Pelvic Floor Therapy: All You Need To Know

Pelvic floor therapy is a form of physical therapy that focuses on the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles surround the anus, vagina, and urethra to support these organs and control the release of urine. Physical therapy strengthens these weakened muscles through exercises and can be used alongside medicine or surgery to successfully manage incontinence. Pelvic floor therapy is recommended for those who have recently given birth, as the muscles surrounding the bladder and urethra are often weakened after pregnancy. These individuals can benefit from pelvic floor exercises, strengthening these muscles and improving control of their bladder. You can consult with a gynecologist specializing in pelvic floor therapy in to determine if you are a candidate.

Conditions You Can Treat Using Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor therapy is most commonly recommended for urinary incontinence or the uncontrollable release of urine. These treatments are most effective for women who have just given birth. Still, they can also benefit men who suffer from prostate-related issues that cause an inability to control urination.

Additionally, pelvic floor therapy can help manage bowel incontinence. This treatment reduces the likelihood of bowel leakage, which is often associated with cancer treatments, pregnancy, trauma to the rectum or anus, and inflammatory bowel disease. Your gynecologist can recommend whether this treatment is proper for you if you have incontinence issues.

Pelvic floor therapy is also undergoing testing to treat sexual dysfunction in both men and women. You can discuss whether you are a candidate for this treatment with your gynecologist or urologist.

How Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Performed?

Typically, pelvic floor therapy is performed by specifically trained therapists in this area. However, some gynecologists and urologists can also offer treatments, especially for women with urinary issues after giving birth. Therapists may use massage to try and locate tight muscles causing problems in specific organs or muscle groups, which they then work to loosen up.

Therapists will also provide pelvic floor exercises that you can practice at home to strengthen your muscles over time. These exercises are usually performed with the aid of biofeedback, which lets you know when you are performing the exercise correctly so that it is most effective.

Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Safe?

Pelvic floor therapy has been proven safe for those who undergo this treatment, as there is minimal risk involved. However, it is crucial to understand that you should always consult your physician before undergoing any type of therapy to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of a therapy session.

What Are Some of the Benefits?

Pelvic floor therapy is very effective, as it can improve incontinence issues within three to six months of treatment. However, these results are only temporary if your condition isn’t addressed correctly. It can also help with sexual dysfunction, though this is currently being researched on an ongoing basis.

It’s also important to note that pelvic floor therapy can be used alongside other types of treatment to maximize benefits and reduce the need for surgical intervention.

In summary, pelvic floor therapy is an effective treatment to correct pelvic health problems caused by weak muscles. This may be done for urinary or bowel control or to help with sexual dysfunction. You should always consult with your doctor before undergoing this type of treatment to determine if you are a candidate and what other therapies you may need alongside it.