Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Treating Dysfunction at Horizon Physical Therapy in Flint, Michigan
‘I Tried Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy—And It Was Nothing Like What I Expected’
Pelvic floor therapy can be a life-changing experience for many people, particularly those who suffer from chronic pelvic pain or other issues. I tried it myself and was pleasantly surprised by the results—it was nothing like what I expected! Through pelvic floor therapy, I learned to engage my core muscles in order to relieve the tension and pain that had been plaguing me for so long. Not only did this form of therapy help alleviate my discomfort, but it also taught me important skills for improving my overall health. If you’re looking for an effective treatment option for your own pelvic health needs, consider trying pelvic floor therapy today.
Pelvic Floor Therapy: What to Expect with pelvic floor physical therapy
Pelvic floor therapy can help with a variety of conditions, ranging from bladder and bowel dysfunction to sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain. When starting pelvic floor therapy, patients can expect to be evaluated on the condition they are seeking treatment for, as well as their overall physical and emotional health. Following a thorough evaluation, customized exercises will be prescribed that target the specific muscles of the pelvic floor in order to strengthen them. Patients can also expect to use biofeedback techniques and postural retraining during their treatment sessions to help improve their overall pelvic health. Through regular visits and proper exercise instruction, many patients have seen significant improvements in their quality of life by taking part in pelvic floor therapy.
What are Pelvic Floor Muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the bladder, rectum, and uterus in women; and the bladder and rectum in men. These muscles help to keep these organs in their proper place, maintain continence of urine and feces, and provide support during childbirth. It is important to keep these muscles healthy by doing exercises such as kegels or other strengthening activities. Keeping them strong can help to prevent urinary incontinence, prolapse of the uterus or bladder, and other associated issues. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles is an important component of overall health for all individuals regardless of age or gender.
Importance of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy is an important component of providing comprehensive care for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, including those suffering from urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain and other conditions. Through the use of specialized techniques and exercises, this type of therapy can provide invaluable
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Patients experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction may experience symptoms such as urinary or fecal incontinence when coughing or sneezing (stress incontinence), difficulty starting or maintaining urination (urinary retention), constipation, fecal leakage, an inability to completely empty the bladder or bowels, painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), pain in the lower abdomen/pelvis region, unexplained general fatigue and low back pain. Women may also experience a decrease in sensation during sexual intercourse due to nerve damage. It is important to note that not all individuals with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction will experience all these symptoms.
What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
The pelvic floor is an area of the body composed of muscles and other tissues that supports the organs in the pelvic region and provides stability. Some common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can include childbirth, trauma, aging, medical history of chronic conditions such as diabetes or obesity, and medical treatments like radiation therapy or surgery. Pelvic floor dysfunction may also be caused by major muscles weakness of the pelvic floor due to lack of exercise or poor posture. Regardless of the cause, this type of dysfunction can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Exercises and Treatment Techniques
The treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction will depend on the underlying cause, but may include exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination, as well as manual techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Many physical therapists also use biofeedback or electrical stimulation to help patients gain greater awareness and control over their pelvic muscles.
What to Expect at Your First Physical Therapy Session
When you visit a pelvic floor physical therapist for an evaluation, he or she may start by taking a detailed history including questions about your symptoms and lifestyle habits. From there, your therapist will perform an examination to assess the strength, coordination, and tone of your pelvic floor muscles. He or she may also use diagnostic imaging (such as ultrasound) to get a better view of the structures in your pelvis.
High Tone Disorders
At Horizon Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating high tone disorders of the pelvic floor. These disorders can cause pelvic pain and discomfort, as well as sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, and difficulty with bowel movements. Our experienced therapists use a combination of manual therapy techniques, posture re-education, breathing exercises, and other therapeutic modalities to help our patients improve their physical and emotional well-being. With our comprehensive treatment plan, we aim to reduce pain and restore functional mobility for individuals affected by high tone disorders in the pelvic floor. If you or someone you know has been suffering from chronic pelvic pain or other issues related to high tone pelvic floor disorders, contact us today to learn how we can help.
You Can Assist in Your Own Recovery
When it comes to recovery from pelvic floor dysfunction, there are a few things you can do to assist in your own healing. Firstly, it is important to practice mindful and conscious relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and other forms of mindfulness meditation. Additionally, it is beneficial to stay active by engaging in low-impact aerobic exercises such as swimming or yoga that avoid putting too much stress on the pelvic area. Regularly stretching the hips, inner thighs and abdominals can also help with easing tension in the pelvic floor muscles. Making sure to drink plenty of water and consume adequate amounts of fiber is also essential for maintaining digestive health and avoiding straining when using the restroom. Finally, seeking professional guidance from a physical therapist or doctor specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation can be incredibly beneficial for aiding recovery from pelvic floor dysfunction.
Treatment Modalities and Tools for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Treatment modalities and tools for pelvic floor dysfunction can vary, depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Common treatments may include pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, relaxation techniques, lifestyle modifications, medications to control bladder spasms or pain, and in some cases surgery. Pelvic floor physical therapy may involve a variety of exercises to strengthen and relax muscles, as well as stretches to help improve flexibility. Biofeedback is a tool used to help individuals better understand how to control their muscles and can be very effective in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. Electrical stimulation is also used to help relax tight muscles or stimulate weak ones. Relaxation techniques such as guided imagery or mindfulness can be helpful for decreasing stress levels and improving overall quality of life. Lifestyle modifications such as reducing caffeine intake or avoiding certain activities that worsen symptoms can be beneficial in symptomatic relief. Medications such as anticholinergics or anti-depressants can also prove useful in managing bladder spasms or other pain associated with this disorder. Lastly, surgery may be considered if all other methods have failed.
What Can I Expect After Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
With regular exercise and treatment, you should begin to notice an improvement in your symptoms within just a few weeks. However, it’s important to remember that every person’s situation is unique and results may vary from patient to patient. A dedicated program of ongoing care with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help to ensure that you’re able to maintain your improvement and remain symptom-free for the long-term.
At Horizon Physical Therapy in Flint, MI, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for pelvic floor dysfunction. Our doctors are highly trained and experienced with treating pelvic floor muscles. We understand how uncomfortable this condition can be and strive to create a safe space where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and goals. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction, contact us today to learn more about our services!
