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Pelvic floor physical therapy often carries a hushed stigma, shrouded in mystery and rarely discussed openly. But beyond the whispers lies a powerful tool for improving not just urinary and bowel control, but also your overall well-being. Let's shed light on this incredible therapy and explore its surprising benefits.
As we discussed in previous posts, the pelvic floor is a network of muscles supporting all of your internal organs, and a major contributor to core stability. When these muscles are weak or tight, they can lead to a cascade of issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. They can also play into back and SI pain, hip pain, and even jaw and neck issues. This is where pelvic floor physical therapy steps in, helping you rediscover and strengthen this crucial core foundation.
Improve urinary incontinence: Approximately 20 million Americans experience urinary leakage - both women and men! Urinary leakage can be caused by both weak AND overactive pelvic floor muscles - a trained pelvic floor physical therapist can determine which one and prescribe a plan of care to address your specific issues.
Pelvic pain: Whether it's chronic pain associated with endometriosis or pain during intimacy, pelvic floor therapy can offer relief by addressing muscle tension and nerve sensitivity.
Bowel dysfunction: Constipation can also be addressed by PT - diet, hydration, lifestyle, and pelvic floor mobility all play a major role in our bowel movements.
Sexual dysfunction: Tightness or weakness can impact arousal, orgasm, and overall sexual satisfaction. By addressing these issues, pelvic floor therapy can enhance your intimacy.
Improve core strength and stability: This leads to better posture, balance, and even athletic performance.
Enjoy pregnancy: 70% of pregnant people will have some symptom during pregnancy, PT has been shown to help improve symptoms, significantly faster and more efficiently than "waiting until you have the baby," that way you can actually enjoy pregnancy.
Boost postpartum recovery: Over 70% of patients tested will have abdominal weakness postpartum, PT can help design a customized program to get you stronger and back to the activities you love.
Manage chronic pain conditions: Conditions like endometriosis or interstitial cystitis can find relief through pelvic floor therapy techniques.
Reduce stress and anxiety: Addressing pelvic floor issues can alleviate the stress and anxiety often associated with them, promoting overall well-being.
Who can benefit?
The answer is: everyone! Whether you're an athlete experiencing pelvic pain, a new mom struggling with postpartum recovery, or anyone seeking to improve their core strength and well-being, pelvic floor therapy can be a powerful tool.
Taking the First Step:
Don't let embarrassment hold you back. Remember, prioritizing your pelvic health is not just about leaks or pain, it's about investing in your overall well-being. So, take the first step, and discover the surprising benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy. Your body and mind will thank you for it!
References and Further Reading
Tran LN, Puckett Y. Urinary Incontinence. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559095/
Ghaderi F, Oskouei AE. Physiotherapy for women with stress urinary incontinence: a review article. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014 Sep;26(9):1493-9. doi: 10.1589/jpts.26.1493. Epub 2014 Sep 17. PMID: 25276044; PMCID: PMC4175265. Available from: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jpts/26/9/26_jpts-2014-038/_article
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.