What is internal pelvic floor physical therapy and when do you need it?

  • Post category:Pelvic Health
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The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissue that support the pelvic organs. They help the pelvic organs function correctly. The female pelvic organs include the bladder, uterus, and the bowels. When the pelvic floor becomes too weak or fails to function as it should, there could be a number of reasons why. Read below to learn more about the reasons why someone might need internal pelvic floor physical therapy. You’ll also learn how PT can help someone with pelvic floor dysfunction.

 

What might cause someone to need internal pelvic floor physical therapy?

 

Internal pelvic floor physical therapy can be useful for a variety of different symptoms. Do you struggle with any of those listed below? It may be helpful for you to consider internal pelvic floor physical therapy to treat your condition.

 

  • Urinary incontinence — Urinary incontinence is a condition that causes a loss of control over bladder function. It may result in bladder leakage and frequent urination. It can affect both men and women.

 

  • Trouble with bowel movements — Trouble with bowel movements can also indicate the presence of pelvic floor issues. People with pelvic weakness or incontinence may have difficulty performing bowel movements or pain during them.

 

  • Pain during sex — People who could benefit from internal pelvic floor physical therapy are those who experience pain during sex. Pelvic muscle weakness and muscle tightness can be addressed during PT treatment.

 

  • Pain in the lower back or abdomen — Pain in the lower back or abdomen can also signal pelvic weakness. When the muscles around the pelvis are in a weak state, the muscles connected to the pelvic floor, like the lower back and abdominal muscles, can be affected similarly.

 

  • Pregnancy — Pregnant women will often experience pelvic issues that necessitate internal pelvic floor physical therapy. The changes that occur during pregnancy affect the pelvis and can place strain on the pelvic floor muscles and joints. 

 

  • Pelvic organ prolapse — Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that occurs when organs in the pelvic region, like the uterus and bladder, begin to move outside of their normal position.

 

What are some of the benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy?

 

Internal pelvic floor physical therapy has the potential to provide positive results to those who are struggling with a variety of pelvic floor disorders. Take a look at some of the specific benefits internal pelvic floor PT can provide.

 

  • Improve bladder control — Internal pelvic floor physical therapy can improve bladder control. For those who have difficulty maintaining control of their bladder, PT strengthens the pelvic muscles for better control.

 

  • Improve bowel movement regularity — Internal pelvic floor physical therapy may also be helpful for improving bowel movement regularity. People with pelvic floor dysfunction will frequently experience constipation and discomfort during bowel movements. PT can improve the coordination of the muscles used during bowel movements and make going to the bathroom feel easier and less painful.

 

  • Decrease pain during sex — PT can also decrease pain for those who experience it while having intercourse. Pelvic floor exercises have the potential to help a person practice muscle control to improve symptoms of pelvic dysfunction, like pain during sex.

 

  • Lower pain in regions neighboring the pelvis — Building muscle strength around the pelvis, the lower back, and the abdomen can decrease pain. PT can improve pelvic muscle strength.

 

  • Improve symptoms during and after pregnancy — Internal pelvic floor physical therapy can be used to benefit women who are pregnant. It also helps women who have been pregnant in the past. 

 

  • Strengthen muscles that support the pelvic organs — For those dealing with pelvic organ prolapse, internal pelvic floor physical therapy’s intentional exercises can strengthen the muscles and ligaments that keep the organs supported and in proper alignment.

 

Excel Rehab & Sports can provide you with high-quality physical therapy services

 

Are you looking for a physical therapy clinic to help you treat your pelvic floor problems? Our team of physical therapists at Excel Rehab & Sports can help you address your pelvic issues with internal pelvic floor PT.

 

We’d be happy to speak with you regarding your concerns and how we can help. Each of our specialists is professionally qualified to address conditions and how best to treat them. At Excel R&S, we know how much of a difference physical therapy can make in the lives of our patients. It’s why we strive to do our best every day. 

 

We have six locations in Tennessee and South Carolina. Want to find one nearest to you? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us as soon as possible. The treatment you need can begin as soon as your first session with us.

 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.