How Can Physical Therapy Benefit My Pelvic Floor Health?
If you are suffering from occasional or chronic pelvic pain, bowel or bladder issues, physical therapy can help! These symptoms can occur in both men and women and may be the result of nerve conditions, pelvic disorders, or bladder and bowel disorders. A certain pelvic therapy known as ‘pelvic floor rehabilitation’ can help reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms you are experiencing. Typical patients who would be strong candidates for our pelvic floor rehabilitation treatments include:
- Postpartum / Post Delivery
- Postmenopausal
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Bladder issues / urinary or fecal incontinence
- Bowel issues such as constipation
- Hip and pelvic pain
Why am I experiencing pelvic pain and other uncomfortable symptoms?
The pelvic area is a complex and important part of the body that serves several functions. Pelvic pain and bowel and bladder issues can occur at different points during your menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, after giving birth, after surgery, after exercise, after a fall or other injury, or as a result of an underlying condition, such as endometriosis. Some of the most common pelvic conditions that our physical therapists treat include:
Pelvic pain
Pelvic floor rehabilitation with a physical therapist helps in reducing pain, in addition to strengthening any damaged muscles or tissues. This pain can be caused by many underlying musculoskeletal dysfunctions, which a specially trained physical therapist can pinpoint after the examination. After giving birth, it is common for one to experience strained muscles and/or connective tissue damage on the pelvic floor. This is a common reason many people seek the help of a pelvic floor physical therapist as well.
Pain following abdominal surgery
If you are recovering from a recent surgical procedure, pelvic floor rehabilitation can help in breaking up scar tissue, improving strength, and regaining range of motion in your abdomen/pelvic region.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the pelvic region. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can help reduce the pain and bloating that you may be experiencing with endometriosis, in addition to strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
Bladder complaints | urinary frequency or leakage
A physical therapist can help determine the root of your problem with urinary incontinence, rather than simply treating the symptoms. Pelvic floor rehabilitation will focus on strengthening the muscles under your bladder in order to treat and eliminate incontinence issues.
Constipation
Pelvic floor rehabilitation can loosen and relax the muscles in your pelvic and anal areas, which can help relieve and eliminate constipation.
While these are just a few of the most common conditions of pelvic dysfunction that can be treated with physical therapy, there are a number of additional pelvic conditions that PT treatments can relieve. For example, painful intercourse and infertility problems may also be improved with pelvic therapy. Some less common conditions that can be treated also include pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia, and diastasis recti. Contact Optimum Physio Therapies in San Antonio, TX today to find out more.
What Can I Expect From Pelvic Floor Therapy?
This specific form of physical therapy works on strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the pelvic floor. When muscles in the pelvic area become tight or weak, your daily life can be greatly affected, as this region helps in supporting the core of your body and is an integral part of everyday movement.
One of our dedicated physical therapists will evaluate your medical history and provide an external musculoskeletal examination to determine what specific type of treatment you’ll need. This may include proactive and/or preventative treatments. For example, pelvic floor rehabilitation can help prepare a woman for childbirth by ensuring an easier delivery and possibly preventing the need for a C-section. Some common techniques used during pelvic floor rehabilitation include:
Postural exercises
These exercises are aimed at improving posture and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles that affect posture. These exercises are typically done with large therapy or medicine balls.
Myofascial exercises
These exercises will target the pelvic floor muscles and connecting fascia. This treatment may include light exercise, in addition to stretches and massage, in order to target painful trigger points and provide relief.
Diaphragmatic breathing
Deep breathing exercises allow your diaphragm to expand and contract, which helps in relaxing muscles in the pelvic area. When the muscles are relaxed, they will drop and lengthen, providing pain relief and allowing for regained function.
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation is a large part of physical therapy. It allows your muscles to ease tension, making it easier for them to be stretched and massaged. Your physical therapist may suggest certain techniques, such as guided imagery or biofeedback, in order to help you relax.
Dry needling
This technique is a safe and effective method of treatment to reduce pain and muscle tension, while simultaneously improving mobility. It has been proven to treat numerous musculoskeletal issues, including acute and chronic injuries, overuse injuries, back pain, sciatica, muscle spasms, muscle strains, hip pain, and more.
Get Started Today!
If you are suffering from pelvic pain, strain or bladder and bowel issues, don’t wait any longer to contact Optimum Physio Therapies in San Antonio, TX. We’ll help correct your pelvic floor problems so you can get back to living your life comfortably!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!