To answer this question we first need to ask, What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a support system of 3 layers of muscle that form the base of your core and helps to hold in and also release urine and feces from your body as well as assists in sexual and reproductive functions of the body.
Like any other muscle in your body, your pelvic floor can either be too weak, leading to problems such as incontinence and prolapse. Or it can be too tight or spastic leading to pelvic pain, incontinence, constipation or painful sexual intercourse. Pelvic floor dysfunction can also present as chronic low back, pelvic pain or hip pain.
Both women and men can be affected by dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can address these muscular issues. Physical Therapists are uniquely trained to identify and treat muscular dysfunction. Pelvic Floor PT’s have obtained additional extensive training in internal pelvic floor muscle assessment and treatment.
Conditions that can be treated conservatively with pelvic floor physical therapy include:
Incontinence: Mild or severe leaking of urine of feces. (It’s common but not normal to pee when you laugh or sneeze).
Pelvic or vaginal pain
Constipation
Prolapse
Prenatal birth prep
Postpartum recovery
Low back or hip pain
Rehabilitative care after surgery of reproductive organs
Pelvic Floor dysfunction is more common than you think. If you are in need of Pelvic Floor PT don’t hesitate to call SANA at 716-671-7262 to make an appointment and have all your questions answered. We are here to help.