Let’s Get Physical! Musculoskeletal Pelvic Pain

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is associated with pelvic pain, physical disability, and sexual dysfunction. Prevalence estimates of musculoskeletal dysfunction in various pelvic pain conditions, including endometriosis, vulvodynia, and painful bladder syndrome, range from 21% to 80%. In addition to being associated with other painful conditions, pain originating from pelvic floor muscles may refer to other body parts such as the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints, hips, and abdomen. Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald is an associate professor at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, in the Department of Ob/Gyn, and Medical Director at the Loyola University Medical Center, Ob/Gyn.