Pelvic Girdle Pain: Therapies / Modalities for the Pelvic Floor
This article explores contributing factors and specific therapies for pelvic floor discomfort, which affects both women and men and can stem from pregnancy, high-impact sports injuries, or age-related hormonal changes causing ligament relaxation. High parity and increased Body-Mass Index (BMI) are identified as strong risk factors for Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP). Practitioners are advised to assess patients for conditions like pudendal nerve entrapment and to inquire about male prostate health and bowel habits, noting that strain from constipation and poor defecation posture can aggravate the pelvic floor.
In terms of treatment modalities, the author champions TECaR therapy (Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive) and historical reflexology techniques. Foot reflexology, often rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine or early chiropractic/osteopathy, is highlighted as a mechanism to influence the pelvic floor, possibly through fascial connections. Specifically, the heel of the foot corresponds to the pelvic region, including the reproductive organs and pelvic floor muscles. The article maps out specific reflexology points on the foot and ankle corresponding to the sciatic nerve, reproductive organs (inner ankle/arch), and the bladder/urinary tract (medial midfoot), providing detailed guidance on applying sustained pressure for 60 seconds to relieve pelvic pain and associated dysfunction.
In terms of treatment modalities, the author champions TECaR therapy (Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive) and historical reflexology techniques. Foot reflexology, often rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine or early chiropractic/osteopathy, is highlighted as a mechanism to influence the pelvic floor, possibly through fascial connections. Specifically, the heel of the foot corresponds to the pelvic region, including the reproductive organs and pelvic floor muscles. The article maps out specific reflexology points on the foot and ankle corresponding to the sciatic nerve, reproductive organs (inner ankle/arch), and the bladder/urinary tract (medial midfoot), providing detailed guidance on applying sustained pressure for 60 seconds to relieve pelvic pain and associated dysfunction.
