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Pain clinics: Some hospitals and trusts have specialised pain clinics providing advice and support to people in chronic pain. Ask your GP about a referral to your nearest pain clinic.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists can develop a programme of exercise and relaxation techniques designed to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, reduce pain, and manage stress and anxiety. After surgery, rehabilitation in the form of gentle exercises, yoga, or Pilates can help the body get back into shape by strengthening compromised abdominal and back muscles.
Pain modifiers: These drugs work by altering the body’s perception of pain. Tricyclic anti-depressants (example – Amitriptyline) are drugs that are mainly used to treat depression but have been found to have an effect on the nervous system and the way the body manages pain. The pain messages travel through the body’s central nervous system, but these drugs can help to stop those messages from reaching the brain.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) machines are an alternative to pain killers. They are small, unobtrusive machines with electrodes that attach to the skin and send electrical pulses into the body. This does not hurt but instead feels mildly ticklish. The electrical pulses are thought to work by either blocking the pain messages as they travel through the nerves or by helping the body produce endorphins which are natural pain-fighters. Some TENS machines can be clipped to a belt. Check with your GP before using a TENS machine as they are not suitable for those who may be pregnant or who have a heart condition.
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