3 things to know about pelvic floor physical therapy near you

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition that affects both men and women, and it often causes issues with urination, as well as other symptoms. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles found at the bottom of your pelvis. This group helps to stabilize and support the pelvic area, which includes the bladder, the uterus and vagina (women), the prostate (men), and the rectum. 

When there is an issue with the pelvic floor muscles, the function of these organs may be affected. 

Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy is a great option to find treatment and relief from your symptoms. As you’re choosing a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic near you, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

1. How do I know if I need physical therapy for pelvic floor rehabilitation?

There are several symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, and they can be different for men and women. Typically, pelvic floor dysfunction has the following symptoms:

• Frequent or painful urination, as well as start-stop urination.
• Constipation or strain during bowel movements.
• Incontinence.
• Ongoing pain in the pelvis and/or lower back.

Additionally, women may experience pain during sex, and men may experience erectile dyfunction. 

2. Who needs pelvic floor physical therapy?

Typically, women are most associated with needing pelvic floor physical therapy. This is often because childbirth can cause significant damage to the pelvic floor, and many women may experience urinary and bladder issues, as well as pelvic pain and pain during sex because of the weakened pelvic muscles. 

However, pelvic floor therapy can also be beneficial to men who are experiencing issues with bladder incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction. 

A good rule of thumb is that if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should contact your doctor. However, with direct access care, you can see a physical therapist for pelvic floor rehabilitation without a doctor’s referral, which may save you some time. 

3. How does pelvic floor physical therapy work?

Physical therapy for pelvic floor rehabilitation works by targeting and strengthening the weakened muscles in your pelvic floor. Each treatment is personalized to meet your specific needs, but will often include a series of the following treatments:

• Postural exercises — Correct posture automatically engages the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises are typically performed on a large postural ball, which helps to increase the strength and stability of the pelvic floor.

• Diaphragmatic breathing — Guided deep breathing can help to relax the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to drop and lengthen as your diaphragm contracts and expands. 

• Relaxation techniques — Guided imagery and biofeedback machines help to relax muscles in the pelvic floor, which can help your physical therapist properly recommend exercises and stretches. 

If you are suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, it’s important to seek treatment to help regain your quality of life. Contact our team at Advent Physical Therapy to schedule a free consultation to determine if pelvic floor physical therapy is right for you.