Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The muscles in the pelvic floor form a type of sling at the bottom of the pelvis. They are important to support your bladder, rectum, uterus, and other contents of the pelvis; offer sphincter control to help control leakage of urine, gas or stool; and they have important sexual functions.
Contributors to problems in pelvic floor:
- Childbirth.
- Episiotomy.
- Trauma.
- Hysterectomy.
- Bladder or rectal repair.
- Pelvic fractures.
- Musculoskeletal imbalances including weak and/or tight muscles.
- Infection or inflammation.
- Lack of appropriate muscle coordination.
- Pressure from organs in the pelvis.
- Sexual abuse
Patients with pelvic floor dysfunction can complain of painful intercourse; inability to achieve orgasm; pressure in the pelvis; incontinence; pain in vagina, low back, rectum, tailbone, groin, or thigh.
PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION
After a thorough evaluation, tests will be conducted to assess contributors to the dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles. A plan of care may include:
- Manual therapy to reduce tension in muscles along with exercises for stretching them.
- Exercises to strengthen weakened muscles.
- Instructions on techniques for pain management strategies at home.
- Modalities for pain relief (electrical stimulation, ultrasound, Biofeedback, heat and cold.)
- Relaxation techniques.
- Corrections for spinal and pelvic mal-alignments.
- Coordinating pelvic floor and abdominal muscles with activities of daily living to prevent the problem from recurring.