Internal Pelvic Physical Therapy

Do you experience pain, discomfort, or dysfunction in your pelvic region? If so, you're not alone. Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from various types of pelvic floor dysfunction, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being. Fortunately, there's hope in the world of internal pelvic physical therapy.

In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to internal pelvic physical therapy, discuss its benefits, describe common techniques, and provide an example of what to expect during a session. Our aim is to help you better understand this essential mode of therapy that can greatly improve your pelvic floor health. So let's get started on your journey to recovery!

Internal pelvic physical therapy is a specialized form of treatment that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and other pelvic floor disorders. It usually involves an examination of the muscles, ligaments, and joints within the pelvic area, followed by the implementation of hands-on manual therapy and exercises to address any abnormalities or weaknesses.

There are numerous benefits to undergoing internal pelvic physical therapy, including:

Relief from Chronic Pelvic Pain

Pelvic floor dysfunction can result in chronic pain that affects not only the pelvic region but also the lower back, hips, and groin. Internal pelvic physical therapy can help alleviate this pain by relaxing tense muscles, mobilizing tight joints, and improving overall muscle function.

Improved Sexual Function

Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) and other sexual dysfunctions may stem from an imbalance in the pelvic floor muscles. Internal pelvic physical therapy can help restore the normal muscle balance and function, leading to a more gratifying sexual experience.

Treatment of Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

By strengthening weak pelvic floor muscles and improving neuromuscular control, internal pelvic physical therapy can help patients regain control over their bladder and bowel movements, significantly improving their quality of life.

Prevention of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

By targeting the specific muscles involved in supporting the pelvic organs, internal pelvic physical therapy can effectively prevent or manage pelvic organ prolapse, avoiding the need for surgical intervention in many cases.

Internal Pelvic Physical Therapy Example

During an internal pelvic physical therapy session, you can expect the following:

Assessment

Your therapist will perform a thorough assessment of your pelvic floor muscles through an internal and external examination. This will help them determine the root causes of your dysfunction and tailor the best course of treatment.

Manual Therapy

Depending on your symptoms and the therapist's findings, a variety of hands-on techniques may be used to address any muscle imbalances, tightness, or pain. These could include soft-tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy.

Therapeutic Exercises

Your therapist will also prescribe specific pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen and retrain your muscles. These exercises will initially be performed under the guidance of your therapist before being incorporated into a home exercise program.

Education

Your therapist will provide valuable information on proper body mechanics, posture, and other lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your pelvic floor dysfunction.

In conclusion, internal pelvic physical therapy can be a life-changing treatment for those suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction. By targeting the core muscles within the pelvic area, this specialized therapy can help restore normal function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

We hope this guide provided you with valuable insights into the world of internal pelvic physical therapy and its benefits. If you found this article enlightening, we encourage you to share it with others who may be experiencing pelvic issues and consider exploring the variety of other resources available on Pelvic Floor Therapy. Your journey toward a stronger, healthier pelvic floor starts here.