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Treating Pelvic Floor Pain With Physical Therapy

April 27, 2018

Unbearable pain from what was thought to be caused by hemorrhoids plagued Jane Peters’ life for five years. When the discomfort was too much to tolerate, Peters requested a visit with a specialist. But she wasn’t satisfied, and sought a second opinion from Bayhealth Colorectal Surgeon Elsa Goldstein, MD, who referred Peters to Bayhealth Outpatient Rehabilitation for pelvic floor therapy.

The “pelvic floor” is a group of muscles that provide support to the organs, and control bowel and bladder functions. Dysfunction or weakness of these muscles can result in a variety of problems including incontinence or pain. Through the pelvic floor rehab program, treatment includes myofascial release, dilator therapy, education regarding triggers and modifying activities, biofeedback, and therapeutic exercises. Peters was diagnosed with a pelvic floor condition called levator ani syndrome/spasm and not hemorrhoids. Levator ani syndrome refers to pain experienced in the back part of the pelvis. Symptoms include pain while sitting and discomfort after a bowel movement.

Bayhealth Physical Therapists Jessica Bayer, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT, and Christine Boddicker, PT, DPT, encourage people to talk about pelvic floor pain with their doctors. “This isn’t a condition people are comfortable talking about,” said Boddicker. “Although talking about pelvic pain and incontinence can be embarrassing, it’s better to talk about it than live in pain in silence.”

When Boddicker and Bayer first meet with patients, they do a thorough pelvic floor assessment and completely review the patient’s health history before starting therapy. Life before pelvic floor therapy was uncomfortable for Peters. She couldn’t stand still, sit, lie down, or drive, and only found minor reprieve from pain while pacing around the house. It wasn’t until she began physical therapy that she experienced relief.

Following therapy, Peters is able to sit without needing a pillow or balled up towel under her bottom. She’s also back to doing the things she loves, such as gardening. “I couldn’t be happier with my experience. I still have some tenderness, but I’m doing very well. I wish I had known about pelvic floor therapy years ago so I hadn’t suffered for so long,” Peters said.

Embracing therapy was crucial in Peter’s returning back to a normal life. “The therapy works if the patient works, too,” said Boddicker. “Patients need to be active participants in recovering or they won’t get better.” Bayer and Boddicker contribute Peters’ success to her determination in addressing the problem. She was a true advocate in her health throughout the process, refusing to settle until she was comfortable with a diagnosis and got the help she needed.

“Anyone who is suffering from pain in their pelvic floor region, I highly recommend talking to your physician and be as comprehensive in your analysis of your pain as you can,” encouraged Peters. “Don’t put this off, and if you get help but are still suffering, don’t be afraid to ask to see someone else.”

Both men and women can suffer from pelvic floor conditions. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is available at Outpatient Rehabilitation, Kent Campus and Outpatient Rehabilitation, Bayhealth Milford Memorial. To make an appointment with Dr. Goldstein at Bayhealth Colon and Rectal Surgery, call 302-503-2700. To make an appointment with a physical therapist, call Outpatient Rehabilitation, Kent Campus at 302-744-7095 or Outpatient Rehabilitation, Bayhealth Milford Memorial at 302-430-5706.

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