Did you know that 32% of women in primary healthcare have bravely battled at least one pelvic floor disorder? But ladies, we’re not alone in this battle—surprisingly, one in eight men also face challenges with their pelvic floor, bladder, and bowel. It’s time to give these vital muscles the attention they deserve!
Your pelvic muscles are more important than you might think. Neglecting them can lead to pelvic organ prolapse, unwanted leaks (yes, we’re talking about urinary and fecal incontinence), and even painful moments in the bedroom.
This is where pelvic floor therapy comes in. This transformative initiative involves exercises that strengthen and relax your pelvic floor muscles while boosting your core stability.
This guide will tell you all you need to know about pelvic floor therapy. So, let’s get started!
Understanding The Pelvic Floor Muscles
To truly grasp the effectiveness of pelvic floor therapy, let’s dive into the world of pelvic floor muscles and their incredible functionality. Picture the pelvic muscle area, comprising the tailbone, pubic bone, and a group of muscles that diligently support our bowel and bladder like unsung heroes.
These mighty muscles also serve as the backbone of balance, stabilizing our core and keeping us grounded. However, trouble can ensue when these pelvic floor muscles lose their strength and elasticity. Suddenly, controlling bladder and bowel movements becomes a precarious task.
In more extreme cases, weakened support can lead to the dreaded prolapse, where our precious pelvic organs take an untimely detour from their rightful positions. Bladder, rectum, or vaginal prolapse can result in a host of unpleasant symptoms, including urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunction.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Enhances Well-Being?
Pelvic floor therapy promotes bladder and bowel control, alleviates discomfort, and revitalizes your confidence for a happier, healthier you. It results in:
Strong Pelvic Muscles
Pelvic floor therapy consists of certain exercises that focus on strengthening and conditioning the pelvic floor muscles. With the help of these targeted exercises and techniques, you can improve the tone, flexibility, and endurance of pelvic floor muscles. As a result, the organs in the pelvic area have better support, which decreases the risk of organ prolapse.
Improved Bowel Control
Pelvic floor therapy enhances control and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles and bladder and bowel functions. This can be particularly beneficial for managing urinary and fecal incontinence and other related issues.
Alleviated Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Disorder
Pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate a wide range of symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. For example, it can reduce urinary urgency and frequency, relieve pelvic pain and pressure, and help resolve sexual dysfunction. Instead of just relieving the symptoms, the therapy targets the root cause to provide long-lasting relief and improve the quality of life.
Enhanced Sexual Health
Pelvic floor therapy can have a positive impact on sexual health and intimacy. It can improve vaginal tone, which can help treat pain during intercourse, vaginismus, vulvodynia, menopause symptoms, and more. With it, you can regain comfort and confidence in your intimate relationships.
The Pelvic Floor Therapy Process
The pelvic floor therapist tailors the exercises and techniques according to your health requirements. However, they use a standard process to achieve this goal that includes:
Assessment and Evaluation
The therapy journey begins with an initial assessment and evaluation. Your therapist will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and expected goals. They will also perform a physical exam to assess the strength and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles.
Development of a Personalized Treatment Plan
Your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your assessment result. They will include various treatment modalities and techniques tailored to relieve the discussed issues. Your therapist will also discuss the duration and frequency of pelvic floor therapy sessions before starting the program. However, session duration and frequency can change depending on your progress.
While developing your treatment plan, the therapist will inform you about different exercises and inquire which ones you are comfortable with. Some commonly used techniques are:
- Kegel Exercises: This group of exercises contracts and relaxes the pelvic floor muscles to strengthen and improve control.
- Biofeedback: This technique uses sensors to provide real-time feedback on muscle activity. Your therapist can use it to help you master proper muscle activation.
- Electrical Stimulation: This technique utilizes low-level electrical currents to stimulate muscle contractions and improve weak muscle tones.
Treatment Plan Implementation
Once the therapy plan has begun, your pelvic floor therapist will closely monitor your progress to adjust the treatment plan as needed. They will also provide you with moral guidance and support to remove any psychological blocks and mental discomfort. It is crucial for you and your therapist to communicate freely, so they can address any concerns and make necessary modifications to the treatment plan.
Wrapping Up
Discover the extraordinary effectiveness of pelvic floor therapy in treating a range of pelvic disorders, including bowel and urinary inconsistencies, pelvic pain, prolapse, and sexual difficulties. Through this tailored therapeutic approach, you can find personalized and effective solutions to address pelvic floor dysfunction, leading to a life of improved quality and well-being. Embrace the possibilities and regain control of your pelvic health for a fulfilling and vibrant existence.
Read Next:
How You Feel After Your Workout Can Offer Clues About Your Physical Health
Get Queasy Easy? Here’s the Best Protein Powders for a Sensitive Stomach
