What Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Do For My Wellbeing?

By Dr. Christine Martirez PT, DPT on 5/9/2024

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic region. While often associated with specific conditions like urinary incontinence or pelvic pain, pelvic floor therapy offers a wide range of benefits for overall well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore the various conditions commonly treated by pelvic floor physical therapists and delve into the essential role of pelvic floor therapy in promoting holistic wellness.

Understanding the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is a complex network of muscles that forms the base of the pelvis and provides support for the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Key muscles of the pelvic floor include:

• Pubococcygeus:

  This muscle forms the main part of the pelvic floor and plays a crucial role in urinary and fecal continence.

• Puborectalis:

  This muscle helps control bowel movements by forming a sling around the rectum and maintaining continence.

• Iliococcygeus:

  This muscle provides support for the pelvic organs and helps maintain pelvic floor integrity.

• Coccygeus:

  Also known as the ischiococcygeus muscle, it supports the coccyx (tailbone) and helps stabilize the pelvic floor.

• Obturator Internus:

  While not technically part of the pelvic floor, this muscle contributes to pelvic stability and function.

Common Conditions Treated by Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

• Diastasis Recti:

  Pelvic floor physical therapy can help individuals with diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) by addressing core muscle strength, alignment, and postural issues.

• Urinary Incontinence:

  Pelvic floor therapy focuses on strengthening pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control, and addressing underlying factors contributing to urinary incontinence.

• Constipation:

  Through techniques such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve bowel function and alleviate constipation.

• Pelvic Pain:

  Pelvic floor physical therapists utilize various approaches, including manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and nervous system downregulation techniques, to address pelvic pain conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction and vulvodynia.

• Pregnancy and Postpartum:

  Pelvic floor therapy provides essential support during pregnancy and postpartum recovery by addressing issues like pelvic girdle pain, diastasis recti, urinary incontinence, and pelvic floor muscle weakness.

• But this is just the tip of the iceberg! There are many conditions in which pelvic floor physical therapy can help.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Overall Well-Being

• Improved Bladder and Bowel Function:

  Pelvic floor therapy can enhance bladder and bowel control, reducing symptoms of urinary incontinence, constipation, and other pelvic floor disorders.

• Enhanced Sexual Health:

  By addressing pelvic pain, muscle tension, and dysfunction, pelvic floor physical therapy can improve sexual function and intimacy.

• Reduced Pain and Discomfort:

  Pelvic floor therapy can alleviate pelvic pain, discomfort, and tension, improving overall quality of life and mobility.

• Prevention and Management of Pelvic Floor Disorders:

  Pelvic floor physical therapy helps individuals understand their pelvic floor function and provides tools and techniques to prevent and manage pelvic floor disorders effectively.

Common Techniques Employed in Pelvic Floor Therapy Sessions

• Manual Therapy:

  Hands-on techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and soft tissue mobilization are used to release muscle tension and improve mobility.

• Therapeutic Exercise:

  Targeted exercises are prescribed to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and promote optimal function of the pelvic floor and surrounding musculature.

• Neuromuscular Re-education:

  Techniques such as biofeedback and pelvic floor muscle training help individuals learn how to properly activate and relax pelvic floor muscles.

• Lifestyle Modifications:

  Pelvic floor physical therapists provide guidance on posture, ergonomics, bladder and bowel habits, and other lifestyle factors that can impact pelvic health.

• Nervous System Downregulation:

  Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices are employed to reduce stress, anxiety, and muscle tension in the pelvic region.

Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a holistic approach to promoting overall well-being by addressing a wide range of pelvic floor conditions and enhancing pelvic health. Through a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, lifestyle modifications, and nervous system downregulation techniques, pelvic floor therapists empower individuals to achieve optimal pelvic function, mobility, and quality of life. Whether you're experiencing pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or preparing for pregnancy and childbirth, or just wanting to optimize overall well-being, pelvic floor physical therapy provides personalized care and support to help you unlock wellness from within.

Looking to optimize your well being with pelvic floor physical therapy? Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.

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