What can go wrong with the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is an area often overlooked in physical therapy treatment. Although it is commonly associated with and even labeled as “women's health,” everyone has a pelvic floor. Made up of muscles that support the urinary and reproductive tracts, the pelvic floor plays a crucial role in controlling bladder and bowel functions. Dysfunction in the pelvic floor can manifest as constipation, erectile dysfunction in men, pain during intercourse for women, or incontinence, and can be caused by muscle weakness, tightness, or inability to work together as they should. While the exact cause of pelvic floor dysfunction remains uncertain to experts,certain factors like age, pregnancy, and chronic constipation can increase the risk.
What can physical therapy do to help improve pelvic floor dysfunction?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of treatment that aims to relieve the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. During a private, one-on-one evaluation, your physical therapist will review your medical history, symptoms, and goals, and perform a comprehensive physical exam. This evaluation may include assessments of the hips, spine, bony pelvis, and pelvic floor muscles. Throughout this process, your comfort and privacy are the top priority. Following the evaluation, the physical therapist will work with you to create an individualized plan to address your specific pelvic health needs. Treatment sessions may involve a combination of exercises, stretches, manual therapy, biofeedback therapy, or electrical stimulation to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles.
Contrary to popular opinion, pelvic floor disorders cannot be solely solved by doing Kegel exercises at home. These exercises may be one element of a larger treatment plan or may not be recommended for your condition. Many people may be hesitant to discuss pelvic floor issues even with their primary care provider, assuming that their symptoms are normal or untreatable. You do not need to suffer in silence! It is essential to have open conversations about pelvic floor health and seek available treatment.Talk with your primary care provider about your symptoms and ask if a physical therapy referral can help.
Get started on the road to recovery
We are pleased to offer specialized pelvic floor dysfunction rehabilitation for both men and women. You don't need a referral to access physical therapy in Colorado, so if you believe you would benefit from pelvic floor PT, please contact our office so we can get you scheduled for an evaluation at (303) 838-7444.