Myofascial Release Therapy

[Kat791]

I have been looking into things to do to relieve pelvic pain, and have come across something called myofascial release therapy. I was thinking about trying it, and was wondering if anyone else has tried it/had any success with it?

[edythe]

Hello Kat 791,

Myofascial release is done by specialist physiotherapists. They find trigger points which often cause pelvic pain or contribute to it. These need to be released in order to gradually reduce pain. If you look it up online, you will find pictures and more medical information. The trigger points may be external or internal, so the PTs also find and treat these through the vagina; that’s why you need to find a real expert! Of course, there may be other causes of your pelvic pain. If you have no clear diagnosis it would probably be worthwhile finding a PT. For me it was very important and over time successful.

[Skye22]

I see a womens specialist physio who does internal/external vaginal trigger point therapy to help release tight pelvic floor due to diagnosis of levator ani syndrome. I also get 3mthly botox injections into levator muscles.(neurogyneacology)

Combination of these treatments really helps alleviate painful spasms.

I was lucky that my local NHS has a specialist womens physio as there are not many that provide these treatments.

Good luck if you decide the treatment might help your symptoms.

[sungirl55 in reply to Skye22]

Skye, I also have a tight pelvic floor. I got botox once and the medicine not only paralyzed my pelvic floor muscles but also my gut muscles. As a result, I remained constipated until the botox wore off. Have you had this problem with your botox treatments? Do you get them 3 times a year? Mine lasted three months and it didn't totally take away the tightness.

[Skye22 in reply to sungirl55]

I get them 3 times a year. I did read a lot of negative reviews about botox injections but I must say that while it doesn't eradicate the pain it certainly reduces the intensity of painful spasms. We all react differently to treatments and meds and it can be a bit of a lottery in finding what is best for each individual.

Good luck in finding what works best for you.

[sungirl55 in reply to Skye22]

Yes, same here. A little relief is always welcome. Living with this condition is hard, so the botox is a nice option. I've been trying to take up a hobby to get my mind off the constant pain and it's helping. Keeping a positive attitude and doing things I think I can't do also helps. It tricks my mind into believing that there is nothing wrong, if that makes sense.

[Graham49]

Rolfing, also known as Structural integration also do myofascial release and is available in the UK.