Pelvic floor dysfunctions can be caused by trauma, child birth, aging, stress, or even poor body mechanics, but these problems can have a significant negative effect on one’s quality of life. Some of the most common pelvic floor dysfunctions that can be improved with physical therapy include:
Pain
Similar to other regions of the body, pain in the pelvis or perineum can be a dysfunction of the pelvic floor and a common reason for seeking pelvic floor physical therapy. Because of the many muscles confined to the small area, tight muscles or trigger points are common. This pain can be constant or only with certain activities like going to the bathroom, engaging in sexual activities, running, walking, jumping, squatting, etc. Pelvic floor therapy can help to resolve this pain through manual techniques, relaxation and behavioral re-training, neuromuscular training, and exercise.
Incontinence
Leaking of urine or fecal matter is another common pelvic dysfunction that can be improved with physical therapy treatment. There are many types of incontinence that can be caused by a range of dysfunctions within the pelvic floor. The most common are urge incontinence – feeling a sudden intense urge to pee and not being able to get to the toilet in time – and stress incontinence – leaking small to large amounts of urine with increased effort or abdominal pressure such as laughing, jumping, or coughing. Stress incontinence is especially common in women after giving birth, and because this is so common many women believe it is normal or even inevitable. Luckily, this is NOT the case and pelvic floor physical therapy interventions are effective in treating both of these types of incontinence.
Pelvic Pressure or Prolapse
Pressure in the pelvic floor is a common symptom of pelvic organ prolapse, or a descending of one or more of the pelvic organs through the pelvic floor. This is typically caused by a lack of support by the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, which could happen over time or with trauma including child birth. Prolapse or pressure can be worsened by the inability to transfer load effectively through the body and to control intra-abdominal pressures. Pelvic floor therapy can help to strengthen the support of the pelvic floor to decrease prolapse symptoms and has been shown in research to reduce pelvic organ prolapse.
Instability
Because the pelvic floor is the inferior part of the “core” muscles, weakness or lack of effective firing can cause feelings of instability around the low back and pelvis. This can be especially apparent during movement or transferring load through the body with pain, shifting, or inability to maintain balance and control throughout a task. Pelvic floor therapy can help to improve strength and coordination of the core muscles to allow for greater control and ease with activity without the feelings of instability.
These pelvic floor dysfunctions and more are common in women, especially during pregnancy, post-partum, menopause, and with aging due to the hormonal shifts and body changes. Remember just because they are common does not mean you have to live with these dysfunctions or limit your life because or pain, incontinence, or instability. Contact Life Changes Physical Therapy today to schedule your evaluation where we will treat you in the comfort and privacy of your own home to get you back to living your best life!