Pelvic Pain Explained

By Sarah Cummins (C-IAYT)
Yoga Therapist, Waterfall Yoga Therapy

Do you suffer from pelvic, hip, or low back pain or dysfunction? Perhaps you have digestive issues, or tight hamstrings and hip flexors? Maybe your pelvic dysfunction shows up as incontinence, prolapse, frequent urinary tract infections, or low libido? You are not alone in your symptoms as Pelvic Floor Disorder (PFD) shows up in nearly one quarter of women in the U.S. and has also been identified in 16% of men. Roughly 61% of these people will never find a definitive diagnosis for issues they suffer related to pelvic wellness.

While these statistics are alarming, yoga therapy is an affordable, holistic solution to your pelvic health. As a certified yoga therapist, specializing in pelvic health, your customized treatment plans offer education on anatomy, corrective breathing techniques, gentle somatic movements to decrease pain and increase mind-body connection to the pelvic muscles, comprehensive treatment plans to soften, stretch, and strengthen the pelvic muscles, as well as incorporation of stress management skills.

Pelvic floor issues stem from a variety of issues; inflammation, infection, trauma/injury, shallow or dysfunctional breathing, or muscular/musculoskeletal conditions. Any chronic inflammatory condition (fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, arthritis) can create a pelvic floor disorder. Infection such as urinary tract infections, yeast infection, bacterial infection, and certain cancers can cause pelvic disorders. Injuries from a fall or surgery; hysterectomy, prostatectomy, C-section, and/or physical and sexual abuse. Weakness in the trunk or pelvic stabilizers as well as spinal misalignment (scoliosis), poor posture, excessive lifting, repetitive motions, childbirth (vaginal or c-section), playing sports, incorrect treatment for infections, or even playing a wind instrument can lead to muscle spasm or weakness producing a range of dysfunctions. Each of us being unique and individual might portray different symptoms such as debilitating pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or constipation, low back/hip pain, or erectile dysfunction, to name a few. 

Pelvic pain can radiate from the pelvic floor upward into the torso and spinal muscles or downward into the leg muscles, and create a variety of symptoms that are often go misdiagnosed by the specialist who is not considering pelvic floor dysfunction as a cause of the symptoms.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms and are looking for specialized, holistic care, I encourage you to consider yoga therapy. Waterfall Yoga Therapy offers a free 15-minute consult, plus in-person and virtual assistance in healing your pelvic pain. This October 20-22, indulge in a much-needed reprieve in a supportive space to learn, heal and grow at our Women’s Wellness retreat right here in Madison County! Enjoy a weekend in nature exploring your pelvic health and vitality. In addition to gentle yoga classes for beginners and beyond, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of relaxation and stress management techniques all related to your pelvic wellness.

You can book appointments and register for the retreat at www.waterfallyogallc.com