Physical therapy can help ease pelvic floor dysfunction

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Struggling with problems such as urinary incontinence and pain during sex can be uncomfortable – and not just physically. Many people find it difficult to talk to their healthcare providers about these kinds of symptoms. But such conditions are often treatable, especially if they are related to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Understanding Pelvic Floor

Your pelvic floor is the collection of muscles that form the bottom, or “floor,” of your pelvis and holds up the organs inside your pelvis, including the bladder, bowels, and (in women) uterus. For a variety of reasons, these muscles can begin to weaken, misfire or in some way lose their ability to support these important organs.

Licensed doctors of physical therapy who specialize in pelvic floor health are among the leading clinicians who can help men and women find relief from this often frustrating condition. We specialize in pelvic floor therapy and can speak with authority to help you learn a bit more about it, including who’s at risk, what its primary symptoms are, and how a physical therapist can help.

It’s been estimated that nearly 30% of women ages 40-59 suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction. The prevalence increases to nearly 40% of women 60-79, and nearly half of women 80 and older.

You are more likely to experience pelvic floor dysfunction if you have a family history of it. Or if you have other known risk factors, including:

  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • History of surgery or trauma to the pelvic area
  • Advancing age
  • Improper pelvic floor activation (Due to pushing too hard while going to the bathroom, inefficient breathing patterns, or poor posture)

Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just affect women. Every year, millions of men experience symptoms as well. We treat men and women alike in our clinic.

Signs of Dysfunction

Chief signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include:

  • Constipation or frequently needing to strain while defecating
  • Painful and/or frequent urination – you might also feel as if you have a hard time fully emptying your bladder
  • Urinary or bowel incontinence
  • Lower back or pelvis pain
  • Digestive issues such as irritable bowel symptoms

Men with pelvic floor dysfunction might also notice erectile dysfunction, whereas women can experience pain during sex.

The signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction also can occur due to other health conditions. Therefore, to know if your issues are related to your pelvic floor musculature you should meet with a professional. Diagnosis is made based on your history, as well as select tests and measures.

If left untreated, pelvic floor dysfunction may worsen over time or lead to complications. For example, pelvic organ prolapse (in women, this happens when the pelvic organs sink down and protrude into the vagina or rectum due to increased weakness and laxity of the pelvic floor muscles – not unlike what happens if you put a bowling ball on an old trampoline). For these reasons, it’s important to seek professional help if you or a loved one notices any of the above problems.

Can Physical Therapy Help You?

A physical therapist is one of many healthcare providers involved in the assessment, treatment, and management of pelvic floor dysfunction. In addition to referring you out to other specialists who may need to be involved in your care, PTs trained in pelvic floor examination and treatment can:

• Provide manual techniques that help improve posture, reduce any underlying scar tissue or mobility restrictions and alleviate tension on the pelvic floor.

• Teach therapeutic exercises that can not only alleviate your symptoms but also help regain the strength, endurance, motor control, and alignment of the pelvic floor muscles.

If you’re concerned about pelvic floor health and function, don’t let any frustration or embarrassment prevent you from seeking the care you deserve. You don’t have to suffer in silence.

Download our FREE GUIDE: Everything You Need To Know About Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – 29 Frequently Asked Questions or call or text (650) 947-8500

2021 Pelvic Floor PT Guide new

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kim gladfelter physiofit 1ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Gladfelter, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Women's Health Physical Therapy Specialist at PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness

Kim Gladfelter is a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, educator, author, and co-founder of PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness. She is known as a keen, well-rounded expert of healing through movement and women’s health specialist in the Silicon Valley area.

Kim has helped men and women of all ages to stay active and feel their best. She also writes about managing pain in her health columns, blogs and the local Los Altos Town Crier newspaper as well as reaches out to the local community, support groups, schools, libraries, and sports centers to advise and educate on body awareness and therapeutic exercise.

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