Pelvic floor therapy involves the use of floor exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles and ligaments. It may be used as part of a treatment program for individuals who are dealing with urinary incontinence or involuntary loss of urine. Or, pelvic floor therapy may be used to help individuals address pelvic pain.
At Comprehensive Urology, our physical therapists work with patients to develop safe, effective pelvic floor therapy programs. Our physical therapists understand the pelvic floor exercises for one patient won’t necessarily deliver the same results for another patient. As such, our physical therapists collaborate with patients to ensure they can perform the right exercises to overcome pelvic floor dysfunction.
What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when an individual is unable to control the muscles required to complete a bowel movement. This problem may affect both men and women. Additionally, many symptoms are associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, and these include:
- Constipation and/or painful bowel movements
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the genitals, pelvis, and/or rectum
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Pain during sex for women
There is no known cause associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. However, pelvic floor therapy has been shown to help alleviate pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms. The therapy ultimately helps an individual relax the bowel muscles, making it easy to empty the bowel.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy
Individuals who experience one or more of the following disorders may benefit from pelvic floor therapy:
- Bladder disorders such as interstitial cystitis (IC), prostatitis, and prostatodynia
- Bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome
- Sexual dysfunction disorders such as levator ani syndrome
- Pelvic pain
- Coccydynia (pain in the tailbone area)
- Post-surgical pain
- Abdominal pain, pressure, discomfort, or bloating
The physical therapists at Comprehensive Urology teach patients how to perform specific exercises designed to alleviate pelvic pain. During a patient consultation, we learn about a patient’s pelvic pain and medical history. Then, we can develop a personalized pelvic floor therapy program to help a patient mitigate pelvic pain.
The benefits of pelvic floor therapy include:
- Reduced pelvic pain
- Enhanced urination control
- Improved bowel control
Pelvic floor therapy results vary based on a patient’s condition and treatment program. Comprehensive Urology’s physical therapists provide patients with expected outcomes prior to treatment.
Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor therapy is non-surgical and begins with an initial patient evaluation. Next, a physical therapist will develop a personalized pelvic floor exercise program that may include:
- Postural exercises
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Relaxation techniques
A physical therapist will work directly with a patient, teach this individual how to perform pelvic floor therapy exercises, and ensure these exercises are being completed properly. In most instances, a patient can complete pelvic floor exercises at home, and a physical therapist will assess the patient to track regular this individual’s progress. Furthermore, a physical therapist may request flexibility and strength tests to analyze patient results.
The time it takes to complete a pelvic floor therapy program varies depending on the patient and condition. A physical therapist develops a plan of care specifically tailored to a patient and establishes treatment goals based on this treatment program.
Select Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles for Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy helps individuals relieve pelvic pain. Comprehensive Urology offers in-depth pelvic floor therapy programs designed to provide long-term pelvic pain relief. To find out more about pelvic floor therapy, please call us today at (310) 596-1409 or fill out our online form to request a consultation.