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Internal Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Internal pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized type of physical therapy that focuses on strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles. Internal pelvic floor physical therapy is beneficial for a wide range of individuals who are experiencing pelvic pain, discomfort, or issues related to the pelvic floor muscles.
If you are wondering if you could benefit from physical therapy to help relieve any pain you may be having, schedule a consultation with us today at Paspa Physical Therapy. Our dedicated physical therapists in Manhattan, NY are here to help!
Don’t let discomfort hold you back any longer. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier and happier you!
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that form a sling-like structure at the base of the pelvis. These muscles are responsible for supporting the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and controlling their function. They also play a crucial role in maintaining bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and stability in the pelvic region.
What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to problems with the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs and form the pelvic floor. These muscles, known as the pelvic muscles, play a critical role in several functions, including bladder control, bowel movements, and sexual function.
When the pelvic muscles are weakened, overactive, or otherwise dysfunctional, it can result in a condition known as pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. This can cause a range of symptoms, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual difficulties. The specific cause of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can vary and may be due to factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, surgery, or injury.
What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause various symptoms that can impact daily life. Some of the most common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include problems with bowel movements, pain and associated symptoms, and sexual difficulties.
Some of the other symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fecal incontinence
- Urinary incontinence
- Frequent need to urinate
- Pain during sex
- Pain when walking and sitting
What Is Internal Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Internal pelvic floor therapy refers to a type of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor.
In internal pelvic floor physical therapy, a physical therapist performs manual therapy techniques to help alleviate pain, tension, or discomfort in the pelvic floor muscles. This type of therapy is often recommended for individuals suffering from chronic pelvic pain, a common condition characterized by long-lasting discomfort or pain in the pelvic area.
How Does Internal Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Work?
Internal pelvic floor physical therapy works by addressing the underlying muscle tension, weakness, or imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles that may be contributing to chronic pelvic pain.
Your physical therapist will perform an internal examination to assess the pelvic floor muscles and identify any areas of tension, weakness, or trigger points. Based on this assessment, the therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include one or several manual therapy techniques.
During the manual therapy portion of the treatment, the therapist may use their fingers to apply gentle pressure to the pelvic floor muscles, releasing any tension or knots in the muscle tissue. This can help to reduce pain and discomfort in the area.
In addition to manual therapy, the therapist will also provide education and exercises to help the patient maintain progress and continue to improve. This may include exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve posture and body mechanics, and reduce the impact of daily activities on the pelvic floor.
Overall, internal pelvic floor physical therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to manage chronic pelvic pain. By working with a skilled therapist, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.
What Conditions Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Treat?
Some of the conditions that are treated by internal pelvic floor physical therapy include:
- Pelvic floor disorders: This can include a wide range of conditions, such as pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and pelvic pain.
- Stress urinary incontinence: This is the involuntary loss of urine during physical activity, such as coughing, laughing, or exercising.
- Painful intercourse: Also known as dyspareunia, this can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle tension, scarring, and weakness in the pelvic floor muscles.
What Are the Different Techniques Used in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Internal pelvic floor physical therapy involves various techniques to help improve pelvic floor function and alleviate symptoms. Some of the common techniques used in pelvic floor physical therapy include:
- Pelvic floor exercises: These exercises are designed to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve muscle tone, and increase overall function. This can include pelvic floor muscle contractions and relaxation exercises.
- Relaxation of pelvic floor muscles: This involves techniques to help reduce tension and pain and relax pelvic floor muscles. This can include manual therapy, such as myofascial release and trigger point release, and biofeedback to help patients become more aware of and control their pelvic floor muscles.
- Breathwork: This involves the use of specific breathing techniques to help improve pelvic floor function and reduce stress.
- Postural re-education: This involves correcting posture and body mechanics to help reduce strain on the pelvic floor muscles and improve overall function.
These techniques can be used in combination to help improve overall pelvic floor function and reduce symptoms associated with pelvic floor disorders.
How Many Sessions of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Are Needed?
The number of sessions needed for pelvic floor physical therapy can vary based on the individual and their specific condition. It is common for most to have one 6 to 8-hour session every week for 8 weeks before a patient can start experiencing relief. The physical therapist will assess your needs and create a personalized treatment plan, which may involve a different number of sessions.
In some cases, only a few sessions may be necessary, while others may require more frequent visits over a longer period of time. The frequency of sessions can also depend on the severity of the condition and your body’s response to treatment.
Call Paspa Physical Therapy Today!
Take control of your pelvic health today! At Paspa Physical Therapy, located in Manhattan, New York, our highly trained physical therapists specialize in many therapies and exercises to help provide relief and promote healing to those experiencing pain.
Although our office does not provide direct internal pelvic floor physical therapy at this time, we would be glad to assess your situation and refer you to someone who does, if needed. Let us help you get back to living your life to the fullest. Book your appointment now and start your journey toward a healthier you!