Pelvic pain affects people of all ages. It usually results from increased pelvic floor tension caused by trauma in and around the pelvis, organs, abdomen, and back or from dysfunctional use patterns, diseases, or surgery. Symptoms may include pain in the lower back, vagina, rectum, abdomen, coccyx and posterior thigh regions.

The most common types of pelvic pain syndromes are:

• Coccydynia, which often results from a fall or injury affecting the coccyx or sacro-iliac joint
• Dyspareunia, which can be caused by a prolapse, pelvic floor muscle tightness, scar adhesions, or decreased lubrication
• Interstitial cystitis, the causes of which are unknown but may include chronic infection, unknown neurologic disorders, ulcerations of the bladder, and autoimmune disease
• Vulvodynia, which may result from infections, dermatological conditions, chemical reactions, and vulvar trauma or surgery

MedStar National Rehabilitation Network offers non-surgical treatment for these types of pain. Outpatient services are provided by therapists who have been specifically trained to work with patients with pelvic pain.

Services include a comprehensive evaluation and an individualized treatment program that may include biofeedback training, patient education, electrical stimulation to help decrease pain, application of hot and cold packs, and use of ultrasound (a deep heating modality) to decrease muscle tension.