What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy & How Does It Help You?
Millions of people all over the world live with some form of incontinence or pelvic floor issue. The subject can be a little taboo amongst people; they tend to feel embarrassment. However, it’s important to note that not only women suffer; men can suffer as well. Pelvic floor therapy is a treatment that can help all kinds of pelvic issues in both men and women.
Read on to find out more about this therapy and what it can do for you.
What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy involves the pelvic floor muscle group, which is responsible for a number of functions. Many different techniques may be used in pelvic floor therapy – but it’s important you find a therapist you feel comfortable with, as this is a key part of the treatment. Your treatment may include:
● Education – you may learn about your anatomy from your therapist, and how various components work together. You may learn how your habits affect your symptoms. You will be given advice on what you can do at home to improve your symptoms and condition to further strengthen your treatments.
● Vaginal dilators – plastic devices in the shape of a tube that are used to help women relax their muscles.
● Pelvic floor exercises – these exercises can be great for learning how to control the pelvic floor muscles. Breathing and timing techniques can make these exercises more effective, so they are taught, too. These exercises can stretch tight muscles, strengthen weak ones, and improve flexibility in the area.
● Manual therapy – hands on massage or stretching may be used to help with things like mobility and posture.
● Electrical stimulation – a low voltage current may sometimes be utilized to teach patients how to control muscle contractions.
What Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Help With?
Pelvic floor therapy can help a wide number of conditions in men and women.
● Incontinence – incontinence happens to more people than you think. Childbirth, aging, and even stress can play a role, but it should not be considered normal or accepted.
● Pelvic pain – 8-10% of males can suffer from pain, and endometriosis/urinary tract infections can be the cause for women.
● Pregnancy and postpartum – as your body grows and stretches to accommodate your baby, your muscles and ligaments become relaxed. Afterwards, pain and discomfort can be experienced. This is not normal and should not be accepted.
However, pelvic floor therapy is not limited to the above. It can also be utilized to help with:
● Difficulty with bladder or bowel movements
● Painful sex and penetration
● Constipation
● Endometriosis
● Vaginismus
● Menopause symptoms
Many people accept problems with their pelvic floor as a part of aging, or childbirth. However, although this is something many people will experience, it should not be considered ‘normal’. Normal is usually accepted, and painful, embarrassing, stressful pelvic floor issues should not be accepted. Regular pelvic floor therapy could be the answer you’ve been looking for if you suffer from one of the above issues.