilitation.

Keywords: Pelvic floor; pelvic pain; pelvic rehabilitation; physical therapy.

Figure 1. Cotton swab test. Cotton swab can be used to assess allodynia or hyperalgesia, suggesting a possible abdominal wall neuropathy.

Figure 2. Anterior abdominal wall endometriosis. (a) A 43-year-old, multiparous woman presented with cyclic dull pain at the cesarean scar site for the past one year. (b) Ultrasonography revealed a subcutaneous nodule with irregular borders, a heterogeneous echo texture with endometriosis on left anterior abdominal wall.

Figure 3. Therapeutic exercises for pelvic pain. (a) Abdominal and hip muscles strengthening exercises, bridge exercises. (b) Pelvic f loor muscle exercises with diaphragmatic breathing. (c) Pelvic floor muscle and lower extremity strengthening exercises.[36]