How is the pelvis different?
The pelvis is often talked about as if it is somehow separate from the rest of the abdomen. In some limited way, it might be. The reproductive system, the bladder, and the prostate are usually classed as pelvic because they sit within “the pelvic bowl,” but they are also part of the whole of the belly. The intestines and their end, the rectum, touch and function right along with those pelvic organs (and are also in the pelvic bowl) though the intestines are generally talked about as “abdominal.” And the upper legs and buttocks are almost always entirely left out of the picture of the pelvis though their muscles attach right to the pelvic bones.
Additionally, the muscles and fascia between the pelvis and upper abdomen are mostly continuous. Rectus abdominus, both sets of obliques, and transverse abdominus are the largest of the abdominal wall muscles and they all stretch from the pelvic bones to the ribs. Because of this, it’s unusual to have pelvic distress without some stuff going on further “up” in the abdomen and down the legs also.
Non-surgical Causes
In general, pelvic adhesions are caused by the same types of things that cause other abdominal adhesions. You can see that article here.
In addition to those causes, specific pelvic adhesions or other distress can also result from:
- pregnancy and childbirth
- tailbone injury – such as a hard fall onto the tailbone
- sexual trauma
- nerves impinged by various “butt” muscles or by your specific anatomical structure
- upper-leg and groin related injuries – such as tearing muscles doing the splits
Specialized Treatments
Addressing pelvic adhesions through external soft tissue manipulation (massage or manual therapy) is what I do in my work. It’s also what I teach in the Recover Program.
There is also a long history of working with the pelvic organs in modalities like Arvigo Techniques, Mayan Abdominal Massage, Chi Nei Tsang, and Visceral Manipulation. Additionally, one form of treatment that has come into greater prominence in recent years is internal pelvic work whereby the internal muscles of the pelvic floor are treated by a trained practitioner by working via the vagina or rectum. If you are looking for a practitioner near you, check out the Practitioner Directory.