Pelvic Pain Management Program
The Nura Pelvic Pain Management Program incorporates physical therapy, behavioral health, medication management and interventional techniques to treat pelvic pain, a life-altering condition that involves physical discomfort and emotional distress.
While pelvic pain is more common in women, it also affects men. The goals of the pelvic pain management program are focused on reduction of pain, restoration of normal function and improved quality of life.
The pain physicians and specialists at Nura are skilled in diagnosing the causes of chronic pelvic pain and work together to develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
Nura provides an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to manage pelvic pain. Patients will receive care from a team that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists and licensed psychologists, all of whom have expertise in pelvic pain relief.
Patient Evaluation
The first step in effective pelvic pain management and treatment is a comprehensive and thorough evaluation. Our evaluation process includes an interview and review of outside medical records as well as a focused physical examination.
We recommend that female patients have a gynecological examination by their gynecologist and male patients have a prostate examination by their urologist or primary doctor within 60 days of starting the Pelvic Pain Management Program. This is to ensure that all patients have been screened for any treatable, organic diseases that may be contributing to pain in the pelvic region.
Diagnostic Testing for Pelvic Pain
An important part of pelvic pain evaluation involves sophisticated diagnostic testing. We review the results of any previous tests a patient may have undergone prior to coming to Nura. We may order additional testing as necessary.
Interventional Approach to Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is often a condition in which the pain-sensing nerves of the pelvis have become hypersensitive. The focus of our medical practice is to coordinate minimally-invasive interventional pain procedures with specialized pelvic physical therapy and psychological treatments in order to calm pelvic nerves and reduce hypersensitivity.
Our board-certified physician pain specialists are experts at precision, image-guided pelvic pain procedures that target the most common pain generating nerves involved in pelvic pain. The interventions we offer include:
- Caudal Epidural Blockade
- Hypogastric Plexus Block
- Pudendal Nerve Block
- Ilioinguinal Nerve Block
- Genitofemoral Nerve Block
We start with a targeted intervention coordinated with physical therapy sessions each week, for a total of 6-8 weeks of intensive treatment.
For severe cases that do not respond to more conservative treatments, we offer implantable pain control systems including neurostimulation and targeted drug delivery.
Medication Management
We provide non-opioid and opioid medication options for pelvic pain patients as is appropriate and necessary for improvement of function and quality of life. Each patient meets with a specialized provider at least once per month, and sometimes as often as once per week, to manage medications, coordinate care, and assess progress.
Physical Therapy
Nura physical therapists have specialized training in the management of pelvic pain and are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. These conditions may be associated with urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, constipation, pudendal neuralgia, interstitial cystitis and dyspareunia.
We have a patient-centered approach to restore a sense of control by providing patients with self-management pelvic pain relief strategies. Nura physical therapists use of point of care rehabilitative ultrasound, biofeedback/SEMG, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and other techniques to reduce pelvic pain and improve function.
Behavioral Health
Pelvic pain problems are difficult for patients to discuss. They often involve emotional and mental stress and can be associated with anxiety and depression. Nura pain psychologists understand the emotional and mental stressors that exist for patients who have a chronic pelvic pain diagnosis. We provide tools such as relaxation training, biofeedback, and group support to help patients cope. Nura also offers individual and couples counseling to decrease the effects that pelvic pain may have on an individual’s personal relationships.