A pelvic floor is a group of ligaments, muscles, and connective tissues that support the organs in the pelvic area which includes the bladder, uterus, and rectum. The pelvic floor muscles also play a vital role in urinary and bowel function, as well as sexual function.

Pelvic floor dysfunction arises when the pelvic floor muscles become weakened or too tight, leading to a range of symptoms. Common causes of PFD include pregnancy and childbirth, ageing, surgery, trauma, and certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis and interstitial cystitis.

Types of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

There are two main types of PFD: hypertonic (overactive) and hypotonic (underactive). 

In hypertonic PFD, the pelvic floor muscles are too tight and cannot relax properly. This can cause pain and discomfort in the pelvic region, as well as urinary or bowel incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

In hypotonic PFD, the pelvic floor muscles are weakened and cannot contract properly. This can lead to urinary or bowel incontinence, and a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region.

Click here to read the benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for PFD. A trained physical therapist for PFD can work with patients in order to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms and needs.

The goals of physical therapy for PFD may include:

• Strengthening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles

• Improving coordination of the pelvic floor muscles

• Improving bladder and bowel function

• Reducing pain and discomfort in the pelvic region

• Improving sexual function

• Preventing or reducing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse

Treatment Options

Physical therapy for PFD may include a variety of treatment options, including:

1. Pelvic floor exercises: These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles to strengthen them and improve their function.

2. Biofeedback: This technique uses sensors to measure muscle activity in the pelvic floor and provide visual or auditory feedback to the patient. This can help patients learn how to properly contract and relax their pelvic floor muscles.

3. Electrical stimulation: This technique uses a small electrical current to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles and improve their function.

4. Manual therapy: This may involve massage or other hands-on techniques to help relax and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

5. Lifestyle modifications: Patients may be advised to make changes to their diet or exercise routine to improve bladder and bowel function and reduce symptoms of PFD.

6. Education: Physical therapists can provide patients with education on proper posture, breathing techniques, and other strategies to improve pelvic floor function.

Benefits of physical therapy for PFD

Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for PFD. Here are some of the benefits of physical therapy for PFD:

1. Improved pelvic muscle strength and function: Physical therapy can strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and improve their function, which can reduce or eliminate symptoms of PFD such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic pain.

2. Reduced pain: Physical therapy can help relieve pain associated with PFD by improving muscle function and reducing tension in the pelvic floor muscles. It can be especially helpful for women with chronic pelvic pain.

3. Improved bowel function: Physical therapy can also help improve bowel function by strengthening the muscles that control bowel movements, reducing constipation and other bowel-related symptoms.

4. Reduced need for surgery: Physical therapy is often used as a first-line treatment for PFD, and in many cases, it can help patients avoid surgery or other more invasive treatments.

5. Improved quality of life: By reducing or eliminating symptoms of PFD, physical therapy can help improve quality of life for patients, and allowing them to engage in activities they may have previously avoided because of embarrassment or discomfort.

6. Customized treatment plans: Physical therapy for PFD is tailored to each patient's individual needs, taking into account their symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. This means that each patient receives personalized care that is designed to address their specific needs and goals.

Overall, physical therapy is an effective and non-invasive treatment option for patients with PFD. Physical therapists can provide individualized treatment plans that address the patient's specific symptoms and needs, helping them to reduce or eliminate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.