Sexual Pain & Dysfunction
Many issues related to sexual pain and dysfunction can be the result of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy can reduce and eliminate sexual pain and dysfunction by training uncoordinated muscles to work optimally to enhance function.
At Beyond Basics, we take a holistic approach to sexual pain and dysfunction. We strive to restore our patients’ optimal health and function, whether it’s through pain relief, patient education, or aiding in surgical recovery.
Is sex painful? Our team can help reduce sexual pain.
Common Symptoms of Sexual Pain & Dysfunction We Treat
People with female anatomy:
- Pelvic Pain
- Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)
- Menopause and Postmenopause-related Sexual Pain and Dysfunction
- Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
- Pudendal Neuralgia
- Dyspareunia
- Painful sex after giving birth
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Lichens Sclerosis
- Lichens Planus
- Endometriosis
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia/Clitorodynia/Vestibulodynia
- Perineum Pain
- Decreased Arousal
- Difficulty Achieving Orgasm
- Pain with Arousal
- Groin Pain, Coccyx Pain, Back Pain, Hip Pain
- Anismus
- Pain with Anal Penetration
- Painful intercourse/sexual intercourse
- Pain at the vaginal opening/throughout the vaginal muscles
- Vaginal dryness
- Recurring pain/chronic pain
- Deep intercourse pain
People with male anatomy:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Peyronie’s Disease
- Chronic Prostatitis (also known as Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome or Prostadynia)
- Decreased Ejaculation Strength
- Pain with Ejaculation
- Premature Ejaculation
- Anismus
- Pain with Anal Penetration
- Varicocele
- Testicular or Penile Pain
- Perineum Pain
- Decreased Arousal
- Groin Pain, Coccyx Pain, Back Pain, Hip Pain
- Pain during sex
- Recurring pain
- Deep intercourse pain
What Does the Pelvic Floor Have To Do With Sexual Pain and Dysfunction?
The pelvic floor is the group of muscles that live in between the tailbone and the pubic bone, think about the area that comes in contact with a bicycle seat when riding. These muscles must contract and relax to allow the erogenous tissue of the genitals (regardless of whether you have a penis or vagina) to become erect and ready for sexual sensation. The muscles must also be able to stretch and lengthen to allow penetration of a partner or toy.
However, if the pelvic floor isn’t working optimally, individuals may experience sexual pain or decreased function with sexual activity.
Treatment with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor dysfunction is extremely common and occurs when the muscles, tissues, or nerves of the pelvic floor are weakened, tightened, or injured by trauma, chronic strain, or overuse. The pelvic floor muscles surround the urethra, rectum, vagina, and prostate. Any dysfunction in these pelvic muscles can cause issues with reproductive health, sexual dysfunction, and many other issues including bowel difficulties and urinary trouble.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can result from a traumatic injury such as a fall, or from sporting activity, surgery, or childbirth. They can also happen from more chronic issues, such as infection or chronic inflammation such as endometriosis. Pelvic floor disorders can even be a result of poor alignment or posture, pelvic anatomy, overuse, or improper movement.
Our team utilizes internal and external manual therapy to help mobilize your muscles and provide symptom relief, such as myofascial release, trigger point release, connective tissue release, craniosacral therapy, biofeedback techniques, gentle mobilization of organs to improve function, cold laser/heat/cold therapy, and electrical stimulation.
We also provide you with specific at-home exercises for you to perform regularly in order to teach your body new movement patterns and to help further mobilize the pelvic floor muscles and tissues.
What To Expect
During Your Initial Pelvic Physical Therapy Appointment
Your first appointment with our physical therapy team at Beyond Basics will begin with us asking questions in order to learn more about your pain and symptoms, as well as your medical history. This also provides us with the background and context we need to better understand your body and specific pain.
After our conversation, we’ll conduct a physical exam, which is a hands-on evaluation based on your symptoms. This might involve evaluating external and internal muscles, with the purpose being to trace your issue to its source(s) in order to alleviate pain.
These internal manual techniques are applied to structures of the pelvis, including the pelvic floor muscles, nerves, and bones (coccyx). As the patient, we want you to be as comfortable as possible and you have the right to refuse any treatment at any time without an explanation.
Your PT will also provide you with exercises to begin at home.
During Your Additional Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Appointments
Each session at Beyond Basics is one hour long with the physical therapist directly. We’ve found this is the ideal amount of time for the clarity, consistency, and results we are looking to help you obtain. We spend approximately 45 minutes or more on manual therapy (hands-on work) with you during each appointment and the remaining time providing any new exercises and talking about your progress.
Your symptoms should start to improve within 4 to 8 weeks (or sooner). Just like any other muscle, pelvic floor muscles can become sore following a new exercise routine, so it’s normal to experience some discomfort after the first few sessions. Your PT will always explain to you what to expect.
Reduce your sexual pain today.
Client Testimonials
Beyond Basics: We Can Help
At Beyond Basics, we are committed to treating pelvic floor issues with sensitivity to each individual’s needs, regardless of sex, race, identity, age, or orientation – we treat the whole person with a comprehensive, caring biopsychosocial approach.
Since 2003, Beyond Basics has been a place of hope and healing for our patients. We believe skilled and compassionate healing can restore your body’s harmony and balance. Founder, Amy Stein, and co-founder, Corey Hazama are renowned experts and leaders in pelvic floor PT.
The skilled physical therapists at Beyond Basics receive extensive training to qualify them to be the world’s leaders in pelvic floor rehabilitation. All of our therapists have been carefully selected to work at Beyond Basics because they possess the right expertise, kindness, and empathy to allow them to excel in our practice. Our therapists have completed hundreds of additional hours outside of their doctorates both internally and externally through institutes such as Herman and Wallace and the American Physical Therapy Association, to help hone their practice and provide exceptional treatment efficiently and compassionately. In addition to being the world’s first and foremost experts in pelvic floor dysfunction, our individual therapists have cultivated additional skills unique to their own personal interests. Read more about each one of our therapists here.
Get help now from a pelvic floor physical therapist for Sexual Pain & Dysfunction
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