What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Physical techniques of strengthening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles are used in pelvic floor treatment to treat pelvic floor dysfunction and aid in restoring bowel, bladder, and sexual function.
Physical therapy for the pelvic floor employs several techniques that help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, raise awareness of muscle tension and relaxation and lessen the discomfort associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
The pelvic floor muscles’ tone might shift due to age, stress, or delivery. This might lead to pelvic floor issues related to loose, weaker, or tightened pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor dysfunction may result from abnormally low or high muscle tone.
To alleviate symptoms, including pelvic organ prolapse, urine or fecal incontinence, and painful intercourse, pelvic floor therapy is an effective and non-invasive approach.
What happens at pelvic floor therapy?
The primary purpose of pelvic floor physical therapy is to restore the body to optimal mobility and pelvic health, functioning, and movement. In addition, when there is discomfort, pain, and associated symptoms, physical therapists frequently work with patients to discover trigger points and connective tissue abnormalities.
For over a few decades, professionals have recognized pelvic physical therapy as a practical, non-invasive, and efficient technique for addressing pelvic floor dysfunction. Therapists and physicians use non-surgical procedures with minimal discomfort to reinforce the pelvic floor muscles and reduce pain. Learning how to strengthen and relax the pelvic muscles is essential since it reduces discomfort and pelvic pain.
In practice, pelvic floor exercises in physical therapy are a simple procedure in which therapists teach patients specific exercises that aid the stability and strengthening of the body’s core and vital pelvic muscles. This supports and secures the pelvic floor, abdomen, back, and diaphragm.
The treatment plan and timetable rely solely on the patient’s demands and specific pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Still, one thing is sure: you will need to focus on either the relaxation and stretching or the strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles.
Unfortunately, you are mistaken if you believe you will not need to do anything other than attend your physical therapy regularly and do the exercises prescribed by your therapist. Pelvic floor physical treatment also incorporates food and lifestyle adjustments. This can undoubtedly alleviate your symptoms and assist you in alleviating pelvic floor pain.
Techniques or exercises used in pelvic floor physical therapy may include:
Trigger point therapy. This method applies pressure to a trigger point on your body, internally or externally. Your doctor or physical therapist may also provide anesthetic to the affected region.
Kegels. Kegels are a popular workout that involves tightening and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. This activity may help reduce sex-related discomfort and regulate incontinence. Your physical therapist can show you how to conduct Kegels so that you get the most out of this exercise.
Electrical Stimulation. This approach aids in the relief of pelvic discomfort and muscular spasms. Your physical therapist may do this in the office or educate you on how to do it at home using specific equipment.
Biofeedback. This method employs instruments to measure how the pelvic floor muscles work. Your PT will certainly utilize biofeedback to monitor your workout’s progress and look for improvements. Electrodes may be placed on the exterior of your body, such as between the vagina or anus. Alternatively, they may use an internal probe to assess the tension and relaxation of your pelvic floor muscles. The findings are shown on a computer screen, and your physical therapist will review them with you.
Who needs pelvic floor therapy?
Pelvic floor treatment focuses on the pelvic floor’s muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues, which work together to support the pelvic organs, contribute to sexual arousal and orgasm, and aid in bladder and bowel control.
The tissues linked to the pelvis, tailbone, and sacrum support the urinary and reproductive system, including the uterus, prostate, bladder, rectum, urethra, and vagina. They offer pelvic stability and facilitate healthy pelvic organ function, such as sexual and voiding function, posture, and respiration.
You may need physical therapy if you suffer from chronic pain in the pelvic region associated with other symptoms of pelvic floor disorders and if:
You are suffering from urine or fecal incontinence.
Because the pelvic floor muscles are strained, weakened, or relaxed at the incorrect moment, they may induce urine or stool leakage, commonly known as incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence also occurs when sneezing, coughing, or exercising produces leaking.
If you experience constipation or urinary problems
Chronic constipation – straining discomfort or inability to urinate — and pain while peeing may be signs of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Emptying the bladder or rectum may be difficult when the pelvic floor muscles are not fully relaxed.
You’re having urine or fecal urgency.
The urge to pee or bowel movements that send you hurrying to the toilet might indicate a pelvic floor issue.
You have a prolapsed pelvic organ.
Pelvic organ prolapse is a disorder that develops when the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments weaken, allowing the pelvic organs to slip lower in the pelvis. Like a hernia, this condition may cause organs to expand into the vagina or rectum. Pelvic organ prolapse is frequent in women after delivery, hysterectomy, or menopause.
You are experiencing pelvic discomfort.
Ongoing pelvic floor symptoms or discomfort, particularly genital or rectum pain, might indicate a problem with your pelvic floor muscles. Some individuals may have discomfort in the pelvic area of their groin, hips, lower abdomen, or lower back when sitting.
You are suffering from sexual dysfunction.
In women, pelvic floor dysfunction is a pelvic condition that may affect the uterus and vagina, resulting in symptoms such as discomfort during sex. Erectile dysfunction may occur in men with chronic pelvic pain or floor dysfunction.
What are pelvic floor surgery options?
Surgery may be possible if non-surgical alternatives have failed or the prolapse is severe. There are various surgical options for treating pelvic organ prolapse. They are as follows:
· Vaginal mesh surgery – Vaginal mesh surgery involves inserting a piece of synthetic mesh, a plastic product that resembles a net, to keep the pelvic organs in place.
· Surgical repair -Various procedures require elevating and supporting the pelvic organs. This might be done by sewing them into place or by strengthening the existing tissues.
· Hysterectomy – A doctor may prescribe hysterectomy surgery to remove the womb for women who have gone through menopause or do not want more children. It may assist in easing the strain on the vaginal walls and lessen the likelihood of a prolapse reoccurring.
· Vaginal closure – This surgical procedure is only available to women with severe prolapse when previous therapies have failed and they are certain they do not want to have intercourse again.
Your doctor will review the advantages and dangers of several therapies with you, and you will together decide which is best for you.
If you’ve had surgery to try and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles utilizing pelvic mesh and have issues, contact us for more information on how we can help you with your rights.
