The pelvic floor is made up of muscles, fascia and other connective tissues that are located at the bottom of the pelvis. Pelvic floor health is essential to many bodily functions and an individual’s quality of life.
A few symptoms that indicate a woman should ask her doctor about her pelvic health include:
- Urinary incontinence
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
- Pelvic pain, often accompanied by a sense of persistent tension or spasm like sensation in the muscles of the pelvic floor and even lower back and or hip pain
- Sexual dysfunction, such as reduced sensation or discomfort during sexual activity
- Difficulty emptying the bowel or bladder
- Pain with urination
- Constipation
A pelvic health therapist collaborates with other healthcare providers, such as gynecologists, urologists or colorectal specialists, to ensure comprehensive care and management of pelvic health conditions.
Physical therapy for pelvic floor health will typically start with an examination to evaluate core and pelvic floor muscle function, strength, coordination and symptoms such as tension or weakness.
“Based on the evaluation, a pelvic health therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of the person,” Hathaway said. “Treatment often includes a combination of exercise, manual therapy and education.”
A pelvic health therapist can advise patients on specific exercises to strengthen weak muscles and relax overly tense muscles. Some patients may benefit from manual therapy as well.
“Manual therapy performed by a pelvic health therapist uses hands-on techniques such as myofascial release, tender point release and soft tissue treatments to address muscle tenderness, tension or restrictions to the pelvic floor and surrounding tissues,” Hathaway said.
Pelvic health treatment might also include biofeedback or electrical stimulation to help a woman better understand and or gain control over her pelvic floor muscle function.
“Biofeedback provides tactile visual or auditory feedback on muscle activity, aiding in learning proper muscle coordination, while electrical stimulation can aid in improving awareness, activation and if needed strength and control of pelvic floor muscles,” Hathaway said. “Other treatment options might include ultrasound, heat, or cold therapy.”
Education is equally important in addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, and is something the physicians at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano prioritize with patients.
A pelvic health therapist will typically provide education on the pelvic anatomy, proper bladder and bowel habits, ergonomics and strategies such as advice on posture. A pelvic health therapist can also help with behavioral modifications, such as bladder training or bowel retraining to improve control and reduce urgency or frequency of urinary or bowel symptoms as often as there are symptoms or habits that need to be corrected.
Hathaway said pelvic health issues are very common and nothing to feel ashamed of, however it is common for a woman to feel nervous about seeing a pelvic health therapist.
“As a pelvic health therapist, I will always do my best to provide emotional support to help you feel comfortable regarding issues you might find embarrassing or even difficult to talk about,” Hathaway said. “My priority will be to create an environment of care in which you feel safe in addressing your areas of concern.”
To find compassionate, quality care for pelvic health concerns, make an appointment with a physician at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano today. To learn more, visit the hospital’s website.
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health's subsidiary, community, or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health.
The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
