Chronic Pelvic Pain refers to pain in the lower part of the abdomen, pelvis or pelvic floor. It is pain that has lasted for six months or longer. It can be a symptom of another disease, or a condition in its own right. The cause can often be hard to find.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
There are many excellent websites dedicated to providing information on the various causes of chronic pelvic pain. Some of these causes and the websites are listed below.
More on www.pudendalhope.info
More on www.vulvalpainsociety.org
National Vulvodynia Association www.nva.org and www.issvd.org
Vaginismus is a condition where the pelvic floor muscles have become so tense that penetration with intercourse or even the use of a tampons are impossible or at least very painful. It can be associated with vulvodynia (vestibulodynia) and or pudendal nerve conditions but can also present on its own. The cause is often unknown. It can take a long time for the muscle tension to ease out and dilators are often recommended as a treatment. They may or may not be helpful.
It is important to know that assessment with an experienced physiotherapist may help in finding specific areas of restriction and therefore accelerate the process.
In response to the pain, urgency and frequency the pelvic floor muscles and abdomen become tense going into a holding pattern. The tension becomes part of the problem further feeding into the holding patterns and pain cycle. The pelvic floor muscles need to be able to control at the neck of the bladder.
More about IC at www.ichelp.org
OUR TREATMENT: Manual Therapy & Exercises
Pelvic floor manual therapy and release exercises are a key part of treatment for pain conditions prior to any strengthening program. It is important to note that a multidisciplinary team approach is essential with chronic pain conditions.
You can follow the pelvic floor release exercises on this website – they will apply to everyone. If you are still struggling after a few weeks then you need the help of a physiotherapist who specialises in this area.

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.pudendalhope.info
Vulval Pain Society, UK
www.vulvalpainsociety.org
National Vulvodynia Association (NVA)
www.nva.org
Global Thinking for Women’s Wellness
www.issvd.org