Lichen Sclerosus and the Pelvic Floor
Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the anogenital skin (most commonly the vulva in women) that can lead to symptoms such as itch (pruritus), pain (especially vulvar burning or tearing), dyspareunia (pain with sexual activity), and sexual dysfunction. Typical clinical appearance includes pale or white “parchment-like” skin, thinning/thickening, scarring, loss of normal vulvar architecture (for example […]
Caring for Scars after Mastectomy: Physical Therapy as a first line treatment.
Undergoing a mastectomy is a significant medical procedure that involves not only the removal of breast tissue but also the disruption of skin, fascia, muscle, and lymphatic pathways. While most people think of recovery in terms of healing incisions and managing pain, scar tissue can be a long-term challenge that affects mobility, comfort, and function. […]
Fibromyalgia and Pelvic Symptoms: Understanding the Hidden Connection
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread symptoms including musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive changes. Increasingly, research is showing a strong overlap between fibromyalgia and pelvic pain symptoms, including bladder, bowel, and sexual symptoms. Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is an important component of treatment for people with fibromyalgia who […]
The Psoas Muscle: Is It the Problem or the Messenger?
If you’ve dealt with chronic lower back or pelvic pain, hip tightness, or postural imbalances, you may have heard someone mention the psoas muscle. But is the psoas muscle truly the source of pain, or is it simply reflecting something deeper going on in your body? Let’s explore the role of the psoas muscle and […]
Chronic Pelvic Pain and the Pudendal Nerve
Pudendal nerve pain is a form of chronic pelvic pain that occurs when the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation and motor control to the pelvic region, is irritated, compressed, or damaged. The pudendal nerve plays a crucial role in the functioning of the pelvic floor, anus, genitalia, and even the bladder. When it is compromised, […]
Breaking the Silence on Pelvic Pain and Medical Gaslighting
Chronic pelvic pain is a silent epidemic affecting millions of women, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions in healthcare. A recent study published in JAMA on May 8, 2025, titled “Experiences of Care and Gaslighting in Patients with Vulvovaginal Disorders,” sheds light on the distressing reality many women face when […]