What Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Consist Of?

Did you know that at least 25% of women suffer from pelvic floor disorders? These often include issues like incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain, which can significantly impact one's quality of life. Pelvic floor therapy is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment option that helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with these disorders. It is specialized physical therapy aimed at strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles, which play a crucial role in maintaining the bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Join us as we delve into the world of pelvic floor therapy, exploring the various treatment methods and techniques that can provide much-needed relief and improve your everyday life.

Pelvic floor therapy entails a holistic approach to the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions. This may involve a combination of manual therapy, exercise, education, and behavioral modifications customized to fit your specific needs and goals. Some of the most common techniques and interventions used in pelvic floor therapy include:

1. pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)

kegel exercises target the pelvic floor muscles, helping to strengthen and increase their endurance. Therapists will teach you how to properly identify and isolate the pelvic floor muscles, then guide you through a specialized exercise program. Proper technique is key, as improperly done Kegels can increase symptoms. Upon mastering the basics, your therapist may introduce biofeedback training, using specialized equipment to measure and provide feedback on your muscle contractions.

2. Manual Therapy

Your therapist may use hands-on techniques like soft tissue and joint mobilization, trigger point release, and myofascial release to help relax and lengthen tightened muscles, improve circulation, and decrease pain. This can be an essential component of your therapy, as tight or spasming muscles can contribute to pelvic pain and dysfunction.

3. Biofeedback

Biofeedback plays a vital role in pelvic floor therapy and is used to monitor the activity of your pelvic floor muscles during exercise. It employs specialized sensors that measure muscle contractions and provide real-time feedback to ensure optimal exercise performance. The therapist may use either internal vaginal or rectal sensors or external surface electrodes to measure the muscle contractions, depending on your specific needs.

4. Electrical Stimulation

In some cases, electrical stimulation can help improve muscle strength and coordination, particularly when weak muscles are not easily identifiable during regular Kegels. A small electrical current is applied to the muscles, causing them to contract. This can be done via an internal probe or external electrodes. Your therapist will select the appropriate form of electrical stimulation based on your individual needs and goals.

5. Education and Behavioral Modifications

Patient education is crucial in pelvic floor therapy. Your therapist will provide information on bladder and bowel management and may include dietary modifications, proper hydration, and ideal toileting positions to help facilitate healing and optimal functioning. In some cases, specific behavioral techniques like urge suppression, bladder retraining, and timed voiding may also be recommended.

What Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Consist Of Example

Let's take a look at the experience of a 52-year-old woman named Susan, who sought pelvic floor therapy for her stress urinary incontinence (SUI). She struggled with involuntary urine leakage during exercise and heavy lifting. Her therapist began by teaching Susan how to properly engage her pelvic floor muscles while performing kegel exercises. Susan was also introduced to biofeedback and worked on obtaining the correct muscle contraction to ensure an effective and lasting outcome. Furthermore, the therapist guided Susan through specific behavioral modifications like identifying triggers, implementing a bladder diary, and suggesting proper hydration habits. As Susan progressed through her therapy over the course of several weeks, she witnessed a significant improvement in her incontinence symptoms, allowing her to regain control and confidence in her daily life.

Now that you are familiar with the therapy tools and techniques available, you may have a better understanding of how pelvic floor therapy can help improve your quality of life drastically. Pelvic floor issues can be a complex, deeply personal subject. Pelvic Floor Therapy offers not only expert care but also support and understanding throughout your treatment journey. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from this information. Do not hesitate to explore more resources on our blog as we venture to provide a comprehensive guide to all things pelvic floor therapy.