Pelvic physical therapy & wellness can have a positive impact on your overall health. It may not be a topic that you hear about often, but it’s an important one. This type of therapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. It can also improve your posture, help your body heal after childbirth, and even reduce stress.
What is pelvic physical therapy & wellness? It’s a type of therapy that focuses on the muscles of your pelvic floor. These muscles support your bladder, uterus, and rectum. If these muscles aren’t functioning properly, it can result in issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and painful intercourse.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors, such as pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, aging, or trauma. Whatever the cause, it’s important to address these issues as soon as possible to avoid long-term complications.
Physical therapists who specialize in pelvic floor dysfunction can use a variety of techniques to help improve your pelvic health. These may include pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, manual therapy, and vaginal dilators. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or avoiding certain foods.
One of the most effective ways to improve your pelvic floor health is through exercise. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor. These exercises can be done anywhere and at any time. To do them, tighten your pelvic muscles, hold for a few seconds, and then release. Repeat these exercises several times a day.
Biofeedback is another tool that pelvic physical therapists use to help patients improve their pelvic health. Biofeedback uses sensors to measure muscle activity in your pelvic floor. It helps you learn how to contract and relax these muscles more effectively. With practice, you can improve your muscle strength, control, and endurance.
Manual therapy is another technique used by pelvic physical therapists. This involves hands-on techniques to stretch and massage your pelvic floor muscles. Manual therapy can help reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow, and improve overall muscle health.
Vaginal dilators may also be recommended for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. These devices help stretch the muscles of the vaginal canal. They are commonly used by women who have undergone radiation or surgery for cancer treatments. Vaginal dilators can help reduce discomfort and improve sexual function.
In addition to these techniques, lifestyle changes can also help improve your pelvic health. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding constipation, and practicing good posture can all have a positive impact on your pelvic floor muscles.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, it’s important to seek help from a pelvic physical therapist. They can evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual needs. Treatment may be short-term or long-term depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Pelvic physical therapy & wellness is an important aspect of overall health. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, but with the right treatment, you can improve your pelvic health and reduce these symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help from a pelvic physical therapist.
