Pelvic floor dysfunction is common, although many people do not realize it is an issue. When the pelvic floor does not function as it should, there is a variety of unwanted symptoms, and many of them can interfere with one’s quality of life. If you suspect you have pelvic floor dysfunction, physical therapy in Palm Desert may be effective.
What is a Lower Pelvic Floor
The lower pelvic floor is made up of muscles and ligaments that help support the pelvic organs, such as the:
- Bladder
- Uterus
- Rectum
- Prostate
When the pelvic floor muscles and soft tissues are working together as they should, you are able to contract and relax normally to perform certain bodily functions, such as peeing and going poop. If there is a lack of coordination, or the muscles are contracted and are unable to relax, this leads to problems in the lower area. Common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Constipation
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Pain in the lower back or pelvis
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Painful urination
Pelvic floor dysfunction is common for women who have gone through childbirth. Other causes of this condition include obesity, trauma to the pelvis, aging, and pelvic surgery. Physical therapy in Vista is effective at treating issues with the pelvic floor.
Unraveling the Solutions: How Physical Therapy Can Address Your Condition
When you schedule physical therapy in Murrieta, there is a variety of methods your physical therapist may use to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. During your initial visit, your therapist will perform an exam to see what is causing your symptoms. Based on what he or she finds, you will receive a treatment plan for the most effective results.
Manual and Trigger Point Therapy
One of the methods used will probably be manual therapy. This consists of the physical therapist using the hands to relax the muscles of the pelvic floor. This may also include relieving trigger points that contribute to contraction and result in pain.
Biofeedback
Your physical therapist may also use biofeedback to help improve your ability to voluntarily contract and relax the muscles. This consists of using a sensor pressure probe to increase your awareness of movement in the pelvic floor.
Electrical Stimulation
If your symptoms are due to the fact that your pelvic floor muscles are not activating properly, your therapist may use electrical stimulation. It also helps to relieve muscle spasms and pain.
Exercises
Another part of your physical therapy sessions is pelvic floor exercises. Depending on your situation, your therapist may give you exercises that contract or relax the muscles or those that help increase their coordination. Kegels are one example of pelvic floor exercises, but there are many others that improve the muscles of that area as well as improve your core muscles.
Your physical therapist will demonstrate these exercises during your sessions. However, you will be expected to perform them on your own at home every day. To get the best results from PT, it is important to do them as recommended by your therapist.