Pelvic & Abdominal Pain

We embrace a whole person approach to resolving pain and address what is happening with the muscles, but also take into account the interconnected system of the rest of the body. The pelvic floor muscles are at the bottom of the pelvis and attach into the spine and hips. These muscles have been shown to frequently be involved in people who are experiencing pelvic pain. Our proven therapeutic techniques will help you have freedom from pain and let you enjoy everyday life to its fullest.

You Are Not Alone

Pelvic and abdominal pain is extremely common, yet has a profound impact on health and ability to enjoy basic daily activities. Pelvic pain conditions can include abdomen pain, hips, low back or sacroiliac joint, sacrum, buttocks, groin and genitals. These occur with varied severity and interruption to participate in daily activities. Regardless of how much or where your pain is causing you discomfort, we are here to help.

Signs of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can present as just pain, or can also include many of the other systems within the pelvis. People with pelvic pain may experience bladder urgency or frequency or even leaks. Some may have constipation or spasms or strong bowel urgency. Sexual dysfunction is common due to pain either with arousal or penetration. Pain is complex and it can be hard to get a proper diagnosis.

APH Helps With Pelvic Pain

The pelvic floor muscles can be a driver for many pain syndromes, while pain can cause these muscles to become dysfunctional because of the pain syndromes. Pain is complex and can involve multiple systems.

Some of the more common conditions involved are:

Endometriosis (overgrowth of uterine lining) or Adenomyosis
Painful Menstrual Cycles (Dysmenorrhea)
Tailbone Pain
(Coccydynia)
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Functional
Abdominal Pain
Vaginismus, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Pain with Sexual Penetration (dyspareunia)
Genital,
Perineum Pain
Pudendal
Neuralgia
Interstitial Cystitis or Bladder Pain Syndrome
Vulvodynia or Vestibulodynia

Our Expert Pelvic Health Occupational Therapists Are Here To Help

At Ascend, we help women like you attain optimal pelvic health so you can feel confident and pain free throughout all phases of life from early adulthood into advanced years. We start by conducting a comprehensive exam to identify what may be contributing to the problems you are experiencing. We build a holistic, individualized care program that not only focuses on your pelvic floor, but also takes into account the interconnected systems of your body. We then help you get results using our proven therapeutic techniques.

TREATMENT TYPICALLY INCLUDES

Manual therapies include myofascial release or visceral mobilization to help improve muscle length and sensitivity around the pelvis, and lymphatic drainage to reduce pain and swelling.

Education to help you optimize your basic daily life functions like toileting, bowel and bladder function, sexual health, and sleep.

We have the capacity to utilize modalities like surface-EMG biofeedback, dilators/trainers, wands, cupping, foam rollers, seating options/ cushions, belts or supportive devices.

Nervous-system strategies to help improve nerve sensitivity, sensory regulation, breath work, mindfulness.

Specific exercises aiming to improve tension and length in certain muscles around the pelvis and body, or strengthen for stability if needed.

Postural retraining and specific strategies to improve your body mechanics, movement, pressure management during function movement.

We Are Here To Help

Start Your Journey to Better Health

Personalized Treatment Options Designed to Suit Your Unique Needs

Schedule a FREE
Consultation

Speak directly with your therapist to review your particular case and learn about our various treatment options.

Initial
Evaluation

Your first visit where we learn about you, perform initial evaluations and develop an action plan just for you.

Followup
Treatment

These sessions are where we implement your personalized action plan and work with you to achieve your goals.

Health
Quiz

Take this short health quiz to see if you could benefit from the woman’s health therapy solutions we offer.

Contact

Dr. Holly Mulvaney
OTD, OTR/L, MLD-C, CLT
16935 W. Bernardo Dr., Suite 140
San Diego, CA 92127
Ph: 858-888-9676
Em: Hello@ascendwomenshealth.org

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