A Journey to Recovery with Specialized Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Introduction
For months, simple activities like sitting were a source of constant, severe pain for Meaghan, a new mother. This case study outlines the successful physical therapy management of a 34-year-old female presenting with chronic coccydynia (tailbone pain) following childbirth, resulting in a complete resolution of symptoms and a return to a pain-free life.
Patient Background
- Age: 34
- Presenting Condition: Severe postpartum tailbone pain.
- Initial Symptoms: Rated pain at 8-9/10 when sitting, accompanied by severe pelvic pressure. Daily functional tasks were incredibly difficult.
- Path to Our Clinic: After giving birth, the patient developed debilitating tailbone pain. Her OB-GYN suggested pelvic floor physical therapy to address the symptoms.
Challenges and Initial Misconceptions
- Patient’s Initial Beliefs: The patient had a limited understanding of pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT). She thought it might only involve Kegels or internal exams and was unsure how it could help her specific pain.
- Patient’s Goals: Her primary goal was to find relief from the intense tailbone pain. She was interested in learning exercises to manage her symptoms and get back to her daily life, including lifting her daughter without pain.
Our Treatment Plan & Approach
- Overview: We developed a personalized, multi-faceted plan of care focused on reducing muscle tension, improving pelvic mechanics, and empowering the patient with self-management strategies.
- Key Interventions:
- Manual Therapy: We focused primarily on external manual therapy, including gentle tailbone mobilization and soft tissue massage on the muscles surrounding the tailbone region.
- Therapeutic Exercise: A diverse program of hip and lumbar stretching exercises was prescribed to release tension. We also used a stability ball for pelvic floor relaxation exercises, teaching the muscles to release rather than just tighten.
- Patient Education: We provided guidance on how to modify functional activities to avoid aggravating symptoms. This included instruction on proper posture for sitting and sleeping to reduce strain on the tailbone.
Results & Recovery
- Timeline to Relief: The patient began to experience significant relief within 7 weekly sessions. Her pain, initially rated as high as 9/10, had dropped to a 2-3/10.
- Functional Milestones Achieved:
- By the end of treatment, she was able to sit on a two-hour flight with zero tailbone pain.
- She could lift her daughter without any aggravation of pain.
- She successfully returned to all her normal functional activities without symptoms.
- Therapy Duration: The patient was seen for a total of 11 visits, once a week, from July to October 2024.
Conclusion & Discharge Outcome
- Final Status: At her final visit, the patient reported a complete resolution of her symptoms, with a pain level of 0/10. She was discharged with the knowledge and tools needed to independently manage her pelvic health and prevent future issues.
How we Can Help You
- For Patients: If you are experiencing similar symptoms, know that effective, personalized treatment is available. Contact our office today for a consultation to begin your own journey to recovery.
- For Providers: Our specialized approach to pelvic floor physical therapy delivers measurable results for complex postpartum conditions. To refer a patient or learn more about our services, please contact us through marketing@myphysioone.com or directly through one of our Provider Relations Specialists.
