Over the years, women may notice that their pelvic muscles are just not as strong as they once were. They may feel pain in the pelvis, overall weakness, decrease in sexual pleasure, or leaking of urine during normal daily activities. Other symptoms could include the following:
- Painful urination
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Pelvic muscle spasms
- Pelvic pressure
If you have been suffering with symptoms like these, you may benefit from pelvic floor therapy.
Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Right for You?
When pelvic floor therapy is used with the guidance of a physical therapist, you may feel more comfortable, eliminate some symptoms and get back to the activities that you love. There are specific circumstances when a woman can really benefit from pelvic floor therapy.
Pelvic Floor and Postpartum Therapy
This therapy is perhaps best known for being used in women who have given birth. The pressure that occurs as you push a child through your vaginal canal can stretch and even tear pelvic muscles, leading to weakness. The pelvic muscles, which are meant to hold up the bladder and uterus, soften and sink. Therapy tightens and lifts these muscles again.
Post-Abdominal Surgery and Pelvic Exercises
Therapy is also very beneficial after pelvic surgery. When the muscles are cut, it takes a while for them to grow back together correctly and to regain their former strength. Healing from surgery can also involve scar tissue and flexibility issues, and pelvic floor therapy can help to address these issues. Physical therapy is an excellent choice after a hysterectomy, episiotomy, colorectal surgery, or C-section.
Pelvic Floor Therapy and Incontinence
If you are aging, you may be noticing some bladder weakness. Instead of turning to an incontinence pad, assuming that this is a normal part of aging, choose pelvic therapy. It can strengthen and lift your pelvic muscles, providing better support for the bladder and ureters.
Therapy for General Pelvic Health
Women may also need physical therapy for the pelvic muscles for a variety of other generalized concerns, including the following:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Abnormally tight pelvic floor muscles
- Obesity
- Nerve damage
While you may need months of therapy, and will continue pelvic muscle strengthening exercises at home, you can turn around the health of your pelvic floor and experience great muscle tone in the area. At New Heights Physical Therapy, we believe in taking care of your total health and well-being. If you think you could benefit from pelvic floor therapy, give us a call today!
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy in Portland OR and Vancouver WA
Seeing Patients in the following Portland and Vancouver areas:
No comment yet, add your voice below!