Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treatment

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of people, causing discomfort and interfering with daily life. This condition occurs when the pelvic floor muscles cannot properly relax and coordinate, leading to various symptoms that affect bladder, bowel, and sexual function. 

At Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness in Huntington Beach, we know how disruptive pelvic floor dysfunction can be to your daily life—whether it’s causing bladder leakage, constipation, or pain during intimacy. Our team specializes in pelvic health therapy and takes a whole-person approach to care, combining advanced techniques with compassionate support. If you’re struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction, we’re here to help you restore strength, coordination, and confidence. 

What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that provides support and stability for vital organs, including: 

• Bladder: Holds urine. 
• Uterus and Vagina (in women). 
• Prostate (in men). 
• Rectum: Stores solid waste. 

When these muscles fail to function properly—either tightening instead of relaxing or not coordinating effectively—it leads to pelvic floor dysfunction. 

Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 

Pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest in various ways, including: 

• Bowel Issues: 
  • Constipation. 
  • Straining or incomplete bowel movements. 
  • Stool leakage.
• Urinary Problems: 
  • Urine leakage. 
  • Frequent urge to urinate. 
  • Urine retention.  
• Pain and Discomfort: 
  • Lower back pain. 
  • Pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort. 
• Sexual Dysfunction: 
  • Pain during intercourse. 
  • Difficulty achieving orgasm. 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness for a thorough evaluation. 

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can result from a combination of factors, including: 

• Pregnancy and Childbirth: Strain during pregnancy and delivery can weaken pelvic floor muscles. 
• Aging: Muscles naturally lose strength over time. 
• Chronic Conditions: 
  • Chronic constipation. 
  • Chronic coughing. 
• Lifestyle Factors
  • High-impact activities. 
  • Obesity. 
• Trauma or Surgery: 
  • Prostate surgery in men. 
  • Any abdominal, hip, or back surgeries.  
  • Traumatic injuries (e.g., car accidents). 
• Stress and Genetics: Emotional stress and hereditary factors may also contribute. 

The exact causes can vary between men and women, and multiple factors often combine to result in pelvic floor dysfunction. 

Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 

Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Diagnosis may include: 

1. Medical History: Discussing symptoms and risk factors with your doctor. 
2. Physical Examination: Testing pelvic muscle control and strength. 
3. Specialized Testing: 
   1. Evaluating bladder emptying. 
   2. Assessing muscle function during bowel movements. 

Treatment Options for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 

At Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness, we develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Common treatments include: 

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Manual therapy and targeted exercises that strengthen and improve coordination in pelvic floor and core muscles.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

• Avoiding constipation triggers. 
• Adopting a fiber-rich diet with adequate water intake.  
• Maintaining a healthy weight.

Medications

Certain medications can relax muscles or improve bowel function and others may contribute to constipation or more frequent urination. 

Kegel Exercises

Strengthening and relaxing exercises specifically target pelvic muscles to improve control and alleviate symptoms. More than 80% of individuals perform Kegels incorrectly, so it is important to consult with a pelvic floor therapist for proper instruction and plan of care. 

Surgical Intervention

For severe cases, surgery may be recommended to adjust or stimulate pelvic muscles and nerves. 

Treatment will vary based on specific symptoms and individual patient history. The bottom line is that you don’t have to let pelvic floor dysfunction control your life. At Lokahi Physical Therapy & Wellness, our specialists offer personalized treatment plans designed to relieve symptoms and help you regain comfort and function. Take the first step toward lasting relief—request an appointment online today and start your journey to better pelvic health.