Good pelvic health is vital for women, but it can also be unclear what good pelvic health really means. To medical pros, like physical therapists, good pelvic health means that your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs are functioning and are being managed in the best possible way. However, issues such as pelvic floor disorder can lead to poorer pelvic health in many women.
What Is Pelvic Floor Disorder?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that help control and support your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. Problems with the pelvic floor are categorized as pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Research estimates that about 1 in every 3 women will experience a PFD at some point in their lifetime. Pelvic floor disorder is most often the result of the following:
- Weakened muscles in the pelvis.
- Tears in the connective tissue of the pelvis.
These factors that contribute to pelvic floor disorder are usually caused by pregnancy, being overweight, genetics and even menopause. The effects of PFD are generally significant to those with the disorder and can interrupt daily activities. Most people with PFD experience urinary or bowel control issues, pelvic organ prolapse, lower back pain, and pain during sex.
Can Physical Therapy Treat Pelvic Floor Disorder?
Many women consider pelvic floor disorder symptoms to be a part of life and don’t receive treatment for it. However, physical therapy can treat these symptoms by building strength in the pelvic floor so that you don’t have to experience those symptoms any longer. Pelvic floor disorder often develops because of significant life events like pregnancy and menopause, but it doesn’t have to remain part of your life. You can find the relief you’re looking for at a physical therapy clinic like REPAIR SI.
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Women
Pelvic floor therapy is often used for women with pelvic floor disorder from pregnancy or menopause. However, we see patients who have pelvic floor disorder for a number of reasons and ultimately help them work toward improved pelvic function. Our goal is to help you meet goals like:
- Reducing fecal & urinary incontinence.
- Increasing pelvic floor muscle strength.
- Reducing pain caused by a PFD.
- Decreasing recovery times after pregnancy.
What to Expect During Physical Therapy for Women’s Pelvic Health
During physical therapy sessions for women’s pelvic health, you can expect to describe your symptoms and current physical state to your therapist. They’ll use your description to determine the root cause of your pelvic floor disorder. From there, they’ll create a treatment plan based on your diagnosis so that you can build strength in your pelvis throughout several sessions. The goal of pelvic health physical therapy is improved pelvic muscle strength, reduced pain and better pelvic organ function.