Introduction
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a holistic approach that aims to harmonize the low back and pelvis, concentrating on coordinating the pelvic floor muscles. Imagine the pelvic floor as a supportive hammock of muscles connecting your front (pubic bone) to your back (tailbone). In women, these muscles support the uterus, bladder, and colon, while in men, they support the bladder, prostate, and bowel. Both genders rely on the rectum and urethra, passing through the pelvic floor to transport bodily contents from inside to outside.
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy encompasses the low back, pelvis, abdomen, and pelvic floor muscles. Each patient receives individualized, one-on-one treatment in a private setting provided by physical therapists specializing in pelvic health. Their primary focus is to enhance awareness of the pelvic floor.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Patients seek physical therapy for a multitude of symptoms and conditions. Pelvic floor physical therapy can address various diagnoses, including:
Bladder Issues:
- Urinary Leakage (Incontinence)
- Urinary frequency and urgency
Bowel Concerns:
- Stool Leakage (Incontinence)
- Stool urgency and frequency
Pain-Related Conditions:
- Abdominal pain
- Pain with intercourse (Dyspareunia)
Conditions Associated with Pregnancy and Postpartum:
- Pelvic pain
- Prostatectomy (Removal of the prostate)
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Bladder
Pelvic floor therapy effectively addresses urinary issues such as leakage (incontinence), frequency, urgency, and difficulties with urination. It can help individuals who experience pain or have trouble starting or stopping urination and fully emptying the bladder.
Urinary incontinence refers to undesired urine leakage, whether during the day or night. At Sutton Place Physical and Aquatic Therapy, our specialized treatment programs aim to empower you to regain control over your symptoms and potentially reduce your reliance on medication or surgery. Our skilled physical therapists guide you in sensing movement in your pelvic floor muscles through specific exercises, enabling better control of your bladder.
Bowel Concerns
Stool leakage (incontinence) and urgency are conditions that can be managed effectively through pelvic floor therapy.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which the bladder, uterus, or rectum descend and may protrude through the vaginal wall. This can occur due to chronic straining during bowel movements, improper lifting techniques, heavy lifting, and childbirth. Physical therapy for pelvic organ prolapse can help if you experience bulges in the vaginal area, urine leaks, difficulty with urination or defecation, or sensations of discomfort or pressure during daily activities or sexual intercourse.
General Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can have various underlying causes, and pelvic floor therapy is beneficial for pain in the genital or rectal regions. It may include manual therapy, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, behavioral education, and tailored exercise programs, all depending on your symptoms. This evidence-based approach is a minimally invasive option for managing pelvic floor dysfunctions and alleviating general, chronic pelvic pain.
Pelvic floor muscles undergo changes during childbirth, aging, or periods of stress, which can lead to dysfunction. Strained connective tissues contribute to several pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic pain.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy aims to restore normal muscle strength, power, endurance, resting tone, or a combination of these to reverse muscle and connective tissue damage, providing relief from pain.
For personalized and professional pelvic health physical therapy, trust our experts at Arunalaya physio/ fitness/Rehab . We specialize in helping you regain control, enhance your quality of life, and promote over life.