Pelvic Health

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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Your pelvic floor consists of muscles and other tissues that act as a sling attaching from the pubic bone to the tailbone. It acts to support your pelvic organs and helps control bowel and bladder function, as well as sexual satisfaction. Pelvic floor disorders include problems that occur when pelvic muscles are weak or tight, or when there is an impairment in the lower back, abdominal cavity, pelvis, or hips. Sometimes, these weaknesses are associated with landmark events in a woman’s life, such as childbirth, menopause, or surgery, but men can experience pelvic floor disorders, as well.

Some common problems that can occur include incontinence, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti, and constipation. Pelvic floor physical therapy incorporates exercises, as well as biofeedback and manual therapy techniques, to improve pelvic floor function.

Pelvic Floor Tension/Pain

Pelvic pain, felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or perineum, has many possible causes and affects both women and men. Symptoms are wide-ranging but can include immobility, inability to sit for long periods, pain during sexual activity , urinary frequency or incontinence, numbness, constipation, and imbalance. Physical therapy will help relieve symptoms while addressing the deeper cause of your discomfort—whatever that may be.

Male Pelvic Dysfunction – Men can experience bladder and bowel dysfunction due to tight or weak muscles, nerve impingements, post-surgical repairs, and fascial restrictions. Physical therapy can help treat pudendal neuralgia, erectile dysfunction, male pelvic pain syndrome, ano-rectal pain, and chronic prostatitis.

Women’s Health

From the first menstrual cycle to childbirth, midlife transitions, and beyond, women are faced with evolving health care needs. Through our Women’s Health Rehabilitation services, we address these changes in ways that enhance your physical well-being.

Pregnancy + Post-Partum Pain – Physical therapy can help women who suffer from pregnancy-induced conditions, such as neck, back, or pelvic pain, incontinence, abdominal weakness, and diastasis recti. Physical therapy provides education on proper body mechanics and therapeutic exercises to reduce pain and minimize discomfort during and after pregnancy. Manual techniques like soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and stretching are also utilized to help resolve pain.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of your pelvic organs fall into or out of your vaginal canal. It can feel like back pain, heaviness, or pressure in your lower abdomen, vaginal, or rectal area. Physical therapy can help reduce the degree of prolapse and help with managing your symptoms by incorporating exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques to help you return to normal activity.

Post-Operative Care

When healing from any surgery in the pelvic region, physical therapy can help ensure healthy recovery and a faster, safer return to normal activity. We have treatments and modalities for those recovering from hysterectomy, hernia repair, prostatectomy, or cesarean section, in addition to other less-common procedures.

Incontinence

Any undesired leakage of urine is considered urinary incontinence. More than 13 million people in the United States have urinary incontinence, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. There are a variety of causes and symptoms associated with this condition. Physical therapy can help you gain control over your symptoms and reduce the need for special pads or underwear. Exercises typically focus on improving pelvic floor function.

Constipation

Constipation is the most coming gastrointestinal complaint. Constipation can occur from tight pelvic floor muscles. Physical therapy can help with adhesions, proper nutrition, and muscle function to aid in treating constipation.

Sexual Pain

Weakness of pelvic floor muscles, decreased blood flow, and joint dysfunction can be contributing factors to painful intercourse. Physical therapy can treat this pain through muscle re-education, joint and soft tissue mobilizations, improving blood flow, and therapeutic exercises.

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