What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a specialized area of physical therapy aimed at treating and improving the function of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are located at the base of the pelvis and are responsible for supporting the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.
These muscles are apart of your “Deep Core Muscles” - which are shaped like a cylindrical shape (soda can). The top of the can is like an umbrella shape which consists of the diaphragm and the bottom is like a hammock - the pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor plays a vital role in maintaining control over urinary and bowel functions, sexual health, and supporting core stability.
Many people are unaware of the importance of their pelvic floor muscles, but when these muscles become weak, tight, or imbalanced, it can lead to a range of symptoms and conditions. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to addressing issues related to these muscles and can significantly improve quality of life.
The pelvic floor is similar to other muscles in our body - they contract (shorten) and relax (lengthen)
The pelvic floor must relax/lengthen to allow anything to exit (urine, stool, birth) and during penetrative intercourse.
The pelvic floor must also contract/shorten in order to hold things in (gas, urine, stool)
Did you know?!
69% of females have never heard of pelvic floor (specifically adolescents but some adults as well)
87% do not know how many holes we have
1 in 4 women have a pelvic floor dysfunction and do not talk about it, so lets change that and talk about it!
Almost ½ of them change the way they exercise or stop exercise all together because of pelvic floor dysfunction (46% of women)
You do NOT need to have had a baby to seek out pelvic PT.
This is a great visual of where your pelvic floor is.
The pelvic floor plays a key role in supporting our organs and controlling our bladder.
**Personally - I think it would be ideal for everyone to have pelvic floor physical therapy for preventative measures but I know that is not feasible for everyone.
**Typically pelvic floor physical therapy is used when the pelvic floor acts up and causes dysfunction (common symptoms seen below) but do not hesitate to start pelvic floor physical therapy without any of these symptoms because it is still beneficial!
Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is beneficial for both men and women of all ages. While women may commonly seek PFPT for issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, men also face pelvic floor dysfunction, especially those dealing with prostate issues or after pelvic surgeries.
Some of the most common conditions treated by pelvic floor physical therapy include:
Urinary incontinence: Leakage of urine, either with coughing, sneezing, or during daily activities.
Pelvic pain: This can be caused by conditions such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, or post-surgical pain.
This can also be unexplained pain, postpartum pain or pain with pregnancy
Constipation or bowel incontinence: Difficulty controlling bowel movements or chronic constipation.
Painful intercourse: This can affect both men and women, often due to tight pelvic floor muscles or scar tissue.
Prolapse: When pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, or rectum) drop from their normal position and bulge into the vaginal canal or rectum.
Postpartum recovery: Women may experience pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth, especially after a vaginal delivery.
Pre- and post-surgical care: Pelvic floor therapy can help improve strength and function before and after pelvic surgeries, including those related to the prostate or hysterectomy.
How Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Work?
Pelvic floor physical therapy involves both internal and external techniques, depending on the condition being treated, although an internal exam is not always necessary. A physical therapist with specialized training in pelvic health will assess your pelvic floor muscles and create a tailored treatment plan to address your needs.
Treatment typically includes:
Education: Understanding your anatomy and learning how to engage and relax your pelvic floor muscles is crucial. Your therapist will teach you how to properly perform pelvic floor exercises (such as Kegels) and breathe correctly to avoid straining these muscles.
Side Note: Pelvic floor physical therapy is MORE than Kegals!
Pelvic floor exercises: These exercises help strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, depending on whether the muscles are weak or overly tight.
Manual therapy: A therapist may use hands-on techniques to release tension in the pelvic floor muscles, improve flexibility, and increase blood flow to the area.
Posture and alignment education: Proper posture and body mechanics are important for pelvic health. A therapist will guide you on how to sit, stand, and move / workout in ways that reduce strain on your pelvic floor.
Lifestyle modifications: If certain habits are contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction (such as excessive straining on the toilet, or high-impact exercises that may be putting undue pressure on the pelvic region), your therapist will offer tips on making adjustments to prevent further issues.
The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a holistic and non-surgical approach to pelvic health. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improved bladder and bowel control: Many individuals who experience urinary or bowel incontinence see dramatic improvements through pelvic floor therapy.
Reduced pain: PFPT can help alleviate pelvic, genital, and lower back pain, including pain related to sexual intercourse.
Increased strength and support: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can provide better support for the pelvic organs, preventing prolapse and reducing pressure on the bladder or rectum.
Postpartum recovery: Pelvic floor therapy plays a crucial role in helping new mothers regain strength and function in their pelvic floor muscles after childbirth, which can speed up recovery and reduce complications such as incontinence or prolapse.
Improved sexual health: For both men and women, pelvic floor therapy can help improve sexual function, including addressing painful intercourse or erectile dysfunction.
When to Seek Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consider pelvic floor physical therapy:
Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
This can even be during athletics (running, jumping, squatting, lifting)
Pain during or after intercourse
Chronic pelvic pain or pressure
A sensation of heaviness or bulging in the pelvic region
Difficulty with core exercises or discomfort when engaging the abdominal muscles
Side Note:
Not all Physical therapist’s address the pelvic floor because it is not covered in depth in most physical therapy school programs. Also because not everyone is comfortable addressing the pelvic floor due to uncomfortable conversations that may come with it.
But that is ok, because I am here to help you and do not want you to feel uncomfortable talking about things that can change your quality of life! So with that being said, do not wait till things get worse and let’s have a conversation!
Also, if you are not local to me, we can still have the conversation and I can try to point you in the right direction if in person pelvic floor physical therapy is right for you!
Conclusion
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for a range of conditions related to pelvic health. Whether you’re dealing with incontinence, pelvic pain, or postpartum recovery, PFPT can help restore function, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life. If you’re experiencing any pelvic floor dysfunction, it’s worth consulting with a qualified pelvic health physical therapist to determine if this approach could benefit you.
Remember, your pelvic floor is an essential part of your health, and taking steps to care for it can lead to long-term benefits for your overall well-being.
Are you interested in pelvic floor physical therapy and working 1:1 with me?
→ Email me at brooke@rossrehabandperformance.com and we can set up a FREE discovery call to see if we will be a good fit to work together!
Check out my favorite pelvic health products linked here: https://www.rossrehabandperformance.com/pelvic-floor-equipment-recommendations
Raizada V, Mittal RK. Pelvic floor anatomy and applied physiology. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2008 Sep;37(3):493-509, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2008.06.003. PMID: 18793993; PMCID: PMC2617789.