Have you been experiencing issues with your pelvic floor, such as pain, weakness, or incontinence? You're not alone - many people suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, but the good news is that help is at hand. Pelvic physical therapy can be an effective and non-invasive way to treat these frustrating problems. But what exactly does pelvic physical therapy involve? In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through what happens during a pelvic physical therapy session, so you know what to expect and can take the first steps towards finding relief.
What Happens In Pelvic Physical Therapy Table of Contents
What is Pelvic Physical Therapy?
Who can benefit from Pelvic Physical Therapy?
What to expect during a Pelvic Physical Therapy session
Transform Your Pelvic Floor in Just 4 Weeks: The Pelvic Floor Bible
Pelvic Physical Therapy Example
Transform Your Pelvic Floor in Just 4 Weeks: The Pelvic Floor Bible
What is Pelvic Physical Therapy?
Pelvic physical therapy, also known as pelvic floor therapy, is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a critical part of the body that supports your pelvic organs, maintains continence, and helps with sexual function. When the pelvic floor becomes dysfunctional, it can lead to a range of issues such as pain, incontinence, and even organ prolapse.
Who can benefit from Pelvic Physical Therapy?
Both men and women can suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction. Here are some common issues that can be treated with pelvic physical therapy:
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Pain during intercourse
- Erectile dysfunction
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Endometriosis-related pain
- Constipation or other bowel issues
- Pregnancy and postpartum-related issues
- General pelvic floor muscle weakness
What to expect during a Pelvic Physical Therapy session
Initial Assessment
Your first session will likely involve a thorough assessment of your condition. The therapist will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and any previous treatments you may have tried. They may also perform a physical examination to assess the strength, tone, and function of your pelvic floor muscles. This may involve an internal exam, either vaginally or rectally, depending on your specific issue. While the thought of an internal exam may be intimidating, rest assured that your therapist will do their utmost to ensure you are comfortable and well-informed throughout the process.
Treatment Plan
After the initial assessment, the therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may involve a combination of different therapies, such as:
Pelvic floor muscle exercises: Kegels or other exercises designed to strengthen and improve the coordination of your pelvic floor muscles.
Manual therapy: This may include soft tissue mobilization, trigger point release, or myofascial release to relieve pain and improve muscle function.
Biofeedback: Sensors may be attached to your pelvic floor muscles to provide real-time feedback on their contractions, helping you to learn how to engage and relax the muscles properly.
Electrical stimulation: A mild electrical current may be applied to the pelvic floor muscles to help improve their strength and function.
Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or mindfulness practices may be incorporated into your sessions to help relieve stress and promote relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.
Home Exercise Program
In addition to in-office treatments, you'll likely be given a home exercise program to follow between sessions. This may consist of pelvic floor exercises, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Adherence to this program is crucial for achieving the best results from your therapy.
Pelvic Physical Therapy Example
Meet Alice, a 35-year-old woman who experienced urinary incontinence after giving birth to her second child. She found it difficult to laugh or exercise without leaking, and she was anxious about leaving the house for fear of having an accident. After discussing her concerns with her doctor, Alice was referred to a pelvic physical therapist.
During her initial assessment, it was discovered that Alice's pelvic floor muscles were weak and uncoordinated. Her therapist developed a program involving biofeedback, manual therapy, and pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen and retrain her muscles. After several weeks of consistent therapy, both in-office and at home, Alice's incontinence improved significantly, allowing her to regain her confidence and quality of life.
Now that you know what to expect in a pelvic physical therapy session, don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back from seeking the help you deserve. As with Alice's story, this focused treatment can improve your quality of life and help you regain control over your body. So, why not start the conversation with your healthcare provider today? Be sure to share this post with anyone who could benefit from pelvic floor therapy, and explore our other Pelvic Floor Therapy guides to learn even more.
