Are you experiencing pain between your pubic bone and tailbone? This area consists of your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are responsible for the following things:
- Supporting key organs such as your bladder.
- Stabilizing your lower back and pelvis.
- Controlling your bowel movements and urination.
- Influencing your sexual function — particularly arousal and sensation.
- Ensuring proper blood flow to your heart.
If these muscles are not functioning well, you may have difficulty completing your daily activities.
Pelvic floor disorders for women stem from the muscle weakness, which can lead to urine leaks or constipation. Research suggests that pelvic floor disorders are more common in women than men. About 25% of women in the United States experience pelvic floor disorders compared to about 16% of men. Taken together, these statistics suggest the need for everyone to focus on their pelvic health.
5 reasons to focus on pelvic health in the new year
You can improve your pelvic health in the new year through physical therapy. Here are five reasons to focus on your pelvic health by seeking physical therapy:
- Reduced lower back pain — Researcher suggests that pelvic floor therapy may reduce the intensity of lower back pain.
- Increased organ support — Researchers state that your pelvic floor supports key organs such as your bladder, urethra and anus. So, maintaining your pelvic muscles can reduce involuntary urine leakage and/or constipation.
- Minimized urine leakage — Physical therapists can improve your pelvic health through muscle training and bladder retraining. Your therapist will create you a personalized plan to ensure your muscles and bladder are working to their full potential. A healthy bladder and pelvic floor should be able to hold urine for two to four hours without leaks!
- Improved sexual function — According to research, pelvic floor disorders are related with both reduced sexual arousal and higher dyspareunia, which refers to pain before, during or after intercourse. Seeking help from a physical therapist can lead to significant reduction in pelvic pain associated with sexual function.
- Enhanced personal empowerment — Physical therapists can help empower you through education about your pelvic floor. Knowing how to manage your pelvic floor pain at home can help you take charge of your health. This deeper awareness may lead to reduced anxiety and health problems.
4 PT treatments that can address and improve pelvic health
Pelvic health treatments are focused on reducing both the pain and improper functioning of your pelvic floor. Here are four PT treatments that can address and improve the health of your pelvic floor:
- Therapeutic exercises — In therapeutic exercises, physical therapists create a targeted exercise plan to strengthen your weak or injured pelvic muscles. The goal is to decrease urine leaks, pressure in your pelvic area, and other symptoms you’re experiencing.
- Muscle coordination — Physical therapists can teach you how to control and coordinate your muscles to restore their proper function — particularly their ability to contract. The contraction of your pelvic muscles can control your bladder and prevent urine leaks. According to research, women with urinary incontinence or urine leakage problems reported an improved quality of life after pelvic floor muscle training.
- Bladder training — Physical therapists can help reduce urine leaks by teaching you how to control your bladder until you can get to a bathroom. In addition, physical therapists can provide techniques to help you fully empty your bladder.
- Relaxation techniques — Your bladder may not be functioning properly if you are stressed or anxious. Relaxation techniques involve physical therapists demonstrating breathing techniques that can help reduce your muscle tension.
Forever Fit can help you focus on your pelvic health through pelvic rehabilitation
Having difficulty with your daily activities because of persistent pelvic pain? Forever Fit is here to help you improve your pelvic health and your quality of life. Our team strives to address the main cause of your pain, not just your symptoms. We value one-on-one interactions and quality care.
Our licensed physical therapists offer pelvic rehabilitation techniques that can help strengthen your pelvic muscles. During your first visit, a physical therapist will conduct an examination for your strength, motion range and potential areas of injury. Our physical therapists will use this examination to design a treatment plan. This treatment plan will be specific to your needs. The first visit typically lasts about 40 minutes. You should bring the following items:
- Loose clothing for easy access to the affected area.
- Insurance card.
- Photo identification.
- List of current medications.
- A referral (if you have one).
- Related test results.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.