Have you ever experienced embarrassing leaks, discomfort, or pain in your pelvic region? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition that affects their daily lives. But there’s hope! Unlocking the benefits of pelvic floor therapy can help you regain control and improve your quality of life. Curious to learn more? Read on!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition caused by abnormalities in the pelvic floor muscles, leading to various complications.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve muscle tone and flexibility, reduce symptoms intensity and restore life control.
Follow up sessions with certified therapists are essential for evaluating treatment plans which include assessment, manual therapy & therapeutic exercise. At home exercises & lifestyle changes also play an important role in managing this condition.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that affects the muscles of the pelvic floor, which provide support to the pelvic organs, contribute to sexual health and function, and assist with the stabilization of hips and trunk. This condition, also known as pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, may result in various complications such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, and painful intercourse.
Causes of Dysfunction
Pregnancy, childbirth, genetics, the aging process, and chronic constipation are some of the primary causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. These factors can lead to low tone pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, or high tone pelvic floor disorders, characterized by increased tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
Symptoms and Effects
Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms, which are often related to pelvic floor issues, include urinary incontinence, pelvic discomfort, and pain related to conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for treating a range of conditions, including:
Interstitial cystitis
Levator ani syndrome
The effects of pregnancy and childbirth
Disorders caused by surgery, chronic illnesses, age, or trauma
It can also provide relief from these conditions.
Learn more, visit 7 Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Symptoms.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy, a specialized treatment method, addresses pelvic floor dysfunction. It effectively:
Manages pain and other symptoms
Enhances muscle strength
Reduces symptom intensity
Restores life control
The goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to improve the function of the pelvic floor muscle and the pelvic floor muscles, which
Goals of Therapy
Pelvic health therapy primarily aims to:
Strengthen and relax pelvic floor muscles
Improve core stability
Improve control over bodily functions such as urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity.
This is achieved through physical techniques, such as strengthening exercises for low tone muscles, and relaxation exercises for high tone muscles.
Types of Treatment Techniques
A variety of pelvic floor physical therapy techniques are available, such as:
Kegel exercises
Heel slides
Happy baby pose
Functional dry needling
Myofascial release
Electrical stimulation
Biofeedback
These techniques, employed by a qualified physical therapist, can help improve muscle tone, flexibility, and blood flow in the pelvic floor, potentially alleviating symptoms such as:
urinary incontinence
pelvic organ prolapse
bowel disorders
chronic pelvic pain
sexual dysfunction
Finding a Qualified Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
It’s crucial to find a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist. They bring the expertise and proficiency needed for evaluating and managing conditions linked to the pelvic floor muscles.
A certified therapist should have the necessary certifications and qualifications, as well as experience in treating patients with similar conditions.
Credentials to Look For
When searching for a qualified therapist, look for certifications such as:
Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC)
Certificate of Achievement in Obstetric or Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (CAPP-OB or CAPP-Pelvic)
Women’s Health Specialist Certification (WCS)
Additionally, the therapist should have a minimum of two years of clinical experience or have completed an accredited residency program.
Questions to Ask
Before choosing a therapist, ask questions such as:
What is their experience in treating pelvic floor dysfunction?
What is their success rate in improving symptoms and outcomes for patients?
What is their knowledge of the latest research and treatment methods?
You may also inquire about any patient testimonials or success stories related to pelvic floor therapy.
What to Expect During Pelvic Floor Therapy Sessions
During pelvic floor therapy sessions, the physical therapist will review your medical history, symptoms, and complaints, and conduct a physical exam that includes an external and internal component.
The cost of pelvic floor therapy can range from approximately $150 to over $300 per session, and the duration of an initial exam typically takes approximately one hour.
Initial Evaluation
During the initial evaluation, the therapist will discuss your symptoms, experiences, and expectations for therapy. They will also assess the pelvic girdle muscles, joints, and sensory functions through visual observation, digital palpation, electromyography (EMG), and manometry.
Treatment Plan Development
A treatment plan for pelvic floor dysfunction is developed based on your specific condition, age, risk factors, perception of pain, and biopsychosocial considerations.
An effective treatment plan must be based on a thorough understanding of your needs and preferences.
Follow-Up Sessions
Follow-up sessions play a critical role in monitoring progress, delivering further treatment, and making necessary modifications to the treatment plan. These sessions typically include:
Assessment
Manual therapy
Neuromuscular re-education
Therapeutic exercise
Patient education
Each session typically lasts 45 minutes.
At-Home Exercises and Lifestyle Changes
Besides therapy sessions, managing pelvic floor dysfunction involves performing exercises at home and making lifestyle modifications. Strengthening exercises like quick flick Kegels and heel slides can help improve muscle function, while relaxation and conditioning exercises, such as Happy Baby Pose and diaphragmatic breathing, can aid in muscle relaxation.
Recommended Exercises
Regularly performing pelvic floor exercises, or Kegel exercises, can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve symptoms. Pelvic floor muscle training is advised to be performed at least three times a day, being mindful of potential risks or side effects, such as worsening symptoms in people with myofascial pelvic pain syndrome or exacerbating pelvic organ prolapse.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can also help manage pelvic floor dysfunction. Dietary modifications, such as consuming low-acidic fruits and vegetables, maintaining a high-fiber diet, and drinking plenty of water, can promote pelvic floor health.
Additionally, avoiding high-impact activities and exercises that put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor, such as sit-ups and crunches, can prevent further exacerbation of symptoms.
Summary
In conclusion, pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of people, but pelvic floor therapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. By understanding the causes and symptoms, finding a qualified therapist, participating in therapy sessions, and incorporating at-home exercises and lifestyle changes, you can take control of your pelvic floor health and lead a happier, more comfortable life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do they do at pelvic floor therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy aims to strengthen or relax pelvic floor muscles with exercises, stretches, manual therapy, biofeedback therapy, or electrical stimulation tailored to each patient’s needs.
How do I know if I need pelvic floor therapy?
If you are experiencing pain when urinating or while your bladder is full, or urine leakage when coughing, sneezing or laughing, then you should consider asking your physician about pelvic floor therapy.
What are the symptoms of a tight pelvic floor?
Common symptoms of a tight pelvic floor include pain or pressure, difficulty with urinating or defecating, burning or pain during intercourse, bladder urgency or leakage, and tailbone pain.
What are the most common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pregnancy, childbirth, genetics, aging, and chronic constipation are some of the most common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction.
How can pelvic floor physical therapy help with pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help to manage pain and improve muscle strength associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life.
