Pelvic pain is a prevalent problem that affects people of all ages. Pelvic pain usually results from increased pelvic floor tension due to trauma in and around the pelvis, organs, abdomen and back and also dysfunctional use patterns, diseases or surgery. Symptoms include pain in the following regions: low back, vagina, rectum, abdomen, coccyx and posterior thigh.

The most common types of pelvic pain syndromes are:

• Coccydynia: This condition is often a result of a fall or injury affecting the coccyx or sacro-iliac joint. It can also be a result of muscle imbalances in the pelvic region. Symptoms include pain in the coccyx while sitting and pain while transitioning from sit to stand.
• Dyspareunia: This can be caused by a prolapse, pelvic floor muscle tightness, scar adhesions or decreased lubrication. Symptoms may include pain during sexual intercourse.
• Interstitial Cystitis: The cause of this condition is unknown. Potential causes include chronic infection, unknown neurologic disorder, and ulcerations of the bladder and autoimmune disease. Symptoms may include bladder and abdominal pain, frequent voiding, sleep deprivation, dyspareunia and often corresponds with vulvar pain.
• Vulvodynia: Contributing factors to this condition include: infections, dermatological conditions, chemical reactions and vulvar trauma or surgery. Symptoms may include severe pain, burning and stinging in the vulvar region. Usually the patient is unable to wear tight clothing or use tampons secondary to increased pain in vulvar/vestibular region.

About Our Services

Regional Rehab offers a non-operative treatment approach for patients with pelvic pain. Individualized treatment programs are developed utilizing numerous treatment techniques noted below.

Individualized Treatment Programs

Each patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation of his/her history, current problem and pelvic floor musculature. Based on the findings, a program is designed consisting of some of the following:

• Biofeedback training uses a monitoring device to give the patient feedback as to the patient’s ability to relax the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic pain is usually associated with spasming of the pelvic floor muscles and a relaxation program is developed with the use of the biofeedback.

Patient education:

• Dietary considerations, including bladder irritants
• Vestibular irritants
• Electrical Stimulation can be used to aid in decreasing the patient’s pain. Various forms of E-stim can be tried, including TENS and Interferential Stimulation. The therapist will work closely with the patient to determine which is the best option.
• Hot packs and cold packs can also be used depending on the patient’s condition. Heat can ease interstitial cystitis pain while cold may help vulvodynia patients. Once again, the therapist will work closely with the patient for the best treatment option.
• Ultrasound is a deep heating modality which, in combination with manual therapy techniques, can decrease muscle and pain tension in their perineal, inner thigh, buttocks and low back region.

Staff and Facilities

Regional Rehab is staffed by therapists who have been specifically trained to work with patients with pelvic pain. Patients benefit from the wealth of expertise available at NRH, the Washington area’s only freestanding, comprehensive medical rehabilitation hospital.

Financial Arrangements

NRH Regional Rehab participates in Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare and is approved by most major insurance carriers and health maintenance organizations. A case manager or office manager will discuss your insurance with you at the time of the referral.

Information and Referrals

To learn more about our services, to arrange a tour, or to make a referral, please call the closest site to you.