If you’re dealing with pelvic pain and other related issues, it’s possible that your solution goes much deeper than just medication. You may be a good candidate for pelvic floor therapy. In this article, we’re going to cover what pelvic floor therapy is, how it’s beneficial, and some other essential factors that play into improving your pelvic health.
What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Every person has a pelvic floor. This is a term used for the group of muscles that support the urinary and reproductive tracts. These muscles also help control your bowels and bladder.
For women, the pelvic floor is responsible for keeping the bladder in place in front and the rectum and vagina in the back. Various issues can cause pelvic floor dysfunction, which is where the muscles can’t relax or work the way they should.
“Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized kind of physical therapy to relieve the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and help the muscles work the way they should,” WebMD explains. “This includes several exercises that help your pelvic muscles relax and get stronger.”
Pelvic floor therapy is designed to treat the underlying issues that cause pelvic floor dysfunction, unlike medication, which only addresses the symptoms. And if you have the right pelvic floor therapist, it’s the best option.
The Biggest Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy is useful for a number of different situations and issues. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
1. Improves Urinary and Bowel Control
One of the most common reasons people seek pelvic floor therapy is to regain control over their bladder and bowels. Conditions like urinary incontinence, which causes involuntary leaking of urine, and fecal incontinence, where bowel control is compromised, are often tied to weak or dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor therapy strengthens these muscles, helping you regain control. During therapy, you’ll learn exercises, such as Kegels, that target the pelvic muscles responsible for supporting your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. As your muscles become stronger, you’ll notice fewer incidents of leaking or accidents. For some, pelvic floor therapy can eliminate these problems altogether, making it possible to live without the constant worry of incontinence.
Beyond exercises, therapists may also use biofeedback or manual techniques to further enhance muscle function. With time, you’ll build the strength and awareness to control these bodily functions more effectively.
2. Alleviates Discomfort from Incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues in the pelvic area can no longer support one or more organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum. This condition can cause pressure, discomfort, and a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area. It’s a common issue, especially among women who have given birth or are going through menopause.
Pelvic floor therapy can be incredibly beneficial for those dealing with prolapse. Through targeted exercises and techniques, therapy helps strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic organs, reducing symptoms and preventing further prolapse. While severe cases of prolapse may require surgery, pelvic floor therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment to manage and improve symptoms.
It’s also worth noting that pelvic floor therapy can address issues that many general practitioners misdiagnose as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
“Although patients may suffer from recurrent UTIs, what we have found is that tension around the urethra demonstrates similar symptoms to UTIs,” Woerner Physical Therapy explains. “That means something like pelvic floor dysfunction can initially be overlooked as the primary diagnosis – leading to months or years of not being treated for the underlying issue.”
For people dealing with what they think are recurrent UTIs, pelvic floor therapy can provide relief from this discomfort and help solve some of the underlying issues that are leading to this misdiagnosis.
3. Enhances Sexual Health
Pelvic floor therapy can also have a significant impact on your sexual health. For both men and women, strong pelvic floor muscles are essential for sexual function and pleasure. Weak or tight pelvic floor muscles can lead to issues like painful intercourse, erectile dysfunction, or difficulty reaching orgasm.
By working with a pelvic floor therapist, you can improve muscle tone, increase blood flow to the pelvic region, and reduce tension that may be causing discomfort during sex. For women, pelvic floor therapy can help with conditions like vaginismus (involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles) or dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Men can benefit from improved control over ejaculation and reduced pain associated with conditions like prostatitis.
4. Supports Postpartum Recovery
Pregnancy and childbirth put a lot of strain on the pelvic floor muscles, often leading to weakness, tearing, or injury. After giving birth, many women experience urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or difficulty with bowel movements due to weakened muscles. While these issues are common, they aren’t something you have to live with forever.
Pelvic floor therapy is an excellent way to speed up postpartum recovery. A pelvic floor therapist can assess the condition of your muscles and tissues and develop a personalized plan to help you regain strength and function. The therapy can also address any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing, whether from tearing during delivery or from conditions like pelvic girdle pain.
5. Prevents Future Issues
As we age, the muscles in our body naturally weaken, and the pelvic floor muscles are no exception. This weakening can lead to issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction, especially for women undergoing menopause. The hormonal changes during menopause can cause a reduction in muscle tone and elasticity, making these issues even more likely.
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about treating current symptoms – it’s also an excellent preventative measure. By strengthening your pelvic floor muscles before issues arise, you can maintain better control over your bladder and bowel movements, reduce the risk of prolapse, and continue enjoying a healthy sex life well into your later years.
6. Alleviates Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can be a result of various conditions, from endometriosis and interstitial cystitis to chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This pain can be debilitating, affecting your daily life, sexual health, and emotional well-being. Pelvic floor dysfunction is often at the root of these issues, whether the muscles are too tight, too weak, or simply not functioning as they should.
Pelvic floor therapy helps alleviate pelvic pain by targeting the muscles, nerves, and tissues contributing to the discomfort. Therapists use techniques like stretches and relaxation exercises to release tension in the muscles and improve blood flow to the area. Over time, these techniques can reduce pain and improve your overall pelvic health.
In addition, pelvic floor therapy teaches you how to engage and relax your pelvic muscles correctly, which can help prevent pain from recurring. For those suffering from chronic pelvic pain, this therapy can be life-changing.
Do You Need Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy shouldn’t be seen as a last resort option. Instead, it should be one of the first things you consider when experiencing pelvic floor issues. While it does require some time, it’s ultimately the best way to reach a full recovery.
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