Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Did You Know Physical Therapy Center of Rocky Hill Offers Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation?
Pelvic pain is an important part of what we treat at Physical Therapy Center of Rocky Hill. At our Rocky Hill, CT physical therapy clinic, we know there are a lot of pelvic floor conditions that could impact the life of any person.
Pelvic pain, urinary and bowel issues, perinatal concerns and additional issues surrounding the pelvic floor can occur for a number of reasons. It can be limiting and, for some people, even a bit embarrassing. It can hinder your daily life and prevent you from doing some of your daily tasks or activities you love.
Through our targeted programs, we can help reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms you are experiencing. Contact Physical Therapy Center of Rocky Hill today to schedule your appointment!
Will your pelvic floor rehabilitation services treat my condition?
If you are suffering from any pelvic floor pain or dysfunction , physical therapy can help. Pelvic dysfunction can occur for a vast number of reasons, and a certain pelvic therapy known as “pelvic floor rehabilitation” can help reduce or eliminate the symptoms you are experiencing.
Typical patients who would be strong candidates for our pelvic floor rehabilitation treatments include:
- Those who are pregnant.
- Those who are postpartum
- Postmenopausal patients.
- Patients with pelvic organ prolapse.
- Patients dealing with urinary or fecal incontinence.
- Patients dealing with pain during intercourse.
- Patients dealing with pain during menstruation.
- And more!
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a hammock-shaped group of muscles that sit in the base of the pelvis. There are three layers of muscles. As a group, they close off the opening of the pelvic bones. Like all muscles, the pelvic floor muscles have a full range of motion. They close and lift with contraction and open and drop down with relaxation. The muscles sit in a way that allows them to provide support to the organs housed in the pelvis – the bladder, rectum and uterus. While slightly different in shape and orientation, both women and men have pelvic floor muscles.
How does the pelvic floor Function?
The pelvic floor muscles have four main functions:
- Sphincteric – what they are best known for, the pelvic floor muscles tighten to close the urethral and anal openings to hold back urine, stool, and gas
- Stabilizing – when the pelvic floor contracts, there is is lifting motion that draws the bony pelvis together, making it more stable to allow for improved weight shifting (ex. walking)
- Supportive – the pelvic floor muscles provide support to the organs of the pelvis (bladder, rectum, uterus) against gravity and high impact activities
- Sexual – contraction of the muscles of the pelvic floor and proper blood flow to the surrounding tissues are essential for a healthy sexual response
Dysfunction
Like any muscle in the body, the pelvic floor muscles can be dysfunctional. They can be too tight, too weak, poorly coordinated, or untrained. This can lead to symptoms such as incontinence, urgency, and pain. A pelvic floor physical therapist specializes in assessing the muscles of the pelvic floor to find out the underlying cause of these symptoms.
What does a pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment plan look like?
At your initial appointment, you will undergo a thorough physical evaluation and review of medical history. This will help your physical therapist determine the best course of treatment for your needs. At Physical Therapy Center of Rocky Hill, our services include:
- Education (patient handouts and thorough information concerning your condition to take home)
- Bladder training (surrounding your bladder schedule)
- Neuro retraining (incorporating pelvic floor muscle activation during simulated daily activities)
- Pelvic floor muscle retraining
- And more, as needed
What to expect – the first visit
The first appointment is an hour long. Before any exam, the physical therapist will ask about your history and symptoms including bowel and bladder habits, activities that cause pain, and any birth or surgical history. This information will drive the physical assessment. The muscles of pelvic floor can be assessed both internally (vaginal or rectal) and externally. Unlike a gynecological exam for women, there is no speculum inserted or stirrups to put your feet in. All patients give written and verbal consent before internal assessment and treatment. Other assessments may include looking at posture and movement. You will be given suggestions to start working on and may be asked to track times of pain and bladder or bowel function to review with your PT at the next session.
What to expect – follow up visits
Follow up visits are typically half an hour long. They include a review of your symptoms and any manual treatment needed. This may be internal (vaginal or rectal) treatment for muscle release or coordination training. Treatment may also include breathing exercises, strengthening, stretching, bladder retraining, and postural adjustments. These are things patients are expected to work on at home to maintain progress between sessions.
How can I get started?
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation is important, and we want you to be able to live your life comfortably. If you are suffering from pelvic pain, don’t wait any longer to contact our Rocky Hill, CT physical therapy office.
We’ll help correct your pelvic floor problems so you can get back to living your life without pain!