Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
What is Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation?
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation is a non-surgical treatment used to assess the muscle strength and flexibility of a patient who is suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction.
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles that control bladder and bowel function, as well as tissues surrounding these pelvic organs that may fluctuate in sensitivity over time. As the muscles of the pelvic floor begin to weaken or tighten up, a variety of painful or undesirable symptoms including urinary or bowel incontinence, painful urination or discomfort during intercourse may arise. Pelvic floor therapy includes treatment to either strengthen or relax these pelvic muscles, gaining more control of the everyday functions as well as relief from the common painful symptoms.
If you’re interested in pelvic floor rehabilitation in the Huntington Beach area, contact Lokahi Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment with a specialist.
Who is it for?
Your OBGYN, GI specialist, or even primary doctor may recommend Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation for anyone suffering from pelvic pain or incontinence of urine and stool. Specific symptoms may include:
- Increased tension of pelvic muscles causing pain in the back, hips, and sacroiliac joint
- Pain during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse or use of tampons
- Urinary or stool incontinence
- Pain during an annual gynecological exam
- Discomfort or bloating in abdominal area
These symptoms commonly develop in women who:
- Suffer from endometriosis
- Recently have delivered a child (vaginally or by Cesarean)
- Recently underwent surgery (hysterectomy, hernia, laparoscopy, appendectomy, etc)
- May be suffering from an infection in the pelvic area
- Experienced trauma that may have disrupted normal functions of the pelvic area
How does it work?
During your therapy session, the doctor will begin with a thorough intake evaluation of your symptoms and history. This is followed by an internal vaginal and/or rectal exam with simultaneous treatment as needed. Following the internal exam, your therapist will assess any related areas externally. By understanding the flexibility and strength of the muscles that make up your pelvic area and the sensitivity of the tissue surrounding the pelvic organs, your doctor will be able to recommend a specific plan for care.
Treatment may include:
- Pelvic areas muscle assessment and treatment
- Postural exercises & Pilates rehabilitation
- Heat and cold therapy
- Trigger point release
- Electrical stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound
- Deep tissue massage
- External and internal soft tissue mobilization
What are the results?
By understanding that everything is connected and working with your pelvis, spine, and abdomen during our Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation process, you should see a relief in discomfort and a gain in control of pelvic function, including:
- Increased bladder and bowel control
- Improved sex life
- Decrease in pain relating to anything in the pelvic floor area
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that is often unidentified and left untreated, so it is important to inform your doctor if you are experiencing incontinence or any type of discomfort relating to your pelvic area.
Also commonly referred to as Pelvic Floor Rehab, Pelvic Physical Therapy, Pelvic PT, Urogynecologic Physical Therapy, or Pelvic Physiotherapy, the treatment can offer great relief to anyone who is experiencing any sort of pelvic, hip, or low back pain. Contact Lokahi Physical Therapy today to start your assessment and treatment for pelvic dysfunction.
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