Persistent Pelvic Pain

Persistent pelvic pain is common and often complex. It is estimated to affect 15–25% of women and around 8% of men in Australia, yet many people feel unheard, dismissed, or uncertain about where to turn for help.

Pelvic pain can occur on its own or alongside a diagnosed condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, bladder pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome or following surgery or childbirth. In other cases, no clear structural cause is found. This does not mean the pain isn’t real or treatable.

Pelvic health physiotherapy plays an important role in the evidence-based management of persistent pelvic pain.

Pelvic pain presentations we commonly see

  • Endometriosis and adenomyosis

  • Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) read more about how physio can help with painful sex

  • Vulval, vaginal, penile or perineal pain

  • Pelvic floor muscle overactivity or spasm

  • Bladder-related pelvic pain

  • Bowel-related pelvic pain

  • Persistent pain following surgery, injury or childbirth

Pelvic pain may be more common in people with connective tissue disorders - read more about hypermobility & hEDS and the pelvic floor

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy for Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 9 people assigned female at birth in Australia and is a common cause of persistent pelvic pain. Symptoms may include period pain, pelvic pain outside of menstruation, pain with intercourse, bowel or bladder pain, and fatigue.

While physiotherapy does not treat the endometriosis lesions themselves, pelvic health physiotherapy plays an important role in the multidisciplinary management of endometriosis-related pain.

Chronic pain associated with endometriosis can lead to:

  • Overactivity and guarding of the pelvic floor muscles

  • Changes in movement, posture and breathing patterns

  • Increased sensitivity of the nervous system

Pelvic health physiotherapy may help by:

  • Addressing pelvic floor muscle tension and dysfunction

  • Using gentle, consent-based hands-on techniques when appropriate

  • Supporting nervous system regulation and pain modulation

  • Improving movement confidence and physical function

  • Assisting with graded return to exercise and daily activities

Physiotherapy is most effective when integrated with medical, surgical and pain management approaches, and we work collaboratively with your healthcare team to support long-term symptom management and quality of life.

How pelvic health physiotherapy can help

Persistent pelvic pain is rarely caused by a single factor. It often involves a combination of muscle tension, nervous system sensitisation, movement patterns, and protective responses developed over time.

Your pelvic health physiotherapy care may include:

  • A thorough, trauma-informed assessment

  • Education to help you understand your pain and reduce fear around movement

  • Pelvic floor muscle assessment (external and/or internal, with your consent)

  • Gentle hands-on treatment where appropriate

  • Movement, breathing and relaxation strategies

  • Gradual, supported return to activity and exercise

We work collaboratively with your healthcare team, including GPs, gynaecologists, pain specialists and psychologists where involved, to support improvements in pain, function and quality of life.

Read more about what to expect at your initial appointment

A supportive, individualised approach

Living with pelvic pain can be exhausting, physically and emotionally. Our approach is person-centred, respectful and paced according to your needs. Treatment is never “one-size-fits-all”, and consent and comfort are prioritised at every step.

If you’re living with persistent pelvic pain, pelvic health physiotherapy may form an important part of your management plan.

Our Springfield Pelvic Health Clinic

Elevate Pelvic Health provides expert pelvic and women’s health physiotherapy to the Springfield Central community and surrounding suburbs, including Brookwater, Augustine Heights, and Spring Mountain.

You can find us conveniently located inside the Total Fusion Lions complex at 16 Eden Station Drive. Our clinic offers a private, supportive environment where we combine evidence-based care with a deep understanding of the local community’s needs. Whether you are visiting us for pregnancy support or pelvic floor rehabilitation, our Springfield team is here to help you move with confidence.

Getting Here: We are just a short walk from the Springfield Central train station, with ample parking available on-site at the Lions stadium precinct.

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