The muscles in the bottom of your pelvis are called pelvic floor muscles. When you have difficulty controlling these muscles, you may have pelvic floor dysfunction. In most cases, physicians will prescribe physical therapy to help you regain control. However, before you search for physical therapy Louisville KY, this is what you should know about this dysfunction and what you can do.
Effects of Pelvic Floor Issues
Your pelvic floor also includes several organs, including your bladder, rectum, uterus and vagina if you are female or your bladder, rectum and prostate if you are male. The muscles support these organs and add stability, but they also tighten and relax as you do regular activities, such as going to the bathroom or having sex.
For example, those with pelvic floor disorders may experience urine or bowel leakage. They may also experience constipation or have difficulty getting their stools out. They may even have incomplete bowel movements, where much of their stool stays in the body.
Women may experience pain during sex, while men may have difficulty getting or keeping an erection. Women may also experience prolapses of their bladder and uterus, causing bulging and aching in their vaginas. These disorders can also cause urinary tract infections and irritable bowel syndrome.
Causes of Pelvic Floor Issues
Dysfunctions in these muscles can be the result of pelvic injuries, surgery and sitting for long periods of time. Weight and age can also produce these issues. Pregnancy and bathroom habits, such as hard pushing or going often, can also impact your muscles. In addition, some pelvic floor issues are hereditary.
Some medical conditions, such as interstitial cystitis, can produce pelvic muscle weaknesses. In addition, some medications, including antidepressants, cause constipation, which impacts your pelvic floor.
Strategies To Deal With It
Most often, those diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunctions are prescribed physical therapy. After you receive your prescription for pelvic floor physical therapy near me , you may undergo several therapies. First, most patients are treated using biofeedback, which retrains your muscles using sensors and video monitoring as you clench and release your muscles while your physical therapist watches.
Then, you receive specialized exercises that address the exact muscles and issues you face. You will be given exercises to do at home, such as Kegels. Your therapist should also teach you relaxation techniques, including taking warm baths and meditation to supplement your at-home exercises.
These professionals may prescribe stool softeners and treat you with acupuncture as well.
When To Expect Improvement
You need to be patient with your therapy and keep doing your exercises. It could be months before you see a marked improvement in your pelvic floor muscles. Keep taking your medication and drink lots of water as well. Watch your diet closely. If you experience bloating and pain, you may be eating too much fiber.
If you stop your medication or exercise, you could see your symptoms get worse. Your muscles may also be damaged by lifting heavy objects or continuously jumping.
When you look for a physical therapist, search for a pelvic floor specialist, just as you would search for TMJ physical therapy treatment if you suffered from this disorder.
