Can going to physical therapy boost your pelvic health?

Pelvic health is vital for both men and women. Pelvic health disorders can lead to erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and lower back pain in men. Research suggests that 1 in 3 women will suffer some pelvic floor disorder in her lifetime. Conditions can include pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence.

Common causes of pelvic floor disorders include aging, pregnancy and delivery, obesity, constipation, and certain chronic diseases such as diabetes. Injury to the pelvis caused by a sports injury or car accident also can cause pelvic floor disorders. Physical therapy is a way to increase pelvic health.

4 ways physical therapy can increase pelvic health

Physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction helps the muscles work properly and helps relieve symptoms. Therapy sessions include several exercises that help your pelvic muscles relax and become stronger. Here are four ways PT can help:

1. Conduct an evaluation — Your physical therapist will do an assessment for any underlying issues contributing to symptoms, or anything from a doctor’s report to come up with a recovery plan. As part of the internal exam, your physical therapist evaluates the tone, elasticity, pain and tenderness during the internal exam.
2. Build up core strength — Pelvic health physical therapy can help you strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles by doing therapeutic exercise during your appointment. The more strength, the less pain to be experienced. As the pelvic organs are supported and leakage is controlled, strengthening the core can reduce urinary incontinence.
3. Develop a routine to do at home — Your physical therapist can prescribe appropriate exercises or activities to do at home to reduce the risk of prolapse and recover faster from gynecological surgery and childbirth.
4. Incorporate electrical stimulation — This technique is delivered to the muscles or nerves using electrodes. The device helps decrease pain and muscle spasms while also improving blood flow. The stimulation movement addresses urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence and vaginal strength.

Peak Performance can assist you in better pelvic health

Your pelvic floor muscles, tendons and ligaments are vital to support your body’s core. A licensed and trained physical therapist can help you find relief from various ailments related to pelvic conditions. Physical therapy aims to provide relief from your pelvic symptoms, improve flexibility, relieve pain and increase your overall functionality. A qualified therapist will evaluate your condition and form a treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.