PELVIC HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY

Pelvic health physical therapy, also known as pelvic floor physical therapy or pelvic rehabilitation therapy, is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions and disorders related to the pelvic region. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum) and play a crucial role in bowel, bladder, and sexual function.

Pelvic health physical therapists are trained to evaluate and address a wide range of conditions affecting the pelvic floor, including:

Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain can arise from various sources, including musculoskeletal dysfunction, nerve irritation, inflammation, or pelvic organ pathology. Pelvic health physical therapists assess the contributing factors to pelvic pain and develop individualized treatment plans to alleviate symptoms and improve function.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to abnormalities in the coordination, strength, or relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. This can manifest as pelvic floor muscle tension, weakness, or spasm, leading to symptoms such as urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary urgency or frequency, and dyspareunia (painful intercourse).

Pregnancy and Postpartum Conditions: Pelvic health physical therapy is beneficial for women during pregnancy and after childbirth to address common musculoskeletal issues such as low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles), and pelvic floor dysfunction. Therapists provide education, exercises, and manual techniques to support pelvic health throughout the perinatal period.

Men's Health Conditions: Pelvic health physical therapy is not exclusive to women; it also addresses pelvic floor issues in men, such as pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, post-prostatectomy incontinence, and chronic prostatitis. Treatment may involve pelvic floor muscle training, manual therapy, and biofeedback techniques.

Bowel Dysfunction: Pelvic health physical therapy can help individuals manage bowel dysfunction, including fecal incontinence, constipation, and pelvic floor dyssynergia (impaired coordination of pelvic floor muscles during defecation). Therapists may incorporate bowel retraining techniques, dietary modifications, and pelvic floor exercises to improve bowel function.

Sexual Dysfunction: Pelvic health physical therapists address sexual dysfunction related to pelvic floor dysfunction or pain disorders, such as vaginismus, dyspareunia, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory disorders. Treatment focuses on addressing underlying musculoskeletal and neuromuscular factors contributing to sexual dysfunction and improving sexual function and satisfaction.