What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor consists of three layers of muscles spanning the base of the pelvis, surrounding three major orifices (in women): the urethra, vagina, and rectum.
NEWSLETTER Health &Wellness FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE WITHOUT PELVIC PAIN
NEWSLETTER Health &Wellness FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE WITHOUT PELVIC PAIN
What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor consists of three layers of muscles spanning the base of the pelvis, surrounding three major orifices (in women): the urethra, vagina, and rectum. What does the Pelvic Floor do? The pelvic floor is responsible for supporting the pelvic organs, preventing leakage of bowel and urine, and participates in movement during functional daily tasks. What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction? Pelvic floor dysfunction is a term referring to a pelvic floor that is not maintaining continence (allowing bowel or urine leakage), allowing pain during intercourse (also called dyspareunia), and not supporting the pelvic organs (prolapse). A dysfunctional pelvic floor can be overactive or underactive. An overactive pelvic floor can be either weak or strong, and an underactive pelvic floor can be either weak or strong.The bottom line: kegels are not usually the answer!
When is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Necessary? 1. Incontinence of bowel or bladder. Do you leak when you cough/laugh/ sneeze/jump? Do you leak when you really have to pee (can’tmake it to the toilet in time)? Even a few drops counts! 2. Painful intercourse. Intercourse should never be painful! 3. Prolapse. Do you feel a bulge or heaviness in your pelvic floor area? Do you have trouble emptying your bladder? What does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy do? A pelvic floor physical therapist will work with you to improve the coordination and control of your pelvic floor, deep core stabilizer muscles,andbreathing(howyoumanagethepressure inyourabdomen).An internal (vaginal) pelvic exam is not required, but is the most helpful tool for determining how your pelvic floor is functioning, or not functioning. A pelvic floor physical therapist works with each patient individually to develop a treatment plan that works for them!The American College of OBGYN’s also recommend that every mama see a pelvic floor physical therapist at three to six weeks postpartum, so don’t be afraid to ask for your referral.
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A physical therapist is highly skilled in evaluating and treating various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions affecting the body. This profession focuses on assessing any underlying factors, such as strength, neuromuscular control, balance, coordination, skeletal alignment, and endurance, which may be contributing to impaired functional mobility, activity participation, and quality of life. Of course, most people only seek physical therapy when they’re suffering from a common injury or condition such as whiplash, tendonitis, low back pain, ligament sprains, and plantar fasciitis. Perhaps lesser known is that chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction, including incontinence, can also respond positively to physical therapy intervention. Causes Of Incontinence And Chronic Pelvic Pain If you have pain in your pelvis, it may not always be fully clear what’s causing it. Some common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain include, but are not limited to: • Pregnancy • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction • Coccydynia • Irritation of the pudendal nerve (which originates near the bottom of your spine) • Irritable bowel syndrome • Levator ani syndrome (increased tension in pelvic floor muscles) • Post-surgical complications (e.g., pain following a hysterectomy, hernia repair, cesarean section, and/or prostatectomy)
Any of these conditions may lead to inadequate support of the organs contained with your pelvic cavity, increased pressure or inflammation of nerves, muscles, and other connective tissues (including your bladder), and impaired pelvic bone alignment. These symptoms can be frustrating, painful, and embarrassing, and may limit your tolerance to daily participation in desired activities, including exercise. Other symptoms frequently appear with pelvic pain, including incontinence, bloating, abdominal pressure, reluctance to strain while
TURKEY PUMPKIN CHILI
• 2 cloves garlic • 2 cans green chiles • 2 cans white beans • sour cream • shredded cheese (try sharp cheddar for an extra bite) • sliced radishes • fresh cilantro leaves
Ingredients • 2 cup chicken broth • 1 can pumpkin purée • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 3/4 tsp chili powder • 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 lb ground turkey • 1 large onion
DIRECTIONS Ina5-to-6quartslowcooker,whisk togetherchickenbroth,pumpkinpurée,groundcumin, chili powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Add ground turkey, separated, and mix to combine. Fold in the onion, garlic cloves, green chiles, and white beans, and cook, covered, until the turkey is cooked through, 4 to 5 hours on high or 6 to 7 hours on low. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, radishes, and cilantro, if desired. Courtesyof:goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a14898/slow-cooker-turkey-pumpkin-chili-recipe-wdy0115
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Physical Therapy
Staff Spotlight
defecating, and pain in the low back, buttocks, and hips. You may also have decreased tolerance to a variety of activities including sitting or standing, walking, exercise, and sexual intercourse. How A Physical Therapist Can Treat Pelvic Pain Every patient presenting with chronic pelvic pain is unique. If you come to see a physical therapist for your pelvic dysfunction, you’ll be taken through a thorough physical examination and patient history questionnaire. He or she will ask you specific questions about your pain, what makes it worse and better, and whether you have a history of any related issues. Based on the results of the examination, your physical therapist can then develop a customized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and address the suspected underlying causes to prevent recurring dysfunction. Common physical therapy treatments may include: • Soft tissue mobilization and massage of internal and external pelvic musculature, to relieve muscle tension and provide pain relief. • Spinal and sacroiliac joint manipulations to reset the neurological pathway, relieve pain, and restore normal spinal alignment. • Electrical stimulation modalities, such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation to provide pain relief and restore normal neuromuscular activation of pelvic floor muscles and nerves. • Therapeutic exercises to restore the normal strength, flexibility, and endurance of stabilizing postural muscles in the low back and hips. Struggling with pelvic pain? Frustrated and concerned about incontinence? For both short-term and long-lasting relief without the need from invasive interventions or medications, consider consulting with a physical therapist today.
Hannah is one of our newest Certified Birth Healing Practitioners and a must for mamas and mama-to-be’s to meet with. She does amazing work and helps mamas feel supported and loved. Check her out on Instagram @hannahpetersenpt for great pelvic tips and healing. Congratulations to Hannah Petersen, PT, from Fairbanks, Alaska!
Patient Spotlight
“Since coming to Willow for incontinence problem I have greatly improved and I no longer feel self conscious going places and doing things.” - L.Gridley
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