Obesity, aging, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, and genetic predisposition like being born with weak fascia and connective tissue are the common pelvic floor dysfunction risk factors. Pelvic dysfunction means relaxing and coordinating the pelvic floor muscles becomes a challenge. This can be characterized by symptoms like a urinal and fecal leakage, frequent urination, constipation, and straining to defecate. Among the effective treatment options is pelvic floor therapy Boca Raton, which is usually the first line of action.
Pelvic floor therapy can include measures like:
- Kegels and other exercises that help relax and contract the pelvic floor muscles
- Electrical stimulation tailored for pelvic floor muscle activation
- Use of devices like vaginal dilators that gently stretch the muscles and facilitate relaxation
- Weighted cones inserted in the rectum or vagina and designed to help increase resistance during contractions
Pelvic floor therapy can help address various concerns and improve your quality of life in ways including:
Address low-tone concerns
Your muscles can become more relaxed and loose, which makes it harder to contract actively. Low-tone pelvic muscles mean the core can’t sufficiently support and help control bladder and bowel movements. This result in problem including:
- Pelvic organ prolapse – This is the descent of pelvic organs, including the uterus, bladder, vagina, and rectum, which can bulge through your vagina wall. This is common due to constipation and straining during bowel movements.
- Overactive bladder – Frequent and urgent urinary urges characterize this. Your bladder can also involuntarily contract.
- Stress incontinence – This is involuntary leaks caused by activities like laughing, coughing, sneezing, and others that increase abdominal pressure.
- Anal incontinence – This results in the involuntary leaking of stool, gas, or fluid from the rectum
Pelvic floor physical therapy helps improve core muscle strength and coordination. The therapy can include the following:
- Posture enhancement
- Exercises that target your lower back and abdominal muscles
- Breathing techniques to help improve coordination
Pelvic floor therapy relieves pelvic organ prolapse, making it easier to go about your day, including in social settings.
High tone disorders
The disorders result from the muscles being restricted and tighter. The tightness and restriction make the relaxation painful. The common problems include:
Dyspareunia – This is characterized by pain during sexual endeavors. The vaginal penetration causes pain as the muscles can’t effectively relax.
- Vaginismus – This results from involuntary uncontrolled muscle spasms around the vagina, mainly occurring during penetration.
- Pelvic floor myofascial pain – This is chronic pain caused by the tight pelvic floor muscles.
- Vulvodynia – This is pain and discomfort in the vulva caused by the tight and dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles.
The pain and discomfort mainly impact your sexual life. This can put a strain on your relationships and overall well-being. Pelvic floor therapy can help address high-tone disorders, making it easier for the muscles to relax and facilitate more comfortable and pleasurable sexual activities.
If left untreated, pelvic floor dysfunction can worsen and take a toll on your social and sexual life. Pelvic floor therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help stop the problem from escalating, making it easier to lead an active and more productive lifestyle. Visit MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists today for more on pelvic floor therapy.