Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a treatment to help address pain, weakness, and dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. The type of therapy prescribed will depend upon the symptoms you’re experiencing. For example, some symptoms will require relaxing and lengthening of the muscles, while others may require strengthening the muscles.
This treatment can be used to treat pelvic floor dysfunction and the symptoms so often associated with it. Some symptoms that can be improved with pelvic floor physical therapy are:
- Urinary incontinence
- Pregnancy and postpartum pelvic conditions
- Diastasis recti
- Pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Techniques
When you start working with a physical therapist to address pelvic floor functioning, there are some things you can expect. At your first appointment, your therapist will likely do an assessment before deciding which types of therapy will be most effective. That assessment may include an evaluation of both external and internal muscles. You may be asked to stand, walk, and sit so the therapist can see whether you may have posture or joint issues that could be affecting the pelvic floor muscles.
Hands-on Physical Therapy
Most physical therapy to treat pelvic floor dysfunction and pain is hands on, which includes both internal and external therapy.
External physical therapy techniques include:
- Nerve release
- Trigger point therapy
- Myofascial release, also called deep tissue massage
- Joint mobilization
Some intervention may require tools like:
- Electrical stimulator
- Biofeedback
- Ultrasound
It’s important that you find a physical therapist who has knowledge and expertise in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. It’s okay to ask questions before starting therapy – in fact, it’s encouraged. You want to make sure they are experienced with treating pelvic floor dysfunction. At Medcessity, we are.