You Can Recover From Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Did you know that pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that also causes back pain and constipation? Learn what symptoms to watch for and how you can recover from pelvic floor dysfunction from the team of pelvic floor experts at One Accord Physical Therapy in Casa Grande, Phoenix, and Gilbert, Arizona.
Pelvic floor 101
Held together between the pubic bone and tailbone, your pelvic floor supports your bowel, bladder, pelvis, back, and sexual organs. Although the pelvic floor is responsible for maintaining support and stability throughout your body, it can be painful or problematic if not maintained properly.
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction
When you think of pelvic floor dysfunction, you probably imagine difficulties with urinary incontinence after pregnancy and childbirth. Although those issues do occur, there are other causes and other symptoms. Consequently, pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a plethora of issues, including:
- Urinary incontinence and leaking
- Leaking bowels
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary and bowel pain
- Difficulty fully emptying bladder or bowels
- Constipation
- Pain during sexual intercourse or with orgasm
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain and discomfort around vulva and labia
- Pain from tampon insertion
- Tailbone, pubic, back, hip, or sacroiliac joint, abdomen, rectum pain that is throbbing or stabbing
- A bulge or heavy feeling in the vagina or rectum
If your pelvic muscles are not at their best, your pelvic floor cannot relax or contract the way it should. Fortunately, pelvic floor rehabilitation is a specialized treatment that can help restore your pelvic floor to optimum health. Here’s what you should expect from your appointment and treatment.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
Pelvic floor rehabilitation includes a complete evaluation from a physical therapist, including your medical history and a detailed reason for your visit. They might ask you about your sexual history to help get a well-rounded understanding of your pelvic floor problem.
If you’re comfortable, there may be a physical examination to test the current strengths and weaknesses throughout your pelvic floor. The evaluation will not be painful, but you may feel slight discomfort throughout. If you are uncomfortable throughout your exam, feel free to let us know so we can customize the tests as needed.
The examination will help to create and implement a personalized and flexible treatment plan that will address all of your pelvic floor issues, such as:
- Generalized pelvic floor dysfunction
- Pregnancy and postpartum care
- Post-surgical care
Treatment is specialized depending on the symptoms impacting your vulva, pelvis, vagina, coccyx, sacroiliac joints, and sacrum. Beyond in-depth patient education, your treatment may include:
- Spinal manipulation
- Breathing techniques
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Dry needling
- At-home exercises
- Training
- Joint mobilization
At One Accord Physical Therapy, we understand the sensitivity surrounding the topic of pelvic floor health. That’s why, when we treat our patients, we focus on treating the whole person, mind, and body.
With the proper treatment and our team of women’s health professionals, you’ll receive personalized care to meet your unique needs. To schedule an appointment, give us a call or schedule an appointment online today.