Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialty field of orthopedic physical therapy that focuses on restoring and improving optimal function and strength of the muscles and structures involved with peeing, pooping, digestion, sexual function, pregnancy and postpartum.
A pelvic floor physical therapist will assess pelvic floor muscle strength and weakness, diagnose knots and tension in tight or painful muscles, screen for nerve involvement, and make sure the pelvic floor works in coordination with the other core muscles, low back and hips. Manual, hands on techniques in combination with strength training, stretching and breathing exercises are often used to address different types of pelvic floor dysfunction.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is made up of a network of muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves. Together they create a sling-like structure or hammock, which forms the base of your pelvis and core. The pelvic floor has 4 main functions essential to everyday life:
Sphincteric: the muscles that allow us "hold it" on the way to the bathroom are called sphincters, we consciously relax these muscles when we use the restroom. If these muscles are not functioning correctly you may experience incontinence, frequent urination or difficulty initiating a stream, to name a few.
Supportive: The pelvic floor supports our internal organs such as the bladder, rectum, vagina, uterus and prostate. If the pelvic floor is weak or tight you may experience pain and/or dysfunction. Prolapse is a common symptom of the pelvic floor not providing enough support and indicates weakness.
Stability: The pelvic floor helps with overall stability, balance and coordination. The pelvic floor is part of your core and works closely with the abdominal muscles, low back and hips. Pelvic floor dysfunction can sometimes manifest as an orthopedic problem such as low back or hip pain.
Sexual: Last but not least the pelvic floor plays an essential role in sexual function and pleasure in women and men. When the pelvic floor is not functioning optimally you may experience painful sex or even an inability to participate in intercourse. Pelvic floor physical therapists have specific training to treat sexual dysfunction issues related to problems with muscles, ligaments and nerves.
Common conditions which Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can help:
Pelvic pain conditions such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vaginismus, pudendal neuralgia
Incontinence, urgency, frequency and constipation
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Tailbone pain
Low back or hip pain
Issues related to pregnancy and postpartum
Diastasis Recti
At Rooted Wellness Physical Therapy we take a whole body approach in treating the pelvic floor. We think of the pelvis as the main intersection of the body - all roads lead here. Treating the pelvic floor in isolation often will not completely resolve symptoms, that is why we focus our assessment and treatments on internal and external structures that may be contributing to your problem in order to get the whole picture and provide relief that lasts.
Still have questions? Feel free to leave a comment or message us directly!
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