Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy- For Dysfunction and Rehabilitation

Introduction:

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a unique method focusing on pelvic floor muscles and other surrounding structures. It can treat various conditions, such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pain, and more. This article will discuss why people may need PFT (pelvic floor therapy) and how pelvic floor physical therapy can help with the improvement of their quality of life.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

A pelvic floor is a collection of muscles that form the base of the pelvis. These muscles support the pelvic area's organs, including the bladder, rectum, and uterus. They also support the abdominal wall and pelvic organs and play an essential role in the stability of the pelvis and spine. Unfortunately, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken or be damaged due to childbirth, aging, surgery, and other conditions. As a result, they can cause pelvic floor dysfunction, leading to pain, incontinence, difficulty with sexual intercourse, and more. Pelvic floor physical therapy is one way to help strengthen and restore the pelvic floor muscles.

What Is Dysfunction of Pelvic Floor?

A pelvic floor is a muscle group in the base of the pelvis (the bottom of the torso). Pelvic floor dysfunction is when a patient cannot correctly relax and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles used to urinate or have a bowel movement. As a result, women might experience pain during sex, and men might have trouble getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED).

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

It is still unknown what causes pelvic floor dysfunction. Still, a few of the known factors may include the following:

• Childbirth.

• Traumatic injuries of the pelvic area.

• Pelvic surgery.

• Obesity.

• Nerve damage.

• Pregnancy.

• Overusing pelvic muscles.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Following are the number of symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction:

• Low back pain.

• Constipation and bowel strains.

• Urinary issues like painful urination and frequent urge to urinate.

• Pain in the pelvic area, genitals, and rectum.

• Pelvis muscle spasms.

• Pressure in the pelvic region or rectum.

• Painful sexual intercourse in women due to tightening of muscles.

What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a treatment designed to help strengthen and improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are located between the hips and form a support system for the organs in the pelvic region, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with various conditions, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.

Pelvic floor physical therapy aims to target the condition's underlying cause. They often involve strengthening the muscles that support the pelvic organs and improving control over them. Pelvic floor physical therapists use various techniques to achieve this, including manual massage, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and exercises. Physiotherapy can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life by focusing on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

Who Needs Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy focuses on the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues, which aid in arousal and orgasm during sexual activity, support the pelvic organs, and help in bladder and bowel control.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for many pelvic floor disorders. Men and females with weak pelvic floor muscles can benefit from exercises that strengthen the floor and improve bladder and bowel control.

Which Techniques Are Used In Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy for the pelvic floor is a treatment for the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscles help to control bowel and bladder function and contribute to sexual arousal and orgasm. Women may seek treatment from a pelvic floor physical therapist for various conditions, including vaginismus (involuntary spasm of the vaginal muscle during intercourse) and endometriosis (tissues that normally line the uterus and grow outside the uterus). This method can also be used to treat male disorders such as painful ejaculation and premature ejaculation.

The common techniques used include the following:

1. Education: The therapist will explain to the patient about the pelvic floor, its importance, and its functioning. They will also provide information on how to do pelvic floor exercises correctly and how to do kegel exercises properly. the patient may also learn how hygiene and habits affect their symptoms.

2. Pelvic Floor Exercise: Patients learn how to contract and relax pelvic floor muscles relative to the other muscles. They are also instructed on breathing and timing techniques to improve the effectiveness of the exercises. These exercises can help stretch tight muscles, strengthen weak ones, and increase flexibility. The therapist may prescribe specific exercises tailored to the patient’s needs.

3.Kegel: Kegel is a common workout that involves contracting and relaxing the muscles in the pelvic floor for strengthening. This exercise may help to alleviate pain during sex and control incontinence.

4. Trigger Point Therapy: This technique applies pressure to a trigger point of the body, either internally or externally. The doctor or physical therapist may also administer an anesthetic to the affected area. ‌

5. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy involves using hands-on techniques such as massage and stretching to release tension in the pelvic floor muscles and improve blood circulation, mobility, and posture.

6. Pelvic Floor Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that allows patients to observe how their pelvic floor muscles function. A probe is inserted into a woman's vagina and a man's rectum, and the results are displayed on a computer screen.

7. Electrical Stimulation: This treatment uses electrical stimulation to help patients gain awareness and control their pelvic floor muscles.

8. Vaginal Dilations: Tube-shaped plastic devices are used to help women teach to relax their pelvic muscles for easier penetration. Typically, the progressively sized tools are inserted into the vagina to help stretch tight tissues. Women who have had gynecological cancer treatment may find them useful for vaginal rehabilitation after treatment.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

In general, pelvic floor physical therapy is a safe treatment option with minimal risk. However, some risks can be associated with the practice. The most common risk is the possibility of increased pain during and after treatment. Some people may experience soreness or discomfort due to the muscles being stretched and manipulated during the physical therapy session. The most effective way to reduce the risk of these issues is to follow the physical therapist’s instructions closely. Inform the practitioner immediately if the patient experiences pain or discomfort during the session and stop if necessary. Drink plenty of fluids before and after the session to help flush out any bacteria from the bladder or urethra.

Conclusion:

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a method of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. It can be used to help treat conditions such as pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, and issues related to childbirth or menopause. Pelvic floor physical therapy may also help with overall pelvic health and well-being. While some risks are associated with this therapy, such as muscle strains or bruising, most patients report positive outcomes and experience improvement in their symptoms.