Pelvic Pain In Cincinnati

Pelvic and Abdominal Pain in Cincinnati

Pelvic and abdominal pain can be a debilitating and frustrating condition for many individuals. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, disease, or dysfunction in the pelvic region. We understand the importance of addressing these challenges with a holistic approach that incorporates both physical therapy techniques and targeted lifestyle changes.

We offer comprehensive treatment plans for individuals dealing with pain. Our team of experienced physical therapists utilizes evidence-based practices and the latest technology to provide customized care to our patients.

Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy pelvic floor and preventing future episodes of pain. Our physical therapists will provide you with education and tools to help you maintain good pelvic health, including proper posture, breathing techniques, and exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Diagnosing Pelvic and Abdominal Pain

The first step in treating pelvic and abdominal pain is to determine the underlying cause. Our physical therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any anatomical or functional issues that may be contributing to your pain. This may include an assessment of your pelvic floor muscles, spinal alignment, and joint mobility.

There are several factors that can cause pain, including conditions like endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Our team of physical therapists is highly knowledgeable about these conditions and uses evidence-based techniques to create customized treatment plans that address your unique symptoms.

Treatment Options

Once we have identified the root cause of your pain, we will create a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of the following techniques:

Manual Therapy: Our physical therapists use hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and soft tissues, improve circulation, and reduce pain and inflammation.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: We specialize in treating dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, which can contribute to pelvic and abdominal pain. This may include exercises to strengthen and relax the muscles, as well as biofeedback techniques to improve awareness and control.

Exercise Therapy: We design exercise programs that are tailored to your specific needs and goals. These may include stretching, strengthening, and postural exercises that can help to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Lifestyle Modifications: We offer advice on lifestyle changes that can help to reduce pain and improve overall wellness. This may include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and ergonomic adjustments to your work or home environment.

Our physical therapists prioritize creating a safe and comfortable environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your symptoms and concerns. We listen carefully to our patients and work collaboratively with them to develop treatment plans that are tailored to their unique needs and goals.

Why Choose Us?

We understand the challenges that come with living with pain. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate and effective care to all of our patients. Our team of physical therapists has years of experience in treating pelvic and abdominal pain, and we stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques in our field.

Living with pain can significantly impact your quality of life. It can interfere with daily activities, including work, exercise, and socializing. If left untreated, it can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. That’s why seeking prompt and effective treatment is essential for improving your overall well-being.

FAQs – Pelvic Pain in Cincinnati

What conditions can cause pelvic or lower abdominal pain?
Pelvic and abdominal pain can come from many sources, including endometriosis, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, painful periods, past surgeries or scar tissue, and joint or nerve irritation in the hips, spine, or pelvis. Hormones, stress, and posture can also play a role. At WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates in Cincinnati, your therapist will take a detailed history and assess your muscles, joints, and movement patterns to help identify what is contributing to your pain.

Can physical therapy help if my pelvic or abdominal pain workup has been “normal”?
Yes. It is very common for people with pelvic pain to have normal scans, lab work, or medical tests and still feel significant discomfort. In many of these cases, the problem involves pelvic floor muscle tension or weakness, nerve sensitivity, breathing mechanics, posture, or how your body handles stress and load. Pelvic-focused physical therapy can address these issues directly, even when imaging does not show a clear structural problem.

What happens during a pelvic pain physical therapy evaluation?
At your first visit, your therapist will review your symptoms, medical history, surgeries, pregnancies, bladder and bowel habits, sexual function, and activity level. They will then assess your posture, breathing, abdominal and hip strength, spinal and pelvic movement, and how your body responds to specific positions or tests. With your consent, they may also recommend an internal pelvic floor exam, but this is always explained clearly ahead of time and is never required. The goal is to understand all the factors contributing to your pain so your treatment plan is truly individualized.

Will I need an internal pelvic floor exam, and what if I’m not comfortable with that?
An internal pelvic floor exam (vaginal or rectal) can provide valuable information about muscle tension, strength, and coordination, but it is always your choice. Your therapist will explain what the exam involves, why it may be helpful, and answer all questions before you decide. If you are not comfortable with an internal exam, we can still treat pelvic and abdominal pain using external assessments, movement and breathing work, gentle manual therapy, and a whole-body approach that respects your boundaries.

How long does it take to feel better with pelvic pain physical therapy?
Recovery time varies depending on how long you’ve had symptoms, how many systems are involved (muscles, nerves, bladder, bowel, hormones), and how sensitive your body is. Some people notice changes in comfort, tension, or function within a few sessions, while more complex or long-standing pain may take several weeks or months of consistent care. At WAVE, your therapist will outline a realistic plan, including how often to come, what to do at home, and what signs of progress to look for along the way.

Get the Pelvic Care You Need in Cincinnati

We also prioritize patient education, empowering you with the knowledge and tools you need to manage your pain and prevent future episodes. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting relief from pelvic and abdominal pain so that you can get back to enjoying your life. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step towards a pain-free future.

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Abigail W

“I went to see Dr Koehl during pregnancy for some pelvic pain issues I had since my previous births. She gave me some exercises and focused breathing techniques to help with pain and also to use during labor. She suggested some positions during pushing to help avoid the same issues. I had my baby a few days ago, natural water birth, and I followed her suggestions. I had been doing the exercises for several months so it was familiar. It was the most comfortable birth I could’ve imagined, very productive contractions with the breath work, out in just a few pushes with no tearing. I highly recommend her for labor prep and post partum.” 

Brittany T

“Dr. Sara Koehl has helped me significantly with headaches, TMJ, tinnitus, and vertigo. Her knowledge of the body and particularly women’s health, is exceptional, and she explains everything in a way that’s easy to understand. Sessions are always welcoming and supportive – it feels like working with a trusted friend who happens to be extremely skilled and knowledgeable. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking expert, compassionate PT services.”