Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to address issues and disorders related to the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues located in the lower abdomen and pelvis. These muscles are responsible for supporting the organs in the pelvic area, such as the bladder, bowel, and sex organs, as well as as assisting with continence, sexual response, posture and even balance. Everyone has a pelvic floor, female and male bodied alike.
When the pelvic floor muscles become weak, tight, or imbalanced, it can lead to a variety of conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Sometimes these imbalances are the result of a trauma such as childbirth, are due to normal aging, or a response to stress. Pelvic floor physical therapy helps to improve the mobility, strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles so that these conditions can be treated or prevented.
In pelvic floor physical therapy, a trained physical therapist assesses the pelvic floor muscles and the surrounding structures. They then design a personalized treatment plan to address the muscles and their function. This often includes things like manual therapy, awareness exercises, exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles, movements to improve flexibility, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a beneficial treatment for many people suffering from conditions related to the pelvic floor. It can help to improve muscle strength, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve urinary and bowel function. It can also help to improve sexual function and overall quality of life. If you are suffering from pelvic floor related issues, make sure to talk to your doctor about pelvic floor physical therapy as a potential treatment option.