Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: What You Need to Know

Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a type of physical therapy that focuses on treating dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. This form of therapy can be used to treat issues such as urinary or bowel incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, and interstitial cystitis. It can also help with postpartum recovery and sexual dysfunction. In this article, we’ll explore what pelvic floor physical therapy is, how it works and why it may be beneficial for some patients.

​What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to address muscle dysfunctions in the lower abdomen and pelvis. It involves manual treatments, such as deep tissue massage, stretching exercises and electrical stimulation of the affected area. Through these treatments, therapists strive to improve muscle strength and flexibility, decrease tension in the muscles and reduce pain.

How Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Work?

During PFPT sessions, your therapist will assess the condition of your pelvic floor muscles and focus on identifying imbalances or tightness in the muscles that are contributing to your symptoms. This can include examining your posture, range of motion and alignment. Your therapist may also use special imaging tests like ultrasound or electromyography to evaluate muscular activity within the area.
Based on the findings from this assessment process, your therapist will then design an individualized plan of care that best suits your needs and goals. This plan could involve various manual treatments such as trigger point release or myofascial release techniques; electrical stimulation; muscle strengthening exercises; relaxation techniques; or other modalities like yoga or meditation therapies. As you progress through treatment, you’ll be monitored closely so your therapist can make any necessary adjustments along the way.

Benefits Of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

There are several potential benefits to pelvic floor physical therapy:

• Improved bladder control
• Relief from chronic pain in both lower abdomen/pelvis area
• improved range-of-motion for better daily activities
• Strengthened stomach muscles with improved posture
• Relief from constipation due to weakened abdominal muscles

These are just a few examples of how PFPT can help improve quality-of-life for both women and men suffering from a range of conditions related to dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles!

Who Should Consider Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

If you’re experiencing any pelvic discomfort or symptoms related to urinary incontinence or bowel problems (both common during pregnancy), then it may be worth considering PFPT as an option for relief. Additionally, those suffering from chronic pelvic pain syndromes like endometriosis could potentially benefit from PFPT if they’re experiencing difficulty with basic activities due to stiffness/weakness in their lower abdominal region resulting from these disorders. Ultimately it's up to you and your doctor/therapist team whether or not PFPT would be suitable for your situation - but it's definitely something worth discussing!

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