Reviewed and contributions made by Senior Director Specialty Services Kari Melby
May 14th kicks off Women's Health Week. ATI joins our fellow healthcare providers to empower women to advocate for themselves and their unique health needs.
We encourage women to focus on their immediate and long-term health to improve their overall well-being. For all women, regular check-ups, including an annual visit to your OBGYN, staying active, eating a balanced diet of whole foods, prioritizing mental health and reducing stress are all a part of a healthy lifestyle.
Your daily habits make a significant impact on your well-being. Practicing habits that contribute to and enhance your health is essential. It is also important to note how your body changes as you age. From one’s first menstruation to her last, a woman's overall health and pelvic health are linked.
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Women's Health and the Pelvic Floor
Pelvic Health relates to the pelvis and the pelvic floor. The pelvis houses major organs like the bladder, vagina, uterus and rectum. The pelvic floor consists of pelvic and lower abdominal organs, nerves, veins and network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue.
The pelvic floor muscles support organs and aid in bladder, bowel and sexual function. It also coordinates with deep abdominal muscles and the diaphragm for core stability and strength.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction occurs when these muscles are unable to relax or work together in coordination. It can result in uncomfortable, sometimes embarrassing symptoms.
What are the symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
When your pelvic floor or pelvic health is compromised, some symptoms you may experience include one or more of the following:
- Frequently needing to use the bathroom
- Constipation, straining, and/or pain during bowel movements
- Incontinence (urinary or stool)
- Painful urination
- Experiencing ongoing pain in pelvic region, genitals or rectum
- Pelvic pain with sexual activity
- Feeling pressure or heaviness in pelvic region
- Difficulty emptying bladder or bowel
- Feeling lower back or hip pain with no other cause
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, pelvic floor physical therapy may be the key to unlocking relief.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy can help and what to expect
Working with a pelvic health physical therapist [PT] can help improve the coordination and strength of your pelvic floor muscles and relieve uncomfortable symptoms. To get started, you will first need an assessment with a specialty-trained pelvic health PT.
During this first assessment, you will have a detailed conversation with your PT, discussing your symptoms, medical history, difficulties with activity completion and lifestyle. Once your therapist understands these factors, they will then complete a thorough assessment of your posture, and alignment and muscle function in your trunk, pelvis and hips.
Your physical therapist will also assess your core muscles to gauge how strong they are and how well they work together. This assessment includes checking core support and pelvic floor muscles' coordination, mobility, strength, and endurance. If appropriate, your PT will also test these muscles in different activities and positions.
To address bowel, bladder, sexual concerns or core weakness, your therapist may recommend an internal pelvic examination. This may or may not occur during your first visit. Your pelvic health PT will provide education regarding the importance of this examination and always obtain your consent prior to completing this exam.
Ultimately, your therapist's task is to evaluate your symptoms and concerns to determine the best course of care. Then, your physical therapist will work with you (and your healthcare provider) to choose the right treatment plan for you.
How do you do pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy improves your pelvic floor muscle mobility (tone), coordination, and strength. Our Women's Health Specialists will take the time to determine what treatment is right for you. They will also be your guide throughout treatment. A list of our treatment options includes:
- Patient, dietary and behavioral education
- External and internal manual therapy
- Muscle and body awareness activities Appropriate strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Biofeedback, electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Hot and cold therapy
- Home exercise program
How do I get started?
If you are ready to learn more about pelvic floor physical therapy, visit our Women's Health Care Services page. Our pelvic health specialists are looking forward to welcoming you and help you find relief.