An overview of the incidence and types of pelvic pain is presented, followed by some practical information concerning the presentation of patients with pelvic pain. Simple physical therapy techniques that are use in treating patients with pelvic pain are also discussed. Information related to pelvic pain is limited. Two studies published in 1996 presented staggering statistics. Patient complaints are often unrelated to an identifiable gynecologic or urologic pathology.
Many patients seek help for many years until they receive a correct diagnosis and proper treatment.
Symptoms are aggravated by many factors that may contradict each other. Some patients report increased pain with sitting, standing, supine, or with changes in position. Pillows can be used to assist with placement of extremities and trunk for proper positioning in supine and sidelying. In sitting position, use lumbar rolls to facilitate lumbar support and use a footstool for hip and knee flexion. 90 degrees to facilitate proper lumbar lordosis.