Pelvic floor therapy, also known as pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT), is a specialized form of physical therapy focused on treating dysfunction, pain, weakness, or tightness in the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, prostate, and rectum, and contribute to core stability and pelvic function
What Pelvic Floor Therapy Involves
- Assessment: A pelvic floor therapist performs an initial evaluation, including external and internal muscle exams, to identify whether the dysfunction is due to weak (low-tone) or overly tight (high-tone) pelvic floor muscles
- Treatment: Therapy may include exercises like Kegels to strengthen muscles or techniques such as biofeedback, manual therapy, myofascial release, and nerve stimulation to relax or retrain muscles
- Goals: The primary goal is to restore normal muscle function, reduce pain, improve mobility, and address symptoms related to pelvic floor disorders
Conditions Treated
Pelvic floor therapy addresses a wide range of issues, including:
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Chronic pelvic pain conditions (e.g., dyspareunia, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis)
- Sexual dysfunction (e.g., pain during intercourse, erectile dysfunction)
- Bowel dysfunction (constipation or diarrhea)
- Postpartum pelvic floor weakness or trauma
- Pelvic nerve pain such as pudendal neuralgia
Benefits
Pelvic floor therapy is a conservative, minimally invasive first-line treatment that can improve or resolve symptoms of many pelvic floor disorders. It enhances muscle strength, endurance, coordination, and relaxation, often improving quality of life without the need for surgery or medication
. In summary, pelvic floor therapy is a targeted physical therapy approach that helps individuals regain control and function of their pelvic floor muscles, addressing a variety of pelvic health issues through personalized treatment plans
