Many women have a poor quality of life due to pain, weakness, and dysfunction of pelvic floor muscles. Specific techniques, including physical exercises, can help restore strength and function in the pelvic floor muscles eliminating some of the discomfort patients undergo. At MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists, pelvic floor physical therapy in Boca Raton is a treatment that involves a doctor maneuvering through a patient’s vagina to access specific muscles and safely reconditioning them to enhance functioning and strength. During therapy, your doctor may choose to apply resistance that will help with strengthening the muscles.
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When Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Recommended?
The pelvic floor muscles are crucial for specific purposes. For example, the muscles assist in bladder and bowel control. Pelvic floor muscles also contribute to arousal and orgasm. Moreover, the tissues in the pelvis coordinate to provide support in the urinary and reproductive tract. Without proper pelvic stability, sexual functionality is impossible.
What Conditions Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Rehabilitation Assist?
Suppose you have concerns relating to any of the following symptoms. In that case, your doctor may recommend pelvic floor physical therapy to help improve your symptoms and enhance the quality of life:
· Pain when passing urine.
· Urinary or fecal incontinence.
· Pain during sex.
· Constipation.
· Menopausal symptoms.
· Endometriosis.
· Interstitial cysts.
· Pain related to pregnancy.
Who Is a Candidate for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Most doctors recommend pelvic floor physical therapy as the first treatment option for patients with concerns about the pelvic region. The treatment is not only beneficial for women as men with pelvic floor muscle weakness seeking to enhance bladder and bowel control can benefit from strengthening exercises.
Physicians will also recommend treating women with pelvic floor weakness that results from neuromuscular causes like childbirth, aging, or surgery, especially when their constipation is coupled with genitourinary conditions like urinary and fecal incontinence.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is also beneficial for men with premature or painful ejaculation. The treatment may also speed up recovery for men who have completed prostate surgery.
How Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Work?
Before conducting pelvic floor therapy, the first step is for your doctor to complete a thorough medical history review, including any past surgeries and medications. Afterward, your doctor must perform an assessment of your lumbar spine, hips, and gait that will evaluate the internal and external muscles. Your doctor might ask you to stand, walk or sit to analyze your posture better and determine if any joint issues are affecting your pelvic floor. A physical assessment is crucial so that your doctor can determine if physical therapy is the best treatment option for you. Moreover, understanding your condition will select the type of therapy that is ideal.
What Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Include?
The exercises are specific to a patient’s condition and might include:
· Stretching and strengthening.
· Relaxation exercises are great for shortened pelvic muscles.
· Coordination can help boost functionality and movement.
· Your doctor may also incorporate ice, heat, or electrical stimulation.
Your doctor will tailor the treatment plan according to your concerns and aim to restore functioning and strength. Contact MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists to learn how pelvic floor therapy can ease your pain and strengthen your muscles.