What is Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor?

Physical therapy The pelvic floor is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and management of various conditions affecting the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic region.

What is a Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles that span the area between the pubic bone and the tailbone, forming a supportive sling-like structure. In both men and women, these muscles support the bladder, uterus or prostate, and rectum.

The pelvic floor muscles have different functions for men and women.

 In women: they provide support for the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and women.

 In men: these muscles are involved in urinary and bowel control, as well as sexual function.

When is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Recommended?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is recommended for individuals experiencing a range of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Some common conditions that may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy include:

• Urinary incontinence: This refers to the involuntary loss of urine, which can be caused by weak or overactive pelvic floor muscles.
• Pelvic pain: Chronic pelvic pain can have various causes, including muscle spasms, nerve irritation, or scar tissue. Pelvic floor physical therapy aims to reduce pain and improve overall function.
• Pelvic organ prolapse: This occurs when one or more pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend into the vaginal canal. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles and alleviate symptoms.
• Sexual dysfunction: Difficulties with sexual function, such as pain during intercourse or decreased sensation, can be addressed through pelvic floor physical therapy.
• Pre- and postpartum care: Pelvic floor physical therapy is particularly beneficial for women during pregnancy and after childbirth. It helps prepare the pelvic floor for labor and aids in recovery postpartum.

What is the main Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

During a pelvic floor physical therapy session, a trained therapist will assess your condition, discuss your symptoms and medical history, and develop an individualized treatment plan. The treatment plan may include various techniques and exercises aimed at addressing specific concerns.

• Education: The therapist will provide you with a wealth of information about the pelvic floor and how it functions. Understanding your anatomy and the factors contributing to your condition is essential for successful rehabilitation.
• Manual therapy: This involves hands-on techniques performed by the therapist to assess and address muscle imbalances, trigger points, and restrictions within the pelvic floor. These techniques may include myofascial release, stretching, and joint mobilization.
• Therapeutic exercises: The therapist will guide you through a series of exercises designed to strengthen weak muscles, relax tense muscles, and improve coordination. These exercises may include Kegels, squats, bridges, and deep abdominal training. This technique uses sensors to provide visual or auditory feedback about muscle activity. It helps you become more aware of your pelvic floor muscles and learn how to control them effectively.
• Behavioral modifications: Your therapist may suggest lifestyle changes or modifications to daily habits that can positively impact your pelvic floor function. This may include dietary adjustments, bladder training, or postural modifications.

What are the best exercises for pelvic floor muscles?

Here are some of the best exercises for the pelvic floor:

• Kegel exercises: Kegels are the most well-known pelvic floor exercises. To perform them, contract the muscles you would use to stop the flow of urine midstream. Hold the contraction for a few seconds and then release. Repeat this exercise several times a day.
• Bridge pose: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Engage your pelvic floor muscles as you lift your hips off the ground, forming a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your hips back down. Repeat several times.
• Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body into a squatting position, as if you were sitting back into a chair while engaging your pelvic floor muscles. Keep your knees aligned with your toes and your back straight. Rise back up to the starting position and repeat.
• Dead bug exercise: Lie on your back with your arms extended toward the ceiling and your legs bent at a 90-degree angle. Slowly lower your right arm behind your head while straightening your left leg, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor. Engage your pelvic floor muscles as you alternate sides, extending your left arm and right leg. Repeat this exercise in a controlled manner.
• Pilates: Many Pilates exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor. Moves like the pelvic curl, scissors, and heel slides engage the deep core muscles, including the pelvic floor. Consider incorporating Pilates exercises into your routine.
• Yoga: Certain yoga poses, such as the cat-cow pose, can help activate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Practice poses that focus on engaging the core and deepening your connection to the pelvic area.

What Benefits do we gain from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a wide range of benefits for individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction. Some of the key advantages include:

• Improved pelvic floor muscle strength and flexibility.
• Increased bladder and bowel control.
• Alleviation of pain and discomfort.
• Enhanced sexual function and satisfaction.
• Improved quality of life and overall well-being.

How painful is pelvic floor therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy, also known as pelvic floor rehabilitation or pelvic floor physiotherapy, can involve various techniques and approaches depending on the specific needs of the individual. The level of discomfort or pain experienced during pelvic floor therapy can vary from person to person.

In general, pelvic floor therapy should not be excessively painful. The goal of the therapy is to assess, diagnose, and treat issues related to the pelvic floor muscles, which can include conditions like pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. The therapy typically involves a combination of manual techniques, exercises, and sometimes the use of specialized devices or biofeedback

Why do people need pelvic floor therapy?

People may need pelvic floor therapy for various reasons, including:

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery
• Urinary Incontinence
• Pelvic Pain
• Pre- and Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
• Sexual Dysfunction

What exercises should not be done with a weak pelvic floor?

Here are some exercises that are generally recommended to be avoided or modified for individuals with a weak pelvic floor:

• High-impact exercises
• Heavy weightlifting
• Crunches and sit-ups
• Deep squats and lunges
• High-resistance exercises
• Some yoga poses

Does walking strengthen pelvic floor muscles?

Yes, walking can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles to some extent. While walking alone may not specifically target the pelvic floor muscles as effectively as other exercises like pelvic floor exercises or Kegel exercises, it does engage these muscles to some degree.

When you walk, the repetitive motion and impact of your steps create a gentle contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. This contraction helps to activate and strengthen these muscles over time. Additionally, walking can improve overall circulation and blood flow to the pelvic area, which can be beneficial for pelvic floor health.

While walking is a good form of exercise and can contribute to overall pelvic floor muscle strength, it is generally recommended to incorporate specific pelvic floor exercises into your routine for more targeted strengthening. Kegel exercises, for example, involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles intentionally and can be more effective in strengthening them.

How do you know if your pelvic floor is tight or weak?

To determine if your pelvic floor muscles are tight or weak, you can look for certain signs and symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of how to identify each condition:

Signs of a Tight Pelvic Floor:

• Pelvic Pain
• Urinary Urgency and Frequency
• Difficulty Emptying the Bladder or Bowels
• Painful Bowel Movements
• Pain in the Hips or Lower Back

Signs of a Weak Pelvic Floor

• Urinary Incontinence
• Reduced Sensation during Intercourse
• Prolapse
• Incomplete Control of Urination or Bowel Movements
• Pelvic Organ Dysfunction