Pelvic Floor Therapy: The Ultimate Solution for Dysfunction and Pain!

Have you ever felt uncomfortable when you’re just doing everyday things? Like feeling a sudden need to go to the bathroom or having pain during intimacy? You’re not alone. These feelings might be because of something called pelvic floor dysfunction. To manage this condition, you must understand pelvic floor therapy

Affected or weakened muscles can complicate your life by causing severe pelvic pain as well as urine and faecal incontinence. Pelvic floor dysfunction makes it hard for a person to perform simple activities of daily living—but pelvic floor physical therapy may help you.

This therapy isn’t just about feeling better; it’s about taking back control of your body and feeling good again. In this blog, we’ll talk about what pelvic floor health is, why it’s important, and how pelvic floor PT can help you feel better. So, if you’re curious about what is pelvic floor therapy? and how to feel more comfortable and confident in your body, learn more. Get answers to all your questions.

What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy is a special workout that involves an important group of muscles in your body, i.e., the muscles of your pelvic region. When these muscles are not working as they should, it can cause problems with your bladder and bowel function, as well as affect your sexual life—pelvic floor dysfunction. That is when pelvic floor therapy comes in. 

It is also known as pelvic floor physical therapy. Stanford University has recommended that pelvic floor physical therapy is the first-line, low-risk, non-surgical pelvic floor dysfunction treatment.

This is a personalised plan that involves exercising and the use of some electrical devices to help you focus and promote the normal functioning of your pelvic floor muscles. You and your therapist will work together to create a plan that fits your body and your goals.

What Are The Signs That You May Need Pelvic Floor Therapy? 

After learning what is pelvic floor physical therapy, you may be wondering about the signs that confirm you should head towards your pelvic floor therapy session. 

The signs and symptoms you experience as a result of pelvic floor dysfunction can indicate that you need pelvic floor muscle physical therapy. 

Pelvic floor therapy may be the best option for you if there are:

• Prolonged pelvic pain
• Compromised bladder control
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Pain during sex
• Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels
• Pre- or post-pregnancy issues

What Are The Benefits Of Getting Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Through relaxation or strengthening techniques, pelvic floor therapy helps improve the function of your pelvic floor muscles. Here are the benefits:

1. Improved muscle strength and function
2. Enhanced coordination of pelvic floor muscles
3. Relief from prolonged pelvic pain (either in the lower abdomen or back).
4. Reduced symptoms of urinary incontinence (like leakage or dribbling of urine)
5. Pelvic organs stay in their place.
6. Relief from prolonged constipation
7. Better and pain-free sex
8. Prevention and management of pregnancy-related issues
9. Treatment of almost all pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms without surgery or side effects

What Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Include?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is like a personalised workout plan for the muscles in your pelvic area. Here’s what typically happens during these therapy sessions:

Assessment

First, your therapist will chat with you about your symptoms and medical history. Then, they’ll gently check the strength and flexibility of your pelvic muscles to decide what exercises are suitable for you.

Education

Your therapist educates you all about your pelvic floor muscles and how they work. This might include tips on good bathroom habits and other lifestyle changes that can help.

 Exercises

Just like lifting weights at the gym, you’ll do exercises to strengthen or relax your pelvic muscles. Sometimes, you’ll even use special tools or machines to help you do the exercises correctly. Your physical therapist (PT) can teach you how to do Kegels so that you can get the most out of this exercise. Here are some Pelvic floor exercises:

 Exercises for weak pelvic floor muscles:

• Kegels
• Bridging
• Squats

 Exercises for weak pelvic floor muscles

• Butterfly stretch
• Happy child pose
• Reverse kegels  
• Deep breathing exercises

Hands-On Therapy

The therapist might use gentle massage or stretching techniques to help release tension in your pelvic muscles. It’s kind of like getting a massage for your pelvic area. They may also use trigger point therapy, which involves applying pressure to specific points on your body, internally or externally, called trigger points. This can help relieve muscle tension and pain. In some cases, your doctor or PT may even inject anaesthesia into the area to provide further relief.

Biofeedback

This technique utilises devices to monitor the contraction of your pelvic floor muscles. Your PT will most likely use biofeedback to see how your exercises are going and to watch for improvement. They may place electrodes outside your body, such as between the vagina or anus, or use an internal probe to measure the tension and relaxation of your pelvic floor muscles. Your PT will discuss the results with you after they appear on a computer screen.

Relaxation Techniques

Your therapist teaches you techniques like deep breathing and relaxation exercises to help calm your pelvic muscles and reduce tension.

 Functional Training

You’ll practise using your pelvic muscles in everyday activities like lifting, bending, and moving around. This helps you apply what you’ve learned during therapy to real-life situations.

Homework

Just like with any workout plan, you’ll have exercises to do at home to keep your pelvic muscles strong and healthy between therapy sessions.

Pelvic floor therapy is all about helping you feel better and regain control over your pelvic health. With the guidance of a trained therapist, you’ll learn techniques to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Now You Know About The Pelvic Floor PT and Its Benefits!

What is pelvic floor therapy? This specialised therapy targets a group of muscles in the pelvis that support pelvic organs, aid in sexual function, and control bladder and bowel movements. Not only does this therapy improve control, but it also helps keep your pelvic organs in place and gives you relief from any pain in the pelvic area. It involves a personalised approach, beginning with an assessment to understand your symptoms and medical history. Your therapist will educate you about pelvic floor anatomy and function, guiding lifestyle changes that can support pelvic health. Don’t hesitate to explore pelvic floor therapy if you’re experiencing pelvic floor prolapse—it may be the key to reclaiming your pelvic health and well-being. 

Faqs About Pelvic Floor Therapy: