How Physical Therapy Helps Pelvic Health
Are you living with symptoms you find difficult to talk about? Perhaps you’re struggling with incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or endometriosis. Maybe you’ve developed a pelvic organ prolapse.
While these conditions can sound scary, they’re very treatable. Unfortunately, they often stem from issues related to pelvic health, and many people will live with pain and discomfort due to being uncomfortable sharing their concerns.
At Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions, we want to change that. Our physical therapists frequently help people manage their pelvic health, offering private rooms and a judgment-free zone where you can share your symptoms and get the treatment you need.
Today, we want to explore pelvic health: what it is, how it can impact your life, and how our physical therapy services can help improve it.
Still have questions? Our friendly staff is happy to answer them. We’re just a phone call away!
What Do We Mean by Pelvic Health?
Your pelvic floor is a sling of muscles at the base of your core. It acts as a “hammock” for your pelvic organs, including your bladder, bowels, prostate (in men), and sexual organs (in women). When the pelvic floor is healthy, it supports those organs and helps them function properly. But when it becomes impaired — such as being weak or overly restricted — you can experience several different symptoms.
Anyone can experience issues with their pelvic floor, although the exact concerns can vary somewhat with gender. Here are some of the common complaints we help treat:
Urinary Incontinence
Anyone can develop urinary incontinence, although it is more common in women. This can include stress incontinence (leaking when laughing or coughing), urge incontinence (having an overwhelming need to go), or a combination.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can have a variety of causes, from nerve issues to gynecological conditions like endometriosis. We’ll help determine the cause and find the right treatment option for your needs.
Sexual Dysfunction
For women, sexual dysfunction can include painful intercourse or difficulty with orgasm. For men, it can include erectile dysfunction or painful ejaculation. But either way, pelvic floor impairment is often the culprit.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
This occurs when the pelvic organs slip out of place. It can affect both men and women and develops due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Pregnancy/Postpartum Discomfort
The changes that occur in your body during pregnancy can lead to pelvic and lower back pain, urinary incontinence, and other musculoskeletal concerns.
What Treatment Options Do We Offer?
Treatment for pelvic health concerns varies depending on the cause. That’s why our team will spend your first session taking your health history, reviewing your symptoms, and running several screens so we can provide you with the interventions you need.
Here are some of the common treatment options we use to improve pelvic health:
Pelvic Floor Exercises
We’ll show you tailored exercises designed to stretch and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles–and ensure you’re performing them correctly.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback uses technology to help you “see” what’s going on inside your body. This is especially true for the pelvic floor, an internal muscle that can be harder to control.
Manual Therapy
Certain hands-on pain relieving techniques, such as myofascial release, can help ease muscle tension that can contribute to pelvic pain and dysfunction.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation (sometimes called TENs) uses a mild electric pulse to improve pelvic muscle function and reduce pain.
Bladder Training
If you’re dealing with urinary incontinence (especially urge incontinence), bladder training can help you go longer between bathroom breaks.
Lifestyle Modifications
We’ll help you find lasting relief by addressing other factors that might contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, such as regular exercise, nutrition, and more.
Ready to Get Started?
At Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions, we understand how challenging it can be to live with pelvic floor dysfunction. Worse, many people will suffer for years due to the shame surrounding common symptoms related to poor pelvic floor health.
We want you to know there’s nothing to be ashamed of — and our physical therapists have heard it all! Take control of your health and well-being, starting with your pelvic health. Call our clinic today to set up your initial consultation!
Quote of the Month
“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”
— Edmund Hillary
“…I’ve been doing extremely better.”
“I’ve been coming to Innovative Physical Therapy to see Dr. Ashley for 3 months now and I’ve been doing extremely better. The staff is super friendly and they ensure that you are comfortable and in a welcoming environment. They took the time to understand what I was going through and work with me and my schedule. Highly recommend!”
— Asheka P.
“I definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for pelvic floor therapy, lower back, or any kind of physical therapy really!”
“Thank you to everyone at Innovative for making this experience a positive one!! Thank you for being so accommodating and patient with me and my children! I definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for pelvic floor therapy, lower back, or any kind of physical therapy really!”
—Cathleen G.
“…my pelvic pain has improved a lot.”
“I was referred here for help with pelvic pain. Ashley was my physical therapist, and she was amazing in pinpointing the issues and helping with the pain. I’ve been coming here for a few weeks now and my pelvic pain has improved a lot. I no longer feel the pain I originally arrived with. Plus everyone here is super nice, the receptionists up front are always the best at greeting you.”
— Julia R.
“Innovative Physical Therapy helped me when I had a hard time finding pelvic floor therapy elsewhere.”
“I had a great experience with the whole team. From scheduling my initial appointment to the care I received at every appointment. Innovative Physical Therapy helped me when I had a hard time finding pelvic floor therapy elsewhere.”
—Danielle D
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
Could Help You Beat Your Pains?
Laser therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to treat pain and aid in the recovery of many conditions. Contact Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions today! We’ll set up a free consult for you and figure out whether laser therapy could help in reducing your pain.
No Referral/Prescription Needed — No Insurance Needed — No Expiration On Package Treatments — We Take Cash, Card, or Health Savings Account
Innovative PT Solutions Now Provides At Home Physical Therapy with
Telehealth
What Sort of Exercises Help the Pelvic Floor
Your pelvic floor is a muscle like any other, which means exercise will help keep it in top shape! However, you may be wondering what exercises are most beneficial.
Here are some of our favorites to include in treatment plans, but do make sure to check with us before trying anything new:
Kegels
If you’re like most people, when you hear “pelvic floor exercises,” you probably think of Kegels, a technique for contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. While beneficial, they can be tricky to perform correctly, and the contracting sensation is different for men and women.
Fortunately, our team is on the case. We’ll walk you through the process and may use biofeedback technology to ensure you’re working the correct muscle.
Squats
It’s true – the mighty squat works more than your glutes and hamstrings! To perform a bodyweight squat, stand with your feet hip-width apart, then bend your knees as if you’re going to sit in a chair (you can use a chair — sitting down and getting up without using your hands emulates a squat movement).
Glute Bridges
Glute bridges are another great exercise for targeting the core, glute, and pelvic floor muscles. They involve lying on your back with your knees bent, slowly lifting your hips up from the floor, and pressing down on your sides with your arms.
Get Your Own Unique Exercise Plan Today!
The best way to stretch and strengthen your pelvic floor is to make an appointment at Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions. We’ll provide you with a personalized program designed to suit your needs.
Call us today to get started!
Exercise of the Month
CLAMSHELLS with EXERCISE BAND
Lie on your side with knees bent and a resistance band around your thighs. Keeping feet together, lift your top knee without rotating your hips. Lower slowly and repeat to target the outer hips and glutes.
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Feel Better by Eating Better!
Mango Lassi Smoothie
Bursting with flavor and protein, this mango lassi-inspired smoothie is your go-to fuel for a busy day. Made with sweet frozen mango, rich Greek-style yogurt, and nourishing hemp seeds, it’s a creamy, energizing blend that keeps you satisfied. Enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a post-workout pick-me-up, or a refreshing anytime snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pitted dried date
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1½ tablespoons hulled hemp seeds, divided
Place 1 date, 1 cup milk, ¼ cup yogurt, 1 cup frozen mango, ¼ teaspoon cardamom, and 1 tablespoon hemp seeds in a blender. Process until smooth, about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
Pour the smoothie into a glass; top with the remaining ½ tablespoon hemp seeds.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
Contact us today for your free consultation, or forward this newsletter to a friend in need. They will thank you for it.
