The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles in the pelvis and connected to the lower back, abdomen and thighs. These muscles are designed to keep the organs in the pelvis supported and well functioning. When the muscles become too tight or weak, the functioning of the pelvis suffers as a result. Many symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can be uncomfortable and even painful to experience. Research suggests that at least 32% of women in the U.S. will experience some type of pelvic floor disorder during their lifetimes. Someone with pelvic floor dysfunction should seek physical therapy treatment for their symptoms. Not only can physical therapy improve pelvic functioning, but it can also improve quality of life. 

What conditions could necessitate physical therapy for the pelvic floor?

There are many reasons why a person might need physical therapy for their pelvic floor. some of these conditions include:

• Urinary incontinence — Urinary incontinence is characterized by involuntary urine leakage. It can lead a person to need to use the restroom more frequently than the average person. It can also cause a person to leak urine when sneezing, coughing or laughing. This condition can affect both men and women.

• Pain during pregnancy or after childbirth — Pain during pregnancy and pain after birth are common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction. When a woman is pregnant, her body changes to accommodate the baby, like joint loosening. These changes to the body can lead to greater pelvic floor instability both during and after pregnancy. Fortunately, physical therapy exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce the severity of pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms. 

• Pelvic organ prolapse — Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that occurs when the muscles, joints, ligaments and other tissue in the pelvis become too tense or too weak to support the pelvic organs. Research estimates that around 50% of women who have given birth will experience pelvic organ prolapse. The organs start migrating from their normal position when not properly supported. Usually, one or more pelvic organs fall until it bulges from the vagina. It can become uncomfortable to experience but can often be treated with physical therapy exercises. 

• Pain during sex — Women who have pelvic floor dysfunction often experience pain during sex. Tense muscles are often behind painful sex, and when a woman anticipates painful sex, she might tighten her muscles even more, creating an uncomfortable cycle. Women who experience pain in their pelvis during sex can find relief by starting physical therapy exercises.

• Pain during urination and defecation — Painful urination and defecation are also telltale signs of pelvic floor dysfunction. These symptoms can be helped with pelvic floor physical therapy exercises. 

What exercises could a physical therapist have you perform to improve your pelvic floor?

If you are unsure what exercises a physical therapist will ask you to perform during pelvic floor treatment, here are a few examples: 

• Glute bridges — Glute bridges are an exercise your physical therapist can ask you to perform during pelvic floor therapy. This exercise builds strength and stability in your glute muscles and your hips. To perform a glute bridge, first lie on your back. Make sure the soles of your feet are flat on the ground. With your knees bent, slowly raise your hips up toward the ceiling to create a bridge with your body. Hold that position for several seconds before slowly lowering your body back to the ground. Your physical therapist will have you perform several of these glute bridges as they deem necessary. 

• Abdominal squeezes — Abdominal squeezes are another type of physical therapy exercise that patients with poor pelvic health are likely to perform during their sessions. Abdominal squeezes are designed to improve core strength and pelvic strength. These squeezes stimulate the same muscles you use to go to the bathroom. You should breathe and engage your muscles by tightening them to perform an abdominal squeeze. Imagine that you are zipping up the muscles in your core. It’s important to keep your core tight while you breathe in and out and hold for several seconds. Your physical therapist will be able to provide more direction if you struggle to engage your core and will tell you how many abdominal squeezes you should be doing. 

• Squats — Squats can also be helpful for strengthening the pelvic floor during physical therapy sessions. To perform a squat, stand with your feet parallel to your hips. Slowly squat down like you are about to sit on a chair underneath you. Go as low as you can or until your bottom parallels your thighs. Be sure to focus on keeping your core and your glute muscles tight. Hold the squat for several seconds or until your physical therapist tells you to return to standing. 

• Bird dogs — Another type of exercise that can improve the health of your pelvic floor during physical therapy is called bird dogs. The bird dog exercise is designed to strengthen your lower back, abdomen and pelvic muscles. To complete a bird dog, start on all fours. Be sure to engage your core while you move both your left arm and your right leg out from underneath you. Extend your arm and leg while keeping your opposite limbs underneath you for balance. You’ll want to extend your limbs slowly and hold that position for several seconds before returning to a neutral position. Your physical therapist can tell you how long to hold that position and how many reps you should perform. 

Franklin Rehabilitation can help improve your pelvic health with physical therapy treatment

You don’t have to live with pelvic floor dysfunction any longer than you already have. Are you ready to take control of your pelvic health? Consider making a request for an initial appointment with us today or for a free screening with one of our PT specialists. At Franklin Rehabilitation, our physical therapists are highly educated and trained to determine the cause of your discomfort to help you take the right steps toward returning to a more comfortable life.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.