How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help with Pelvic Disorders

According to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, our pelvic floor is the bowl-shaped part of our lower abdomen that supports our abdominal organs and helps us properly go to the bathroom. It also helps with sexual satisfaction and is made up of soft tissues and muscles.

When the pelvic floor, which is a sort of hammock for the bowel, bladder, and uterus, is weakened and damaged, it can cause pelvic floor disorders, according to Columbia Surgery. This may result in pelvic muscles that can’t relax properly to assist in you going to the bathroom, per the Cleveland Clinic.

Per Columbia Surgery, the main disorders of the pelvic floor are lack of bowel control, inability to pass stool, and organ prolapse where some of the organs in the pelvis may literally fall down and out of place. People may also have problems properly urinating.

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Per the Mayo Clinic, about 50% of people who get pregnant will experience pelvic floor disorders during pregnancy. This is due to the weight of the baby and placenta which can place a strain on the pelvic floor, often leading to problems with urinary incontinence.

And because some women can also experience constipation, per the Mayo Clinic, this can put additional stress on the pelvic floor. The pelvis bones also loosen to prepare for the baby’s delivery, which can cause further problems, the Clinic noted.

Although pregnancy can exacerbate pelvic floor issues, it’s not the only risk factor. The Mayo Clinic also reported that women who have a history of constipation or connective tissue disorders, those who frequently lift heavy weights, and those who smoke may also be at a higher risk. Per Franciscan Health, men can also deal with pelvic floor disorders, including erectile disfunction.

Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, some of the symptoms to look out for include bladder issues like leakage or frequently needing to pee, bowel issues like leakage or constipation, pain in the pelvic area, difficulty using tampons, prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.

The Cleveland Clinic also reported that once you talk to your doctor about your symptoms, they may ask additional questions about your bathroom habits, if you experience pain during sex, and your pregnancy history. Then they can also do rectal and pelvic exams to see if your muscles are weak, spasming, or knotted. There are also additional tests to see how your bladder and bowels are functioning.

All of this will hopefully help you reach a diagnosis so you can begin treatment if necessary.

There are several types of pelvic floor therapies that can be used to address the issues. Per Johns Hopkins, options include lifestyle changes (like how you sit), muscle and strength exercises, myofascial massaging, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, and “biofeedback.” The latter uses sensors to look at pelvic floor muscles signals like contractions and relaxations, according to Northwestern Medicine.

According to the Mayo Clinic, vaginal birth “is regarded as the most significant risk factor,” for pelvic floor issues. But people who get C-sections can still consider exploring therapy options. Per Parkview Health, pelvic floor therapy can help break up scar tissue that can form following a C-section. It can also help improve lower back and pelvic pain.

You don’t have to wait until you give birth to focus on your pelvic floor health. According to Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness, “Many exercises are not only safe but also recommended during pregnancy.” Pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate pain, improve posture, prevent incontinence, and help your body recover faster.

For people expecting babies, birth classes can be immensely helpful at preparing your pelvic floor. The Mayo Clinic explains that the stretching and breathing work you do in class can help during delivery when you need your diaphragm and pelvic floor to coordinate. Yoga and perineal massage can also help with the tissues in the pelvic floor.

Lewisville Women’s Care recommends that people focus on their pelvic, hip, and core strength to support their pelvic floor. Per the Mays Cancer Center, this can include doing exercises like the bridge pose, squats, pelvic tilts, and bird dog stretches. Consult with your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, before adding pelvic floor exercises into your routine.

You’ve probably heard that doing kegels can be helpful, but that’s only if they’re done correctly. The Mayo Clinic has a helpful guide to doing proper kegels. Essentially you have to find and isolate the right muscles (so don’t flex your stomach, thighs, or glutes while doing kegels) and repeat three times a day, working up to 10 to 15 kegels per set.

If you’re experiencing pelvic floor disorder symptoms, or you’re pregnant or just generally concerned about your pelvic floor health, you can speak with your doctor about your potential therapy options. You can also find local pelvic rehab practitioners at pelvicrehab.com.

The Cleveland Clinic noted that while pelvic floor disorders are often treatable, they won’t go away on their own without some form of treatment or therapy. It could also take several months before people notice their symptoms improving, but most will eventually see a difference if they’re consistent in their treatment or therapy methods.