How much do you know about the role of the pelvic floor? Did you know that it is one of the most overlooked areas of the human body? And that many people – perhaps even you – ignore the vital role it plays in supporting internal organs and contributing to sexual health?
When pelvic floor muscles are weakened or damaged in some way, issues such as incontinence or reduced sexual satisfaction may occur. This is where pelvic floor physical therapy comes in.
This guide reveals everything you need to know about pelvic floor physical therapy.
What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is, in essence, a specialised branch of physiotherapy that aims to strengthen and restore the pelvic floor’s proper function. Does it involve invasive techniques? No – it’s quite the opposite.
It is a non-surgical treatment that focuses on treating dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles with a mix of specific exercises and tools.
These muscles exist in the human body to support vital organs in female bodies (such as the uterus or bladder). When they don’t function properly—due to health issues or ageing—they can cause discomfort and other symptoms.
Physical therapy for the pelvic floor is designed to reverse this condition.
What Are the Benefits Of Physical Therapy For the Pelvic Floor?
The most important benefit is that this therapy strengthens the pelvic muscles in a non-surgical way. This strengthening, in turn, helps in many other health conditions that include:
- Urinary or faecal incontinence.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Postpartum recovery.
- Pelvic organ prolapse.
- Painful intercourse.
- Faster recovery after pelvic or abdominal surgery.
Over time, pelvic floor physical therapy can dramatically improve daily comfort and overall well-being. In more detail, people undergoing this type of physiotherapy begin to notice:
- Reduced urinary or faecal incontinence.
- Improved sexual function and satisfaction.
- Relief from chronic pelvic pain.
- Enhanced postpartum recovery.
- Prevention of pelvic organ prolapse.
- More confidence in their daily activities.
How Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Done?
The first step involves an assessment by your physiotherapist. This, depending on your needs, often includes:
- Taking medical history. A thorough medical review is conducted to understand the symptoms and underlying causes, as well as the patient’s lifestyle choices and end goals.
- Doing a physical examination. The next step is to evaluate the pelvic muscle tone and strength, as well as the degree of control. This is done with gentle external and sometimes internal examinations.
- Design a personalised treatment plan. In the end, a programme tailored to address specific concerns is designed.
Once the assessment is done and the treatment program is decided, several techniques may be included, such as:
- Hands-on therapy, performed by your physiotherapist, to release tightness.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy exercises: Specialised exercises that build strength, either done with or without pelvic floor physical therapy tools.
- Biofeedback therapy: Using sensors to provide feedback on muscle activity and stimulate it.
- Change of lifestyle habits: Improving your posture and breathing.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Exercises
Some pelvic floor physical therapy exercises, often known as Kegel exercises, are widely recognised for improving pelvic strength and sexual function.
Your physiotherapist may recommend a blend of exercises that will often consist of:
- Kegel exercises – Involve contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles for a few seconds, done in sets.
- Bridge pose – Stretching and strengthening both the core and pelvic muscles. Sometimes with the use of a yoga ball.
- Squats – In repeating sets to engage large muscle groups while supporting pelvic strength.
- Breathing exercises – Deep diaphragmatic breathing for better coordination of pelvic and abdominal muscles.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Tools
The other core aspect of pelvic floor physical therapy is the use of specialised tools. These can be:
- Biofeedback devices: Measure muscle contractions and provide real-time visual or audio feedback.
- Pelvic floor trainers: Small devices inserted to assist with resistance training. There are two common types of trainers: vaginal dilators and vaginal pessaries.
A vaginal dilator is used to gently stretch the vaginal area and improve support of the pelvic area.
On the other hand, a vaginal pessary comes in either cubic, round, or stem-like form and acts as an internal support cushion for the pelvic floor.
- Electrical stimulation units: Deliver gentle pulses that help activate weak muscles.
Bottom Line
The pelvic floor plays a crucial part in your overall well-being, and what matters most is to ensure its proper function. That is why pelvic floor physical therapy is so valuable. It is a practical solution that can alleviate a wide range of health issues in a non-invasive way.
Advanced Healthcare, your trusted partner in health, offer an extensive collection of pelvic floor physical therapy tools to improve your treatment most beneficially.
Remember – your journey towards improved pelvic health starts with Advanced Healthcare!
FAQs About Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
1. What Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Consist Of?
It consists of a combination of specialised exercises, specific pelvic floor physical therapy tools, and manual therapy. Without any surgical or invasive techniques, this distinct branch of physiotherapy is dedicated to reversing pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions and reducing symptoms affecting your well-being.
2. How Long Does It Take To See Results?
Typically, it takes from 4 to 6 weeks of consistent therapy to notice the first results. If you adhere to all pelvic floor physical therapy exercises, you will eventually witness full results after some months. Consistency is key!
3. Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Painful?
No, it isn’t painful. You may experience a slight initial discomfort as your body comes in contact with the pelvic floor physical therapy tools. However, over time, any uncomfortable feeling tends to disappear, leaving you with the benefits of the treatment only.
