How Physical Therapy Can Help You Alleviate Pelvic Pain
Are you struggling with pelvic pain and seeking an effective, non-invasive treatment to restore your quality of life? Look no further. At Trilogy Physical Therapy, our expert physical therapists in Kenmore location are dedicated to helping you overcome pelvic pain and embrace a pain-free future using evidence-based pelvic physical therapy techniques.
When you have pelvic floor dysfunction, your pelvic muscles can’t relax or work together the way they should. If these muscles can’t relax, only tighten, you may have:
- Constipation
- Peeing frequently
- Trouble controlling your bowels or urine, leading to leaks
- Pain during sex in women
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Pelvic Floor rehabilitation is an evaluation and treatment approach for those dealing with pain, dysfunction, and irregularities that are impacting everyday life and participation. Pelvic Floor Therapists are specially trained to evaluate, diagnose, and provide interventions for the surrounding muscles and tissues in the Pelvic region. Everyone has a pelvic floor, and it is designed for supporting internal structures, sphincter control (urinary and fecal), and sexual functions.
Women’s health specialists recommend a pelvic health checkup after delivery. Postpartum physical therapy usually focuses on pelvic floor quality and general strength and stability. Men have pelvic floors too- and they can benefit when they exercise them regularly. Just like women, at various times in their lives men can benefit from training their pelvic floors to address a variety of health concerns. About 30% of men visiting the doctor have urinary incontinence (bladder leakage), but a majority don’t bring it up and take longer to seek help for it compared to women.
People sometimes assume these problems are just a normal part of aging; but common doesn’t mean inevitable. There is often much improvement to be had with some simple strategies – including pelvic floor rehabilitation.
When would it be appropriate to seek out a Pelvic Floor Therapist?
Conditions that may affect the pelvic floor include:
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Pelvic pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pregnancy related pain
- Postpartum
- Groin Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Prostatitis
- Bladder cancer
- Post-hernia repair
- Sacroiliac pain
- Pain with Penetration
How Physical Therapy Helps Resolve Pelvic Pain
At Trilogy Physical Therapy, we’ll start with a comprehensive exam, including a full health history and over of your symptoms–allowing our physical therapists to get to the root of your pelvic floor issues so we can find a solution that works.
Here are just a few of the evidence-based techniques we’ll use to help you find relief:
- Pelvic Floor Manual Therapy : The pelvic floor is a muscle like any other. A gentle, hands-on manipulation of the muscles and fascia can help release the muscles so you can find relief.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen and stretch your pelvic floor muscles. We’ll show you which exercises will most benefit you and your condition. In some cases, we might utilize biofeedback to really target your muscle training.
- Modalities: Certain techniques, such as electrical stimulation (TENS) or hot and cold therapy, can help reduce pain.
- Bladder Training: If you’re struggling with urinary incontinence, bladder training can help you go longer between bathroom breaks.
- Education: Finally, we can provide detailed education about your particular condition, including strategies for lifestyle changes that might help reduce your pain or relieve symptoms.
Interested in more information? Schedule a consultation in Kenmore with our Pelvic Floor Therapist, Dylan Stannard PT, DPT.
