Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Chronic pain syndrome syndrome (CPPS) is a condition characterized by recurring pain in the pelvic region lasting greater than six months which can affect both men and women. These symptoms present as pelvic and genital pain, urinary urgency, and urinary frequency, among others.

Historically, chronic pelvic pain syndrome was referred to as chronic prostatitis, but over time and with better categorization and understanding of prostate pathology, researchers and doctors clarified this condition as “abacterial” chronic prostatitis, also known now as chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This clarification was necessary due to lack of identifiable infection or inflammation of the prostate during objective testing, however symptoms were similar to that when an infection or inflammation was present.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a complex condition with no one clear cause and requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Often times the pelvic floor muscles are a large contributor to the pain. Many people with pelvic pain have gone years before correct diagnosis and have seen many providers, all without any clear information about the causes of their symptoms. This in turn creates tremendous stress, which can cause worsening of symptoms based on the impact to the nervous system.

Pelvic health physical therapy can help to figure out the “why” behind your symptoms, as they are not often clear cut, perform manual therapy to muscles and fascia throughout the pelvis, provide resources and education, and develop an effective home self care program to assist you through your healing journey.