WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Using the principles of physical therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a planned, efficient, and secure reconditioning of pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscle group, which performs a range of tasks, is used in pelvic floor physical therapy. These muscles help to maintain the pelvic organs, promote bowel and bladder function, and facilitate orgasm and arousal during sexual activity.In order to alleviate incontinence, trouble urinating or passing stool, constipation, persistent pelvic discomfort, and uncomfortable intercourse, a person may undergo pelvic floor physical therapy.The purpose of treatment is to reduce pain, muscle weakness, and dysfunction while increasing the strength and efficiency of the pelvic floor muscles. In order to increase the muscles’ strength and functionality during treatment, a qualified physical therapist enters them through the rectum or vagina. If the muscles are short and constricted, the therapist may stretch them; if the muscles are weak and dysfunctional, the therapist may apply resistance to increase strength.
THE PELVIC FLOOR USING DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES.
The majority of pelvic floor therapy methods involve both internal and exterior treatment and are hands-on. However, as internal treatment does not work for everyone, therapists typically take into account the needs of each particular patient and wait until the patient is prepared to start internal therapy. Techniques used in external treatment include joint mobilisation, deep tissue massage (myofascial release), trigger point therapy, and nerve release.
For trigger point therapy, internal techniques may entail inserting a finger into the vagina or rectum or utilising specialised equipment. After that, the therapy is carried out by exerting pressure on a particular area or administering anaesthetic injections into trigger points; the injections are given by a doctor or nurse practitioner rather than a physical therapist. Physical therapy is not always necessary as a kind of treatment. It can be given along with other types of pain relief, such Botox injections or muscle relaxants.
The common techniques used include:
Education
Patients are given additional information about the architecture of their pelvis and how various parts function alone and together. They discover how their behaviours and hygiene effect their symptoms.
Pelvic floor exercises
Patients learn to contract and relax pelvic floor muscles relative to other muscles. Additionally, they pick up breathing and timing strategies that improve the effectiveness of the exercises. The exercises are made to increase flexibility, strengthen weak muscles, and stretch tight muscles.
Manual therapy
Stretching and manual massage are two techniques a physical therapist utilises to enhance posture, mobility, and blood flow.
Pelvic floor biofeedback
The biofeedback technique helps to watch how the pelvic floor muscles work. Results are presented on a computer screen after a probe is inserted into a man’s rectum or a woman’s vagina.
Electrical stimulation
Patients are taught how to synchronise their muscular contractions using low voltage electric current, which helps to lessen discomfort and muscle spasms. An electrical stimulation device for use at home may be provided by a therapist in addition to in-office treatment.
Vaginal dilators
Women are taught to relax their pelvic muscles with the aid of plastic tubes in order to be more easily penetrated. To aid in stretching tight tissues, the gradually bigger tools are often introduced into the vagina. Vaginal dilators are typically beneficial for women who have undergone therapy for gynaecological cancer in vaginal rehabilitation after their treatment.
CONDITIONS/SYMPTOMS TREATED BY PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY
- Urinary incontinence, frequency, and urgency
- Painful urination
- Bladder and bowel movements
- Fecal incontinence
- Painful sex or pain in the genital area
- Endometriosis
- Constipation
- Menopause symptoms
- Pain in the pelvis, hip, abdomen, thigh, or low back
- Rectal pain
- Postpartum and pregnancy wellness
- Testicular pain
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The first step in pelvic floor therapy is obtaining a patient’s medical and surgical background, current medications, and sexual, gynecologic, or obstetric history. During the thorough examination, the lumbar spine, hips, stride, and posture are all carefully examined. In order to help the therapist identify any current posture or joint problems impacting the pelvic floor muscles, patients are frequently asked to stand, walk, and sit during the assessment, which typically includes evaluation of both internal and exterior muscles.
The evaluation directs the development of an appropriate care plan and assists in determining whether the therapy is appropriate. Additionally, the chosen form of therapy typically relies on the symptoms present. For instance, some symptoms may require muscular lengthening and relaxation activities, whereas other times strengthening exercises are more appropriate.
The evaluation directs the development of an appropriate care plan and assists in determining whether the therapy is appropriate. Additionally, the chosen form of therapy typically relies on the symptoms present. For instance, some symptoms may require muscular lengthening and relaxation activities, whereas other times strengthening exercises are more appropriate.
