If you are experiencing symptoms such as frequent incontinence or constipation, you may have pelvic floor problems. There is a group of muscles that form the floor of the pelvis, and these muscles provide stabilization and a foundation for the major pelvic muscles, which include the rectum, bladder, prostate, and uterus. When pelvic floor muscles become weak or uncoordinated, it causes a variety of issues. If you suspect you have pelvic floor dysfunction, you should look for physical therapy near me.
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Signs You are Having Pelvic Floor Issues
Dysfunction of the pelvic floor occurs commonly in women, because pregnancy and childbirth affect the muscles of the pelvic floor. However, other things are factors in pelvic floor dysfunction as well. These include trauma (such as a car accident) to the pelvic area, pelvic surgery, overuse of the pelvic muscles, obesity, and advancing age.
Signs and symptoms that accompany pelvic floor issues include:
- Loss of bladder control
- Difficulty getting out a bowel movement
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain while urinating
- Pelvic or low back pain with no other explanation
- The need to urinate frequently
- Additional signs for men may include prostatitis-like symptoms and erectile dysfunction.
How To Find The Right PT For You
Not all physical therapists do pelvic floor physical therapy, so your first mission is to find one that has the experience and training. Because pelvic floor treatments can sometimes be personal, you also should find a physical therapist that you feel comfortable around. You should feel confident in sharing your symptoms and also trust the therapist you work with. Do not be afraid to meet a number of physical therapists before choosing one, and if you do not like who you are currently working with, it is ok to switch to another one.
Treatment Methods For Pelvic Floor Problems
Once you find physical therapy in Louisville, KY, your therapist will determine the best treatment plan. Everyone's specific issues and severity vary, so each plan is customized. A common treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction is biofeedback. This treatment uses visual or auditory stimuli to enable you to voluntarily control your nerves and muscles. This method is often the foundation for most treatment plans.
Trigger point therapy may also be used. Trigger points are knots in tight muscles. Not only do the knots themselves hurt, but they also refer pain to other areas. Trigger point therapy uses massage to release these knots, which then relaxes the muscles and relieves the associated pain.
Your physical therapist may recommend internal treatment. This consists of working directly on the muscles that make up the pelvic floor. It may include trigger point therapy, stretching, or other therapeutic method.
Once the muscles begin to relax, the therapist will work with you to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and abdominals, as they coordinate together. You will be given a series of exercises to strengthen and balance specific muscles to improve pelvic function. You may do these exercises with your PT, or you may be given instructions to do them at home on a daily basis.
