Internal Physical Therapy

Living with pelvic floor dysfunction can be an isolating and often frustrating experience, but you're not alone. In fact, many people experience issues stemming from a poorly functioning pelvic floor. For some, internal physical therapy may hold the key to relief and restored wellness. Whether you've recently been diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction or are seeking help after years of discomfort, our guide will help you navigate the world of internal physical therapy and provide you with a roadmap to better pelvic floor health.

Internal physical therapy is a specialized form of treatment that addresses the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues surrounding the pelvis. Through hands-on techniques and targeted exercises, a trained therapist works with patients to alleviate pain, improve bowel and bladder control, and enhance sexual function. Here's a brief overview of the three main components of internal pelvic floor therapy:

1. Manual Therapy Techniques: A significant part of the internal physical therapy process involves direct manual manipulation of the pelvic floor muscles. This hands-on approach enables the therapist to assess muscle tightness, weakness, and tone, and to provide targeted treatments to address the problem areas. Some of the techniques used in manual therapy include trigger point release, soft tissue mobilization, and myofascial release.

2. Self-Care Activities: In addition to the in-clinic treatments, patients are often given a customized self-care program to follow at home. This may include stretching exercises, relaxation techniques, and recommendations for lifestyle changes like diet modifications and stress management.

3. Biofeedback: An essential component of internal physical therapy is biofeedback, which involves the use of special devices to help patients gain a better understanding of their pelvic floor muscles. By measuring and displaying pelvic muscular activity, patients can learn to engage and relax their muscles more effectively, ultimately improving their pelvic floor function.

Internal Physical Therapy Example: Jane's Journey to Pelvic Health

Meet Jane, a 35-year-old mother of two who's been dealing with chronic pelvic pain and bladder incontinence for the past couple of years. After trying various treatments with little success, she was referred to a specialist in internal physical therapy.

During her initial consultation, the therapist performed a thorough examination to assess Jane's pelvic floor muscles and identify any underlying issues. The therapist discovered that Jane had tight and weak pelvic floor muscles, combined with trigger points that were contributing to her discomfort.

Over the next few weeks, Jane was guided through manual therapy sessions by her therapist, learning how to release the trigger points and improve muscle tone. She also began attending weekly biofeedback sessions, which helped hone her ability to identify and control her pelvic floor muscles.

With a combination of these treatments and a personalized self-care routine, Jane saw vast improvements in her symptoms over time. By following her internal physical therapy program, Jane's chronic pain diminished, and she regained control over her bladder, allowing her to lead a happier, more confident life.

The journey to improved pelvic floor health may feel daunting, but with the right guidance and a thorough understanding of internal physical therapy, you're well-equipped to face the challenge. Internal physical therapy has the potential to transform lives by alleviating pain and restoring optimal pelvic floor function. Are you ready to take the first step towards better pelvic health? Share this informative guide with friends or loved ones who could benefit, and explore other resources on our Pelvic Floor Therapy blog to empower yourself with the knowledge needed to take control of your pelvic health journey.