- Address problems with bowel or bladder function. Constipation is a common condition that causes people to strain with bowel movements and feel like they cannot completely empty their bowels. A physical therapist can help manage constipation through soft tissue techniques and exercises. Similarly, they can also address urinary incontinence through hands-on care, prescribed exercises, and education.
- Treat pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is when the rectum, bladder, or uterus descends downwards and causes a bulge through the vaginal wall. Therapy can address pelvic organ prolapse by providing long-term relief through pelvic floor muscle exercises. This may include posture improvements and breathing techniques for the lower back and abdominal muscles.
- Manage general pelvic pain. Pelvic pain can be caused by conditions like endometriosis, urinary tract infection, ectopic pregnancy, and appendicitis. Pain in the rectal or genital area can benefit from pelvic floor therapy. A therapist may recommend electrical stimulation, manual therapy, behavioral education, and exercise programs depending on your symptoms. This provides a minimally invasive option for pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Pelvic floor physical therapy puts an emphasis on the lower back and the pelvis as a whole. The goal of pelvic floor therapy is to promote coordination between the pelvic floor muscles. This is often provided in a one-on-one, individualized treatment setting for patients. Treatment plans focus on addressing specific symptoms related to strengthening or lengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
As a provider of physiotherapy services, we will discuss the benefits of receiving pelvic floor therapy: