What to Expect From Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Your pelvic region contains eliminatory organs like your bowel and bladder, and, in women, it also houses reproductive organs, including your uterus and the upper part of your vaginal vault. The connective tissue and muscle of your pelvic floor support the whole area. You may suffer from health issues in this part of your body as a complication of pregnancy or due to risk factors like smoking or being overweight or obese.

At Advanced Urogynecology of Maitland, Florida, Dr. Kristin M. Jackson and her team offer non-judgemental and compassionate support for patients with pelvic organ prolapse and other pelvic region complaints. Sometimes, you need surgery to address pelvic organ prolapse fully. In less severe cases, pelvic floor physical therapy may be all you need for recovery.

What can you expect during and after pelvic floor physical therapy, and who is a good candidate for this treatment? Dr. Jackson provides more information about this type of physical therapy and its benefits.

Understanding pelvic floor dysfunction

The pelvic floor consists of muscles that connect the tailbone to the pubic bone. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor isn’t strong enough to support all of the internal organs, and it is also known as pelvic floor dysfunction.

When this happens, your pelvic organs can shift out of place. Prolapsed organs can bulge into your vagina and may even become visible in your vaginal canal in more severe cases. Symptoms include discomfort and functionality issues with urination and defecation. 

Several factors can weaken the muscles and ligaments of your pelvic floor. Childbirth is the most common cause. Hysterectomy, chronic constipation, persistent coughing, and having a higher body weight can also contribute to the problem. Prolapse is more common than you might realize, especially in women who have given birth vaginally at least once.

The benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy

In pelvic floor physical therapy, you strengthen and restore the integrity of this part of your body. Your therapy takes place both in the office and at home. Your treatment starts with assessing your core muscles' strength and endurance and the coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. Based on this assessment, your unique treatment plan is designed for your care needs.

One part of your treatment may involve the placement of a small sensor in your vagina. Your provider positions the sensor during an in-office visit. The sensor can then gently stimulate the muscles supporting your pelvic floor with low-intensity electrical impulses. Over time, this stimulation painlessly increases muscle strength.

Pelvic floor physical therapy often includes teaching you how to perform Kegel exercises. You tense and then repeatedly relax your pelvic floor muscles as you complete Kegels sets, increasing muscle strength and tone. You can perform Kegels at home or even while commuting or waiting in line.

In some cases, biofeedback can help guide physical therapy. Using specialized devices, including external electrodes and internal probes, your provider gathers information on the contraction and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. This information can help shape your ongoing treatment for more effective results.

You can pair pelvic floor physical therapy with supportive devices known as pessaries, which help to relieve your prolapse symptoms. Conservative treatment approaches like physical therapy may mean that you can avoid needing surgery to address pelvic organ prolapse and associated symptoms.

Contact Advanced Urogynecology today to learn more about pelvic floor treatment, including physical therapy. You can schedule your initial consultation appointment online or over the phone.