Pelvic floor dysfunction affects men and women of all ages and backgrounds, and is defined by the inability to control the muscles of your pelvic floor. This painful condition has been linked to events that weaken the pelvic muscles or tear connective tissue.
If you’ve recently given birth, undergone surgery in your pelvic region, suffered nerve damage, or sustained a traumatic injury to that area, you may have developed pelvic floor dysfunction. This condition can make it difficult for you to go to the bathroom as you normally would, sit down comfortably, or even walk.
What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Most of us never think about our pelvic floor until there is a problem. Worst yet, most of us do not know who to turn to when the problem occurs. The pelvic floor is comprised of a sling of muscles and physical therapists are experts in muscle training. Moreover, all of our physical therapists are trained in pelvic rehab physical therapy!
Pelvic floor dysfunction generally falls into 2 categories: overactive pelvic floor and underactive pelvic floor.
Physical Therapy treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction works to normalize muscle tone and pelvic organ function. This may include strengthening activities, stretching, relaxation training, coordination training, manual techniques, and posture training. Many times, pelvic floor rehab can improve outcomes of surgery and may even reduce the need for surgery and/or medication entirely.
Overactive Pelvic Floor Symptoms
Overactive pelvic floor may be reported with any of the following
symptoms and physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms:
- Painful intercourse
- Vulvar pain
- Painful urination
- Functional constipation
- Difficulty passing gas
Medical diagnosis for overactive pelvic floor include:
- Vulvodynia
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Endometriosis
- Vaginismus
- Chronic Prostatitis
- Levator Ani Syndrome
- Coccyx Pain
- Vestibulitis
Underactive Pelvic Floor Symptoms and Diagnoses
Underactive pelvic floor may be reported with any of the following symptoms, and physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms:
- Pressure in the pelvic floor
- Urinary leakage
- Frequent urination
- Fecal incontinence
- Urinary urgency
Medical diagnosis for overactive pelvic floor include:
- Urinary incontinence
- Fecal Incontinence
- Urinary Frequency
- Urinary Urgency
- Cystocele
- Rectocele
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
If you’re experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it’s time to see a professional about your problem. It’s important to get your pain under control as early as possible so that future problems aren’t created. Physical therapy at Beyond Therapy & Wellness in Bedford, TX can help!
How Can a Pelvic Floor Specialist Help?
When you arrive at our Bedford, TX office, one of our pelvic physical therapists will evaluate your medical history and ask you a series of questions regarding your pelvic pain symptoms. They will also perform a thorough evaluation that includes watching you walk, squat, bend over, and breathe, all to observe for any mobility deficits, muscle imbalances, or postural dysfunction.
Strength, endurance, flexibility, and motor control of the pelvic floor muscles will also be evaluated to help in determining the best route for your treatment plan. Some commonly used treatment methods for pelvic floor dysfunction are as follows:
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is not painful, and helps over 75% of people with pelvic floor dysfunction. Your physical therapist may use this technique to monitor your muscles as they relax and contract.
Relaxation techniques
Meditation, yoga, heating packs, or warm baths may be recommended for your rehabilitation.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
During your examination, your Beyond Therapy & Wellness therapist will determine which muscles in your lower back, pelvis and pelvic floor are too tight. They’ll be able to teach you exercises to stretch these muscles to improve their coordination.
Contact Beyond Therapy & Wellness in Bedford Today
Pelvic floor dysfunction is difficult to handle alone. Rehabilitation can change your life! Here at Beyond Therapy & Wellness , we make it our number one priority to provide our patients with pain relief. If you are suffering from pelvic pain, don’t wait any longer to contact our Bedford, TX physical therapy office.
We’ll help relieve your pelvic pain condition so you can get back to living your life without discomfort.