Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy & Evaluation
|
Pelvic Floor Muscles
The pelvic floor is comprised of several muscles which span the bottom of the pelvis from the pubic bone to the coccyx (tailbone) and provide support to the pelvic organs. These organs include the bladder, bowl and uterus. These muscles also support the spine and pelvis (sacrum, sacroiliac joints, coccyx), as well as influence sexual function and satisfaction. Just as any muscle in our body, the pelvic floor muscles play an important role in stability, mobility and important body function. If the pelvic floor muscles are tight or weak, for example, various conditions can evolve that influence bladder and bowel functions, sexual function and activities of daily living.
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy helps to normalize abdominal and pelvic floor muscle tone, motor control, and coordination to assist in improving the support and strength of the pelvic floor musculature. This aids in reducing symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse. The main functions of the pelvic floor are urination, defecation (bowel movements), sexual function, and overall support. Pelvic floor muscle contractions (commonly known as Kegels) are incorporated with proper technique assisted by the therapist in order to return optimal neuromuscular function when appropriate. Proper bowel and bladder posturing are also evaluated in order to identify habits that influence overall pelvic floor tone. Kegels, however aren't the gold standard treatment for all pelvic floor dysfunction.
Methods of Evaluation
Evaluation will include a review of your medical history and a discussion of your pelvic floor function and/or current symptoms. This includes assessment of musculature and tissues that may be contributing to certain movement restrictions. External observation and palpation of pelvic floor muscles identifies areas of muscle tension and assesses the grade of muscle contraction and/or relaxation.
Internal vaginal/rectal examination (if needed based on patient assessment) is performed to evaluate the pelvic floor muscles, identify organ positioning, and dysfunction. This is different than a yearly examination experienced at a gynecological or urological physician's office. This exam is done to further assess tissue density and tone. Due to the intimate nature of this specialized therapy, the patient is in control and therapy can be successful without internal treatment.
Biofeedback (if needed) is used monitor the functional activity of the pelvic floor muscles by using sensors to increase of decrease muscle tone.
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy helps to normalize abdominal and pelvic floor muscle tone, motor control, and coordination to assist in improving the support and strength of the pelvic floor musculature. This aids in reducing symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse. The main functions of the pelvic floor are urination, defecation (bowel movements), sexual function, and overall support. Pelvic floor muscle contractions (commonly known as Kegels) are incorporated with proper technique assisted by the therapist in order to return optimal neuromuscular function when appropriate. Proper bowel and bladder posturing are also evaluated in order to identify habits that influence overall pelvic floor tone. Kegels, however aren't the gold standard treatment for all pelvic floor dysfunction.
Methods of Evaluation
Evaluation will include a review of your medical history and a discussion of your pelvic floor function and/or current symptoms. This includes assessment of musculature and tissues that may be contributing to certain movement restrictions. External observation and palpation of pelvic floor muscles identifies areas of muscle tension and assesses the grade of muscle contraction and/or relaxation.
Internal vaginal/rectal examination (if needed based on patient assessment) is performed to evaluate the pelvic floor muscles, identify organ positioning, and dysfunction. This is different than a yearly examination experienced at a gynecological or urological physician's office. This exam is done to further assess tissue density and tone. Due to the intimate nature of this specialized therapy, the patient is in control and therapy can be successful without internal treatment.
Biofeedback (if needed) is used monitor the functional activity of the pelvic floor muscles by using sensors to increase of decrease muscle tone.
Location |
|
Site powered by www.weebly.com