Power of pelvic floor therapy
By Dr. Alli Amptmeyer PT, DPT, PRPC and Dr. Ashley Weiner PT, DPT, PRPC, PCES as seen in Mom to Mom
In the realm of healthcare, some areas remain shrouded in silence, yet their impact on quality of life is profound. Pelvic floor dysfunction is one such domain, affecting individuals across genders but often hidden from discussions due to its sensitive nature.
Pelvic floor physical therapy stands as a transformative journey towards holistic wellness, addressing a spectrum of pelvic issues with tailored care and compassion.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy:
The pelvic floor, a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues, plays a pivotal role in supporting vital functions such as bladder and bowel control, sexual health, and stability of the pelvic organs. Dysfunction within this intricate network can manifest in various forms, including pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy dedicated to diagnosing and treating these dysfunctions through targeted exercises, manual techniques, and patient education. By restoring strength, flexibility, and coordination to the pelvic floor muscles, this therapy aims to alleviate symptoms, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life.
Who Can Benefit:
Contrary to common misconception, pelvic floor dysfunction transcends gender boundaries, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From postpartum mothers grappling with pelvic pain to athletes navigating sports-related injuries, the spectrum of those who can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy is vast and diverse.
Postpartum Women: Pregnancy and childbirth can strain the pelvic floor, leading to issues like pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and perineal tears. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers tailored rehabilitation to promote healing and restore pelvic health post-delivery.
Men and Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: Chronic pelvic pain, a complex condition with multifaceted causes, can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses muscular imbalances, trigger points, and tension within the pelvic floor, offering relief and fostering long-term management strategies.
Athletes and Active Individuals: High-impact sports and strenuous activities can exert undue stress on the pelvic region, predisposing athletes to pelvic floor dysfunction and injury. Through targeted exercises and performance optimization techniques, pelvic floor physical therapy aids in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement for athletes of all levels.
Individuals with Bladder or Bowel Dysfunction: Conditions such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and overactive bladder can significantly disrupt daily life and erode self-confidence. Pelvic floor physical therapy equips individuals with strategies to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve bladder and bowel control, and regain independence.
While our profession caters to a diverse range of individuals, the primary demographic we serve consists predominantly of women, particularly mothers. We frequently encounter mothers struggling with issues related to childbirth, whether it be vaginal or cesarean section. However, issues such as urinary incontinence during sneezing/coughing, discomfort during postpartum intercourse (following medical clearance), and similar challenges should not be dismissed or endured silently. Incorporating pelvic floor physical therapy into your postpartum recovery regimen is essential, and can prevent many issues years later. Additionally, regardless of how much time has passed since childbirth, addressing pelvic floor concerns through therapy can yield significant positive outcomes.
What You Can Expect:
Specifically, at Pelvic Affinity, the specialists will conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate various aspects contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction. This assessment encompasses an in-depth analysis of gait mechanics to identify any abnormalities or compensations that may affect pelvic stability and function. Furthermore, therapists assess lumbar and hip range of motion to pinpoint potential restrictions or imbalances that could impact pelvic alignment and movement. Evaluating hip and core muscle strength provides insights into muscular imbalances and weaknesses that may contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Diastasis assessment examines the integrity of the abdominal muscles, crucial for pelvic support and stability. Additionally, doctors will assess thoracic and rib mobility and breathing patterns, as these factors influence intra-abdominal pressure and pelvic floor function. Finally, an internal assessment, conducted either vaginally or rectally, allows therapists to evaluate pelvic floor muscle length, strength, coordination, and endurance, providing invaluable information for tailored treatment plans and rehabilitation strategies.
Through this comprehensive assessment approach, can effectively address the multifaceted nature of pelvic floor dysfunction and facilitate optimal outcomes for their patients, especially postpartum moms. Typically, patients come six weeks after delivering a baby but can come sooner to work on functional movements to minimize pain, leakage, and pressure.