Testicular Pain and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

By Dr. Zarina Vitebsky, DPT, MSPT, PRPC, TPS, LPF, DN on 1/16/2023

There are many potential causes for testicular pain including:

1. Testicular torsion: this is a medical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle, becomes twisted. It can cause severe pain and requires immediate medical attention to prevent damage to the testicle.

2. Orchitis: this is inflammation of the testicle, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected testicle.

3. Epididymitis: this is inflammation of the epididymis, a small, coiled tube that sits behind the testicle. It can be caused by a bacterial infection or other underlying condition.

4. Varicocele: this is a condition in which the veins in the scrotum become enlarged, causing discomfort and pain.

5. Trauma: physical injury to the testicles, such as a blow to the area or a sports injury, can cause pain.

6. Testicular cancer: while rare, testicular cancer can also cause testicular pain.

7. Tight pelvic floor muscles: tight pelvic floor muscles that restrict nerve function and blood supply can cause pain as well.

A pelvic floor physical therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment and treatment of disorders of the muscles, bones, connective tissue, nerves/blood supply, and organs in the pelvis and abdominal cavity.

If the cause of testicular pain is related to a pelvic floor disorder such as a muscle imbalance, weakness, a nerve entrapment that usually causes vascular restriction, or imbalance in the bony pelvic structures, a pelvic floor physical therapist may be able to help. Pelvic floor PTs can perform a detailed comprehensive evaluation (one hour long evaluation) to determine the underlying cause of pain and develop a treatment plan to address it. This may include techniques such as nerve floss, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education on proper body mechanics.

If you’re experiencing pelvic floor dysfunctions associated with the issues above, please reach out to us at Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment!

Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at contact@pelvichealthnj.com.

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