The basic concept of physical therapy for PFD [pelvic floor dysfunction] is to rebuild the strength and endurance of the weakened pelvic floor muscles.
A qualified physical therapist will examine your pelvic floor muscles via the vagina or rectum, and do the visceral manipulation procedure to simulate normal mobility. If the muscles are short, your therapist will try to stretch them. If they are weak, then they will apply resistance to increase the strength.
When is the physical therapy for the pelvic floor recommended?
The pelvic floor muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments work in sync with each other to support the pelvis region and the inner organs. The pelvis organs in this part are associated with control of bowel and bladder, as well as sexual activities.
The pelvis, sacrum, and tailbone are connected with this muscle. They support the reproductive and urinary passage including the prostate, bladder, uterus, urethra, rectum, and vagina. Pelvic floor muscles offer stability, and promote proper performance of coordination with breathing and posture.
When pelvis muscles get stressed, their performance slowly declines. If left untreated, they will end up triggering the symptoms and pain that hinder the normal body functions. For the best pelvic floor physical therapy in New York, you can visit https://nydnrehab.com/what-we-treat/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/. Their specialists will help you in healing,if you struggle with some of the following symptoms.
- Frequency and urgency of urinary incontinence
- Inefficiency in the bowel and bladder movements
- Pain in urinating
- Discomfort in genital areas or painful sex
- Menopause symptoms not related to your menstrual cycle
- Endometriosis
- Rectal pain
- Constipation
- Pain in the lower back
- Interstitial cystitis
- Vaginismus
- Testicular pain
- And more
You will need to approach a trusted rehab clinic like NYDNRehab. They havespecialized physical therapists trained for external and internal pelvic health dysfunction, procedures, and diagnosis, to perform the pelvic floor therapy. They have in-depth knowledge of the physiology and anatomy of the lumbopelvic area.
Doctors recommend PFD physical therapy for pelvic region disorders. PFD occurs in men and women. The patients will have to do exercises to strengthen the floor muscles and improve their control over bowel and urine movements.
Patients with neuromuscular disorders can also struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction. It is generally caused due to childbirth, aging, illness, surgery, etc. Patients suffering from the above symptoms will also need physical therapy.
How does pelvic floor therapy work?
The physical therapist starts by reviewing your past medical history. The patient has to undergo an orthopedic examination, where the focus is on the posture and gait, as well as hips and lumbar spine.
In the evaluation process of external and internal muscles, the patient has to sit, stand, and walk. It helps the therapist detect any issue in the joints or posture, which may be affecting the muscle functioning on the pelvic floor.
The evaluation will help to determine if there is a need for physical therapy. If there is a need, then a proper physical therapy plan will be created. It will be personalized as per the symptoms shown by individuals. For example – In some cases, only strengthening exercises is sufficient, while in others, stretching and relaxing muscle exercises are needed.
An eventual treatment plan can include –
- Relaxation exercise for compressed pelvic muscles
- Coordination exercise
- Stretching exercise to strengthen the trunk, legs, and pelvis
- Biofeedback for strengthening and relaxation of floor muscles
- Education on prevention and self-management
- Modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation
The physical therapist creates a personalized treatment plan which includes techniques that can help to restore the muscle strength and functioning.
Techniques used in pelvic floor therapy
The majority of pelvic floor therapy will include external and internal techniques. However, some patients are uncomfortable with internal therapy, so the therapist will start with external treatment until the patient feels prepared.
External therapy techniques
- Trigger point therapy
- Nerve release
- Deep tissue massage
- Skin rolling
- Joint mobilization
Internal therapy techniques
- The therapist will pass special instruments or a finger through the vagina or rectum for trigger point therapy.
- They will apply some pressure on a particular point
- They can even have anesthesia injected in the trigger points [nurse or doctor administers the injection and not a therapist]
- ESWT or extracorporeal shockwave therapy for intrapelvic trigger point stimulation can also help
The common techniques applied for PFD treatment
Training
Patients are familiarized with pelvic anatomy and its mechanism like, how they work in sync, or alone. People also learn about the habits and hygiene that can impact their symptoms.
Manual therapy
The physical therapist gives a manual massage and stretches that help to enhance blood circulation, posture, and mobility.
Exercises
Patients get educated on how to properly contract and relax the pelvis floor muscles in coordination with other tissues. Patients learn timing and breathing techniques, which positively affect the exercises. Exercises are specifically designed to strengthen weak muscles, stretch the tight muscles, and to improve flexibility.
Electrical stimulation
This technique is performed in the office, or patients can learn the electrical stimulation process to do at home. Patients are given low voltage current that helps them get trained on how to coordinate the contraction muscles. It helps to lessen the muscle spasms and pain.
Biofeedback
A probe gets inserted in the vagina or rectum for guided imaging. The results displayed on the computer are then evaluated to see how the pelvic floor muscles function. The therapist explains the biofeedback readout, and helps you in muscle training to get the needed result.
Vaginal dilators
It is a tube-shaped device that helps women in learning about the relaxation of pelvic muscles for easy penetration. Tools from small to large are inserted to help stretch the tight vaginal tissues. Vaginal dilators also help with the rehabilitation after gynecological cancer treatments.
Ultrasound
The sound produced by the ultrasound device helps to increase blood flow and lessen muscle spasms. It even helps to decrease inflammation.
Is pelvis floor therapy effective?
Yes, the pelvis floor therapy is quite effective, because the success rate is good. Patients enjoy enhanced life quality after their treatment. However, the duration and efficacy level will depend upon the condition and severity. For example – Therapy for myofascial pelvic pain generally takes 6 to 8 one-hour sessions for several weeks, but in severe cases, it may take a few months.
Remember, pelvic pain symptoms must not get ignored, because getting treatment as early as possible is important. It helps in avoiding the condition from getting chronically painful as the sensitiveness of your nerve receptors increase. Make sure you find a reliable physical therapy rehab because errors in diagnosing a condition accurately can cause adverse results.
Consult PFD specialists as soon as you can to get timely treatment in case of chronic pelvic pain!
Reference Websites:
https://www.fyzical.com/sarasota-downtown/blog/What-is-Pelvic-Floor-Physical-Therapy
https://nydnrehab.com/what-we-treat/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/
