If you have pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), you’re not alone. Approximately 25% of women and 16% of men in the United States have a pelvic floor disorder. Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a noninvasive treatment option. There are many physical therapy techniques that may help improve your pelvic health, including exercise and manual therapy.
These techniques are designed to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which may help ease pain, address urinary incontinence, and improve stability. But that’s not all this type of physical therapy can do.
Let’s explore seven proven benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy and what you can expect during your first visit.
7 Proven benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy
While everyone may experience different results from physical therapy, addressing pelvic floor muscle dysfunction may be helpful in many ways.
Here are seven proven benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy:
1. Reduces urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence affects over 25 million adults in the United States, causing unexpected bladder leaks that interfere with daily life. Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy may help strengthen the muscles responsible for bladder control. Targeted muscle training, such as Kegel exercises, may build the strength needed to help control bladder leaks and urgency.
2. Decreases pelvic pain
Pelvic pain can come from muscle tension, scar tissue, or nerve irritation. Pelvic floor physical therapy may help address these underlying causes by strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. A licensed physical therapist can identify tight or weak muscles and develop a plan to ease the source of your pain. Exercises or manual therapy may be used to help decrease pelvic pain and tension.
3. Improves bowel function
Pelvic floor physical therapy may assist with treating constipation, fecal incontinence, and other bowel issues. By optimizing muscle coordination, this treatment may improve bowel function and regularity. The exercises performed during physical therapy may help retrain the muscles to contract and relax properly. This process can help improve bowel function.
4. Enhances sexual health
Pain during intercourse and reduced satisfaction are common problems linked to pelvic floor weakness. However, improving pelvic floor strength and flexibility can help enhance sexual health. Strengthening weakened muscles during pelvic floor therapy may help reduce pain and enhance sexual satisfaction.
5. Supports pregnancy and postpartum recovery
Pregnancy and childbirth can strain the pelvic muscles. Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy may help prepare the body for childbirth by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. After childbirth, this treatment may also restore pelvic floor function. This therapy helps strengthen weakened muscles, which may help recovery after childbirth.
6. Aids in post-surgical recovery
Pelvic surgeries such as a hysterectomy or prostatectomy can weaken the pelvic floor. Physical therapy may help promote healing and function after surgery. During this treatment, therapeutic exercises may help restore normal muscle function, improve blood flow, and reduce protective tension and support healthy tissue healing. As a result, this process can help accelerate recovery, so you may heal more quickly.
7. Boosts core stability
The pelvic floor, abdomen, and back make up your core. Together, they help you maintain your posture and provide stability. Physical therapy may also help strengthen the pelvic floor as part of your core. As a result, developing a stronger core can improve stability and posture, making daily tasks easier to do.
What to expect in your first visit
Now that you know the benefits of this treatment, here’s what you can expect when you come in for your first visit. It is natural to feel nervous, but your therapist will help you feel comfortable. At Forever Fit, our licensed physical therapists understand what you’re going through and are here to help you. Knowing what to expect may help you feel more prepared before you schedule an appointment.
Here’s what you need to know about your first visit with us:
Comprehensive assessment
Your physical therapist reviews your medical history and discusses your symptoms and goals. This process can help develop a treatment plan tailored to your body and needs.
Education
You may learn about pelvic floor anatomy and how it relates to your symptoms. This knowledge can help you discover how physical therapy may improve your pelvic floor health.
Physical examination
Your physical examination may include an external and/or internal assessment (with your consent) to evaluate muscle function. Your therapist will make this examination as comfortable as possible.
Personalized treatment plan
Your physical therapist will outline a plan tailored to your needs. This custom plan may include exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle advice.
Goal setting
You and your therapist may work together to set achievable goals for your physical therapy journey.
Comfort and privacy
Assessments and treatments are all performed with respect for your comfort and privacy. This process takes place in a private treatment room behind a closed door.
Let’s help you improve your pelvic health at Forever Fit.
Pelvic floor physical therapy offers many benefits. Whether you want to reduce bladder leaks or ease chronic pain, our licensed physical therapists are here to help. We can personalize a treatment plan that’s right for your needs, providing a comfortable experience at Forever Fit. Our locations in Severna Park, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Maryland offer pelvic floor physical therapy. We’re looking forward to working with you and developing a treatment plan that may improve your quality of life.
Ready to sign up for your initial appointment with us? Fill out an appointment request form here or give us a call to set up your appointment.
