Many pelvic health issues, like incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and recovery after childbirth, can be hard to talk about. That doesn’t make your symptoms any less valid or life altering. A physical therapist who specializes in pelvic rehabilitation can help make these conversations more approachable so you can find relief. These practices can help you improve your pelvic health in general by strengthening and evening muscle tone. They can also help you recover or manage symptoms of a wide range of conditions. Your PT can assess muscle and organ function to help identify likely causes of symptoms and provide personalized, effective treatment.
In this article, we’ll share seven proven benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy.
7 ways pelvic floor physical therapy can improve your daily life
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. They help control the flow of urine, stool and gas, and they aid in sexual function. Most people don’t work these muscles out as part of their exercise routine, and the muscles can become tense and stiff or loose and weak. Sometimes this is caused by illness, repetitive movement and overuse, or lack of movement. Physical therapy can help support your body’s healing processes and restore the pelvic floor through strengthening, coordination and relaxation techniques.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can improve your daily life in the following ways:
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Reduces urinary incontinence
Pelvic floor physical therapy helps control bladder leaks and urgency. You’ll do this by building up muscle tone, strength and control in the muscles around your bladder. Aside from the direct results of targeted muscle training, you may also feel more confident and at ease on outings where you may not be near a bathroom.
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Decreases pelvic pain
Pelvic pain can have many different causes, from muscle tension to nerve irritation or scar tissue. You may experience pain chronically or at specific times, like during sex or when using the bathroom. Improving the health of different tissue in the pelvic area helps relieve chronic pain.
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Improves bowel function
Muscles along your entire gastrointestinal tract help with motility, or the movement of food through the digestive system. Optimizing muscle coordination through physical therapy can help with the more noticeable symptoms, such as constipation and incontinence, as well as digestive function.
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Enhances sexual health
Problems with sexual function and satisfaction are more common than you might think. Whether you have a hard time feeling pleasure, you have pain during intercourse, or you don’t have the endurance you would like, pelvic floor physical therapy may help. Your therapist will be able to pinpoint areas where you can build strength or flexibility and provide treatment that’s responsive to your body.
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Supports pregnancy and postpartum recovery
Pelvic floor therapy helps ease the experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and recovering afterward. These processes change your body very quickly. Low back pain and body aches are common during pregnancy, and it can take up to six months to resume certain activities after giving birth. Building up your resilience makes a big difference. When you prepare with pelvic floor therapy, you may be able to reduce pain throughout the process, shorten your healing time, and feel more comfortable and energetic.
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Aids in postsurgical recovery
Surgical pelvic procedures can be invasive. The recovery time depends on the procedure, your age, your overall health and other factors. Pre- and postsurgical rehabilitation can help you achieve the best outcomes. It may lower your risk of complications and minimize your pain, too.
Pelvic floor physical therapy may help with recovery after the following procedures:
- Hysterectomy
- Prostatectomy
- Cancer-related conditions
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Gender-affirming surgery
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Boosts core stability
The pelvic floor is foundational to your core, which helps you maintain your form, balance and control in many physical activities. Improving your core strength with therapeutic exercise is good for overall stability, posture and endurance.
What to expect during your first visit
Your PT will start with a comprehensive assessment to review your medical history and discuss your symptoms and goals. Education and informed consent are critical to pelvic floor physical therapy. Your PT may share some information about your condition and perform a physical examination, with your permission. All assessments and treatments are performed with respect for your comfort and privacy in a private treatment room with a closing door.
Next, your therapist will create a fully personalized treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs. It may include exercises, manual therapy and lifestyle advice. You’ll clarify the specific goals you want to work on together and how your therapist can help you achieve them.
Explore how pelvic floor physical therapy can benefit you at Forever Fit
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a great way to learn things about your body and your health that you may have never heard from another care provider. It can provide significant relief from severe conditions, surgeries and everyday inconveniences that have a profound impact on your life. No problem is too big or too small to discuss with a pelvic floor physical therapist.
At Forever Fit, we put our patients at the center of conversations about their bodies. We only want to provide treatments that help improve the quality of your life. Our PTs take the time to listen to you and address your concerns to your satisfaction. We don’t use one-size-fits-all methods, but instead tailor your care plan to your needs and treatment goals.
Our team is here to help you take control of your body again. Ask about pelvic floor PT at our Severna Park, Crofton, Bowie and Frederick locations in Maryland. Call us today or fill out our online appointment request form to get started.
