Sexuality And Chronic Pain: How Can Physiotherapy Help You?

Sexuality is a subject that is sometimes taboo and that it is often difficult to approach it as well with those around you as with a sexologist in Delhi. However, this act occupies an important place in couple relationships and is an integral part of the daily life of many individuals.

Although often associated with pleasure, sexual relations must also be perceived as a physical activity since they require certain physical capacities to be carried out. This is why, when a person suffers from chronic pain, it can be difficult to continue practicing normal sexual activity.

Physiotherapist in Dwarka frequently works with people with chronic pain to help them better manage their pain. In this article, he discusses the impact that chronic pain can have on sexuality and the role that physiotherapy in Dwarka can play in such circumstances.

What is chronic pain?

Pain that persists beyond the normal healing time of more than three months is generally categorized as chronic pain. Several types of chronic pain exist and certain types are more frequently observed than others (e.g. chronic lumbar pain).

Several causes, often unidentified, can be the cause of the problem. In some cases, a physiological component (eg sensitization of the central nervous system, the excitability of the nerves, etc.) plays a role in the pain felt. This is why, even when an injury is considered healed, the brain can continue to send a pain signal to the body of varying intensity, causing chronic pain.

The impact of chronic pain on sex

As we know, sexual activity, like physical activity in general, requires a minimum of effort. If you suffer from chronic pain, this effort can cause or increase the pain and create discomfort during sexual activity. There are various factors related to the pain that can have an impact on sexuality:

• Changing physical abilities: Chronic pain can affect your physical abilities, even at the sexual level, in two different ways. The bad feeling can limit certain movements or even lead you to inactivity. This can affect your joints (which become stiffer) and your muscles (which become weaker). Your physical capacities will be reduced and your movements will be more painful. In the end, you may abstain from having sex to avoid getting hurt.
• Fear of being in pain: The pain experienced during physical exertion, such as during sex, can cause you to be afraid of moving, which will ultimately make you less sexually active.
• Decreased energy and fatigue: Whether it is out of fear or simply because of the pain felt, being less active or even inactivity, leads to deconditioning (reduction in physical capacity). This deconditioning can lead to fatigue and thus decrease energy during sexual activity and even extinguish your libido.

If you suffer from chronic pain, the ailment can take up all the space in your life, causing tension in your relationship and can even lead to isolation.

You may then end up in one or other of these situations and enter what is called a deconditioning loop.

Sexuality and chronic pain: how can physiotherapy help me find satisfactory sexual activity?

The physiotherapist in Janakpuri can help you find or maintain regular and pleasant sexual activity despite the pain. By addressing the problem with him, he will be able to help you identify the source of your problem (physical aspect) and then offer you personalized solutions.

Are my problems due to pain?

By helping you to better understand your pain (eg: Is it increased during physical activity? If yes, by which movements, which positions, etc.? Is it the fear of injury that prevents activity? ), the physiotherapy doctor in Dwarka will guide you towards various solutions:

• Better plan your sexual activity: Choose the right time according to your pain onset cycle (morning, evening, etc.). This tip will help you better plan and maintain your strength for this day.
• Control your pain: Find ways to relieve your pain by physically preparing for the activity (e.g., applying ice or heat, adjusting room temperature, massage, breathing, etc.).
• Respect the limits of your pain: Recognize your limits and find balance, because a slight increase in pain is not necessarily a sign of injury. This awareness will help you reduce the fear of injury.
• Favor comfort positions: Favor sexual positions that suit you. Use accessories that will help you feel good (e.g. pillows, towels, etc.). At this stage, it is also important to express your needs to your partner so that he understands your situation and can adapt to it.

Are my problems due to mobility?

After assessing whether your general mobility is reduced or whether it is a localized decrease, the best physiotherapist in Dwarka will recommend various mobility and flexibility activities. Here is an example of an exercise program for lumbar mobility and an exercise program for lumbar flexibility. These exercises will facilitate the mobility necessary for your sexual activities.

Are my problems due to lack of strength?

Depending on the assessment of your current condition, the physiotherapist in Uttam Nagar will suggest a specific training program to increase your muscle strength. Here is a lumbar strengthening and stabilization exercise program that will help you in the practice of your sexual activities. For example, in the case of lower back pain, it will work to strengthen:

• The transverse abdomen: This deep abdominal muscle helps stabilize your lumbar region (lower back). It helps reduce your pain and helps prevent new episodes of low back pain.
• The pelvic floor: This stabilizing muscle in the pelvis (often weakened following childbirth) contributes to better lumbar stabilization and therefore better control of your pain.

Are my problems due to my physical condition?

The physiotherapist in Dwarka can also help you improve your physical condition (cardiac, pulmonary and respiratory capacity) which will have an impact on your endurance during sexual activity. He will gradually offer you different endurance activities specific to your level of conditioning (ex .: walking for some, aquafitness or cycling for others).

In closing, according to Dr. Sarwar, “the hardest part is often to take the first step and talk to your healthcare professional about it.” Once this step is successful, you will have solutions adapted to your situation that will allow you to live better with pain and manage it better.

This will allow you to resume your sexual activities and continue practicing physical activities despite the pain. Your quality of life, as well as that of your partner, will be greatly improved.