Pelvic health physical therapy is an evidence-based treatment for common conditions in the pelvis such as pelvic pain, incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Before starting pelvic floor therapy, a thorough evaluation is conducted to identify all the factors that are contributing to your symptoms. Previous medical history, along with information about pain, bladder and bowel functions, surgical history, and sexual function, is collected to fully understand your body and to develop a treatment plan.
Additionally, everyday contributors such as posture, alignment, breathing, movement patterns, strength and conditioning, the lumbar and thoracic spine, hip and pelvic alignment, and the pelvic floor muscle tone and function are taken into consideration.
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that sit like a hammock between the two SITS bones, the tailbone and the symphysis pubis. The pelvic floor muscles must be able to contract to maintain continence and relax to allow for urination, bowel movements, and in women, sexual penetration.
The Main Functions of the Pelvic Floor Muscles Are:
- Sphincteric: To prevent urinary and fecal leakage.
- Support: For our internal organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum).
- Stability: For our back and pelvic girdle.
- Sexual: To increase satisfaction in sexual activity.
- Sump pump: Actions to assist the lymphatic system in bringing blood back to the trunk from the legs.