By Tara Moore
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect any age and any gender.
The pelvic floor muscles are essential for healthy bowel, bladder and sexual function. If these muscles are not working appropriately, common conditions or disorders can occur. Common conditions due to weak, tense or poor coordination of muscles are incontinence, urgency, constipation, pain with penetration, pelvic pain, back and hip pain, and pelvic organ prolapse.
The pelvic floor muscles can be influenced by a variety of factors, including pregnancy, giving birth, result of trauma including sexual trauma, stress and other gynecological conditions. Hormone imbalances can also affect pelvic floor function. As with other medical conditions, there may not be one clear cause of someone’s pelvic floor dysfunction.
There are multiple ways to treat pelvic floor dysfunction, including physical therapy, medical devices, medications, diet, exercise, and surgery.
Pelvic floor PT is a non-surgical treatment option that can focus on strengthening, relaxation, manual therapy, exercises and education, all depending on the specific condition being treated.
Your PT would evaluate your symptoms and perform an internal and external exam to get a full understanding of your condition and prescribe a treatment plan accordingly.
An external exam would allow your PT to assess the pelvic floor muscles, which cannot be palpated regularly as most muscles can be.
If you prefer not to have an internal exam, your PT can provide a program based on your symptoms without performing internal work. Your therapist will help to explain the cause, anatomy, plan of care, and treatment plan to address your concerns.
Tara Moore is a physical therapist who holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She practices at Wellness 360 Physical Therapy and Massage in Webster. For more information, visit www.wellness360fitness.com.