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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