What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Have you ever heard of pelvic floor physical therapy and wondered what it is? If so, this is the guide you've been looking for! Pelvic Floor Therapy is a treatment approach specifically designed to address pelvic floor dysfunctions. In this comprehensive guide, we dive into what pelvic floor physical therapy entails and why it's essential for women, men, and children alike.

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that extend from the pubic bone to the tailbone (coccyx) and from one sit bone (ischial tuberosity) to the other. These muscles play a critical role in supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum), maintaining continence, allowing for proper bladder and bowel emptying, and contributing to sexual functioning.

Disorders of the pelvic floor can occur in both men and women, plaguing them with a range of distressing symptoms. These include urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunctions, constipation, pain during urination, and chronic pelvic pain.

What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating various conditions related to the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor therapists are trained to address these problems using various techniques, including manual therapy, biofeedback, functional training, and guidance on proper pelvic floor exercises.

Key Components of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

1. Assessment & Diagnosis

Before the therapy begins, the pelvic floor physical therapist conducts an in-depth evaluation of the patient's medical history, followed by a physical examination. This detailed assessment helps the therapist identify the specific pelvic floor disorders and determine the root cause. An individualized treatment plan is then developed to address the unique needs of the patient.

2. Manual Therapy

One vital aspect of pelvic floor physical therapy is hands-on techniques that the therapist uses to soften, stretch, and release tight muscles of the pelvic floor. Myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and connective tissue mobilization are a few examples of manual therapy techniques tailored for specific pelvic floor muscles.

3. Biofeedback

In some cases, biofeedback is utilized to help patients build awareness and control over their pelvic floor muscles. During biofeedback, the therapist uses sensors to measure muscle activity, and the patient can see the feedback on a screen in real-time. This information helps the patient improve muscle control and coordination for their specific needs.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Example

A good example of someone who could benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy is a woman who experiences urinary incontinence after childbirth. During the pregnancy and delivery, her pelvic floor muscles may become weakened or damaged. As a result, she could experience involuntary leakage of urine while coughing, sneezing, or exercising.

After appropriate assessment, the pelvic floor physical therapist designs a tailored treatment plan, which may include targeted strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and biofeedback training, to help regain control over her pelvic floor muscles and resolve the incontinence issue.

Now that you know what pelvic floor physical therapy is and how it can help with a wide range of conditions, don't hesitate to share this post to spread awareness on this often misunderstood and underutilized treatment. If you have any questions or want to learn more about improving your own pelvic floor health, explore our other guides on Pelvic Floor Therapy today.