Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Don't Suffer Any Longer
When people think of physical therapy, they often think of receiving treatment for low back pain, an achy knee, or a sore shoulder. Did you know that you could also receive physical therapy for diagnoses such as pelvic pain, pelvic scarring, prolapse, pre/postnatal care, and urinary incontinence?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is an emerging specialization that helps individuals with these issues improve bowel and bladder control, improve or prevent low back pain, improve sexual function, and prevent or control pelvic organ prolapse. Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that is shaped like a hammock and connects from your pubic bone to your tailbone. These muscles support your urinary, reproductive, and bowel organs and play an important role in your everyday function and overall health.
Many people, both men and women, that could benefit from this type of physical therapy do not realize that their symptoms are abnormal or are embarrassed about what they are experiencing and therefore do not speak to their provider about their symptoms. For example, there is a misconception that if someone has given birth to children or are of a certain age, it is okay to live with incontinence or discomfort. Luckily an article in the Current Urology Report from 2016 called, Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Underutilization in the USA, states that people of any age, regardless of how many children or surgeries you've had, can usually benefit from therapy to the pelvic floor.
Another misconception is that Kegels are the answer to solving most of the problems mentioned in this article; however, Kegels could be the opposite of what your pelvis needs and could make your condition worse! A study done in 2012 at the Mayo Clinic called, Recognition and Management of Nonrelaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, points out that sometimes people have pelvic floor dysfunction because their muscles need to relax more. How can you find out what type of exercise is best for you? Luckily specialized pelvic floor therapists are here to guide you down the right path towards improved function, comfort, and confidence.
What does pelvic floor therapy entail? After receiving a referral from your doctor for therapy, a physical therapist specialized in pelvic floor therapy will talk to you about why you are being referred to physical therapy and the symptoms you are experiencing. The therapist will perform a thorough evaluation of the muscles in your low back, hips, legs, and if deemed appropriate by the therapist an internal assessment of your pelvic floor, similar to when you see your gynecologist. After your evaluation, you and your therapist will work together to create a treatment plan that is unique to your impairments and symptoms.
Shirley Smith (name changed for privacy), a former patient who received pelvic floor therapy at AMITA states, "I first heard about Pelvic floor PT when my midwife suggested it at my 6-week postpartum checkup. I was experiencing some bladder leaking (something I'd never dealt with before) and lots of pain in the groin, making walking and sitting painful. I had some reservations about this therapy because talking about our problems 'down there' is always a strange conversation, and one most people avoid, but my therapist put me at ease immediately. Going through this physical therapy journey has been educational and eye opening. I honestly believe that every woman at some point in their life could benefit from pelvic PT. The knowledge, understanding and answers I have been given as I've worked through Pelvic PT is a gift. I have been given tools to help understand what can go on down there, the problems that can arise and the treatment and exercises required to strengthen and facilitate healing. Pelvic floor PT feels like a secret that someone finally let me in on."
If you feel you might benefit from pelvic floor therapy, AMITA Health provides this specialty service at our outpatient rehabilitation locations in Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg. While conditions pertaining to the pelvic floor can affect both men and women, currently the staff at our AMITA locations are qualified to treat women with pelvic floor disorders. If you are a woman suffering from issues described above and are ready to journey towards pelvic health, call today and schedule an appointment. You will need a referral from your medical doctor to initiate this treatment. You can schedule an evaluation with an AMITA Health pelvic floor therapist by contacting us at (877) 717-7700.