Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a leading treatment option for individuals with concerns about their pelvic floor health and wellness. Pelvic floor dysfunction can include incontinence, constipation, pain with intercourse or when using the bathroom, feelings of urgency and increased frequency of voiding, all of which can be diminished with conservative treatment. Pelvic girdle pain often occurs during pregnancy with symptoms lasting into postpartum and is often not addressed in postpartum care. Learn interventions and strategies to manage your pelvic floor concerns and take back control over your life by seeking physical therapy treatment today!
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is defined as the inability to control the bladder leading to unintentional voiding. There are four main types of urinary incontinence which each have a unique presentation:
Stress Incontinence
This form of incontinence occurs with increase of stress or pressure is placed through the bladder. Leaking will commonly occur with coughing, sneezing, exercising, or lifting heavy items. This is the most common form of incontinence and effects a wide population.
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence occurs when the individual has the sudden, intense urge to use the restroom and some leakage may occur on the way to the toilet. This form of incontinence is often present with an overactive bladder and may occur with an infection.
Overflow Incontinence
Incontinence will occur when the bladder is not completely emptied at the toilet when voiding. This is the most common type of incontinence found in men.
Functional Incontinence
When a physical or mental disability exists, there may be a reduction of mobility that prevents someone to get to the bathroom in time and leakage will occur.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Since there is a wide scope of issues underlying pelvic floor dysfunction, it is important to be evaluated by a skilled physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation. Next, the patient and therapist create an individualized treatment plan for addressing pelvic floor concerns which may include the following:
- Strengthening pelvic floor muscles
- Improving breath work to reduce abdominal pressure
- Reducing tightness through the pelvic floor
- Mobilizing abdominal scar tissue
- Improving the flexibility of the hips and groin
- Determining a voiding schedule to avoid bad bathroom habits
- Stabilizing the hips and core
- Medical devices and techniques to reduce pelvic pain
Physical therapy can help manage your symptoms. Reach out today for a 1:1 comprehensive evaluation to address your concerns about your pelvic floor health. Regain confidence in your body today!
