Do you feel any pain on your pelvic? Or experience painful intercourse? That may be a sign that your pelvic floor muscles are not in good shape. Pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and connective tissues work together to hold on your pelvic organs, helping in bladder and bowel control and contributes in sexual arousal for both men and women.
For women, the tissues are connected to the pelvis, tailbone and sacrum which supports the urinary and reproductive tract that involves the uterus, prostate, bladder, urethra and the vagina. Together with posture and breathing, it gives pelvic stability to properly work. Once they fail, the dysfunctions occur and pain can be felt.
There are conditions which affect the pelvic floor, the underactive and the overactive dysfunction. Underactive dysfunctions are pregnancy, aging related changes, postpartum and weakening of the muscles. While, overactive dysfunctions are tightening of the pelvic muscles which happens during urinary urgency, urinary frequency, pain with prolonged sitting, constipation and sexual dysfunction.
Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Issues
- Bladder Dysfunction. The pelvic floor muscles contract whenever you “hold it in” so you can reach the comfort room without peeing. It tightens which causes the muscles to not relax. This will weaken the muscles causing urinary incontinence.
- Bowel Dysfunction. This includes constipation, bowel frequency, bowel urgency and abdominal pain. Consulting a therapist will teach you proper toileting postures and techniques to ensure that the pelvic muscles are relaxed and not strained.
- Sexual Dysfunction. Overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles may cause it to strain and spasm to avoid further injury. It may also cause trigger points or little knots in the muscles which are painful to the touch.
What is Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is an approach that reconditions the pelvic floor muscles through principles of physical therapy in a structured, effective and safe way. With the goal of improving the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles, there are procedures to take:
- History taking is done first. Surgical and medical histories are studied like what medications did you take, when was the last time you had sexual intercourse and your obstretic history.
- Performing orthopedic examination. Focusing on the lumbar spine and hips, gait and posture. It also assesses the internal and external muscles. You will be asked to perform some simple movements like standing, walking, and to sit just to determine any posture or joint issues. After the examinations it will be studied if Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC is the right therapy you need.
- Treatment plan. After determining the issues, the therapist will now create an accurate treatment plan for you. This plan may include strengthening exercises of the legs, trunk or pelvic muscles, relaxation exercises or shortened pelvic muscles. They also teach how self-management and prevention are important. It can also have modalities such as ice, heat, or electrical stimulation.
Ultimately, Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC helps to ease the pain and restore normal functioning. It is recommended as a first-line remedy for many pelvic issues. Physicians will know if you are in need of a Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC if there are obvious pelvic floor symptoms which are speculated to have neuromuscular causes. Pelvic pain is not normal, the longer you experience this the more likely your nerve receptors will get sensitized resulting in a heightened reaction to pain.
Techniques used in Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC
Common techniques are hands-on which includes both internal and external treatment. Internal treatment which is done by using specialized instruments or using the finger which passes through the rectum or vagina to do trigger point therapy. Applying pressure on points or injecting anesthesia on trigger points is administered by a doctor or nurse practitioner and not a physical therapist.
Here are some example of the techniques used:
- Know your body! Patients are taught about the pelvic anatomy like how it works, what to do to keep it healthy and what to avoid. They are also taught how to properly take care of themselves.
- 1,2,3 Exercise! Exercising your pelvic muscles by learning to contract and relax is a good way to maintain it to be healthy. In this, they learn breathing and timing techniques which are designed to strengthen weak muscles and to boost flexibility.
- If you are comfortable with it, you can choose this technique where a probe will be inserted into the rectum or the vagina which will flash into a screen.
- A Nice Massage. A physical therapist will give you a massage using their hands and will stretch the muscles that will improve the blood circulation, posture and mobility of a patient.
- Electrical Stimulation. A therapist will perform the treatment in their clinic or at home with their unit. This process starts by teaching the patient how to coordinate the contractions of the muscle by a low voltage current.
- Vaginal Dilators. This technique is common among women. A tube-shaped plastic device will be inserted into the vagina to help stretch tight tissues. Those who undergo gynecological cancer treatment find this helpful in vaginal rehabilitation after treatment.
It may seem that pelvic physical therapy is unusual but it is quite effective. Feedbacks are positive and have a good success rate saying it changed their lifestyle for the better. Though the effectiveness depends on how severe the condition is. Patients may also need to return for periodic therapy to make sure that things are going to what is expected.
Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC
Many people are doubting if they should consult their physicians or therapists whenever they feel pelvic pains. These issues shouldn’t be ignored, don’t suffer in silence. It is safe to have pelvic floor physical therapy so don’t be scared. It is evidence-based and medically recognized by many professionals. If you experience any of the said symptoms, speak to your physician to determine what issues you are having. Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC will welcome you and we are honored and privileged to help you in this journey to a pain-free and better life.