How does pelvic floor physical therapy work?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective treatment for many conditions in women, including incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pain in the pelvic region.

This therapy is designed to treat the underlying cause of a woman's discomfort rather than simply managing symptoms. A pelvic floor is the group of muscles extending across the pelvis's bottom. These muscles support your internal organs and aid in urinary control, and childbirth.

If these muscles are weak or tight, they can cause problems such as incontinence, pain during intercourse, or even difficulty with bowel movements. Strengthening these muscles is key to restoring comfort and proper functioning. 

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

• Improved Core Strength

The core muscles are essential for providing stability and support to our bodies. Strengthening these muscles through PFPT can improve balance and posture and reduce back pain. 

• Reduced Pain

PFPT can be used to address chronic pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis area, as well as other areas such as the hips and lower back. It is frequently used with other treatments, such as medication or acupuncture, to relieve chronic pain conditions. 

• Bladder Control

PFPT can help strengthen weakened muscles to improve bladder control for those suffering from incontinence or overactive bladder syndrome. This can help reduce embarrassing accidents and increase confidence in everyday activities such as exercising or socialising with friends. 

• Improved Posture

Weak core muscles can lead to poor posture, which can cause neck and shoulder pain, headaches, fatigue, and shallow breathing, as well as other issues related to poor postures, such as decreased energy levels or difficulty maintaining focus throughout the day.

• Reduced Stress Levels 

Stress is common in many health issues today, but it doesn’t become serious if you take time out for yourself! Participating in PFPT exercises helps release tension from the body while also calming your mind — a great way to manage stress levels!  

• Enhanced Mobility

As we age, our mobility decreases due to weakened joints and muscles, but participating in PFPT exercises helps build strength around your joints, allowing greater freedom of movement with fewer restrictions during daily activities! 

•  Restored Confidence 

Strong core muscles give us more confidence when completing everyday tasks without feeling overwhelmed or self-conscious about our bodies. Participating in PFPT exercises gives us an extra boost of confidence.

How does it work?

Pelvic floor physical therapy typically involves exercises that are designed to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic region. These exercises can be as simple as squeezing and releasing your pelvic floor muscles (Kegels) or may involve more complex movements targeting specific pelvic areas.

Pelvic floor physical therapy can also involve other modalities like biofeedback, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or myofascial release to help with relaxation and pain relief. 

Additionally, the therapist may advise on lifestyle changes such as good posture, diet, and stress management to improve overall health outcomes.

Types of Exercises Used in PFPT 

During a PFPT session, a physical therapist will typically use several exercises to help you achieve your desired results.

These can include manual techniques such as myofascial release, neuromuscular re-education, and trigger point release, as well as exercises that focus on posture correction, balance training, functional movement training, and core strengthening.

During your sessions, you may also be asked to use specific props, such as foam rollers or stretching bands. 

How Long Does Treatment Last? 

The length of treatment depends on several factors, such as what type of issue is being addressed, how severe it is, how long it has been present, etc. Generally speaking, though, most people require anywhere from 6-8 weeks of treatment before seeing improvement in their symptoms.

Sometimes, it may take longer, depending on the treatment's severity. If underlying medical conditions need to be addressed, treatment can last up to 12 weeks or more before any significant progress is seen. 

Conclusion:

Pelvic floor physical therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for people suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction or other related issues such as chronic pain or stress-related issues.

 Using various manual techniques combined with specific exercises designed to strengthen the muscles in this area, PFPT can help improve posture and balance while relieving pain caused by chronic conditions like IBS or endometriosis.

 With regular sessions focused on improving strength and flexibility in this area, you’ll soon be feeling better than ever before!

Read also

What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy & How Does It Works?

Everything You Need to Know About Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT) for Endometriosis