When you hear “physical therapy,” you might think of recovering from an injury, improving strength, or getting back on your feet after surgery. But physical therapy can help with much more – including the muscles that support your bladder, and reproductive organs.
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to help people improve the strength, coordination, and function of their pelvic floor muscles. And while pelvic health concerns can sometimes feel uncomfortable or embarrassing to talk about, they’re common, and you don’t have to simply live with them. We met with Anna Douglass, Cameron Physical Therapist, to learn more about how Cameron Rehab supports patients through pelvic floor therapy.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that stretch across the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles help support the bladder, and reproductive organs and play an important role in bladder control, sexual function, posture, and core stability. Like any other muscles in the body, the pelvic floor can become too weak, too tight, or difficult to coordinate properly.
Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy may help people experiencing a variety of concerns, including:
- Urinary leakage or frequent urination
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Dolor durante el coito
- Pelvic muscle tension or discomfort
- Pregnancy and postpartum changes
- Recovery following childbirth or pelvic surgery
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Core weakness or changes in pelvic stability
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for women, either. Men can benefit from pelvic floor therapy, particularly when dealing with urinary symptoms, pelvic pain, or recovery following certain surgeries.
What Happens During Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Your first appointment typically begins with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and goals. Your therapist may evaluate your posture, movement, breathing, core strength, and pelvic muscle function.
Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include:
- Targeted exercises
- Stretching and mobility work
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Core strengthening
- Education about bladder habits
- Manual therapy
- Strategies to improve muscle coordination
Your treatment plan is individualized to your symptoms and comfort level. In some cases, pelvic muscles may actually be too tight, meaning relaxation and coordination are just as important as strengthening.
You Don't Have to "Just Live with It"
Leaking when you sneeze, feeling pelvic pressure, experiencing pain, or dealing with bladder or bowel changes may seem like things you simply have to accept – especially after having children or as you get older. But these symptoms aren’t something you have to live with.
If pelvic floor symptoms are affecting your daily activities, exercise, sleep, relationships, or quality of life, talk with your healthcare provider about whether pelvic floor therapy may be right for you.
Anna shared, “At Cameron Rehab, we strive to improve your quality of life in all aspects through personalized rehabilitation to meet your needs and help create a stronger YOU”.
Your pelvic health matters, and getting help is nothing to be embarrassed about. Cameron’s Rehabilitation team is here to help.