Testicular/Penile Pain

What it is

Testicular/Penile pain can come from a variety of sources. One of the sources could be from pelvic floor dysfunction. This is typically a “rule out” diagnosis, meaning that everything has been tried and nothing has helped. The musculoskeletal system is usually the last, if ever, target for treatment. If nothing else has helped, physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction is likely the key to relief.

How it is treated with physical therapy

There are several muscles throughout the pelvic floor that can be the culprit in testicular or penile pain. It is typically a muscle spasm or trigger point somewhere in this group of muscles that is sending radiating pain into the testicles or penis. Therapist will work both internally (rectally) with a gloved finger as well externally throughout the superficial pelvic floor and hip musculature. This condition responds very well to muscle release with trigger point dry needling.
Therapist will likely work other soft tissue involvement in the abdomen, thighs, or low back depending on your presentation.

Your Homework

Therapist will teach you to perform all manual work on your pelvic floor at home. You will also be given relevant stretching and strengthening exercises as needed based on your presentation.
You are welcome to bring in your partner if they would like to learn how to do what I do in order to help you progress quicker with a home program. The long term goal is for you to feel in control of your pain. When you own it, it no longer owns you!

How many sessions

Your treatment can go on until you feel independent with working on your pelvic floor on your own. This varies widely from patient to patient. I have seen patients for as few as 3 visits, and for as many as 30.
I typically like to see this patient once per week so the muscle tension is less likely to return between sessions.