The pelvic floor muscles control the bowel and bladder and support sexual functions. Like all muscles, your pelvis can weaken and cause issues. By reading these signs you should see a pelvic floor therapist, you’ll know when to seek treatment.
Why Do People Receive Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Your pelvic floor is a large muscle sheet extending from the tailbone to the pubic bone. The pelvic floor muscles keep your bladder and bowel in place. Unfortunately, a weakened pelvic floor causes urinary or bowel dysfunction, abdomen pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and discomfort.
When people experience these issues, they seek pelvic floor therapists to strengthen their muscles and improve conditions like bladder incontinence. Living with a weakened pelvic floor is challenging because it has embarrassing symptoms. For example, some patients leak urine when they cough or sneeze.
Everyone wants control over their bodily functions, and strengthening the pelvic floor is one way to regain control.
When It’s Time To Seek Help
Addressing an issue puts you one step closer to solving it. In this case, the signs you should see a pelvic floor therapist include pain during urination, testicular pain, discomfort during bowel movements, and heaviness in the pelvic area.
Other indicators signify trouble. It’s time to seek help if you relate to any of the following:
- Always having a strong need to urinate.
- Difficulty emptying your bladder.
- Experience pain during sex.
- Have erectile dysfunction.
- Deal with frequent constipation.
- Notice consistent or intermittent pubic bone pain.
What To Expect During Your First Visit
Expect an in-depth analysis of your condition during your first visit. The therapist may give you a pelvic floor questionnaire to understand your symptoms. They may also perform or order exams to evaluate your pelvis.
After assessments, the therapist creates a treatment plan. Pelvic floor physical therapy includes strengthening, external and internal manual therapy, coordination training, muscle re-education, dietary changes, and home exercise programs.
Depending on your symptoms, the therapist customizes treatments to aid you! You’ll need effective care to support your pelvic floor.
Who Else Can Help?
Going to pelvic floor therapy is extremely important for those with weakened pelvic floors. Seeing a chiropractor is helpful to take things a step further. Your chiropractor can help with pelvic floor therapy by performing pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joint adjustments to relieve pressure. The hands-on treatment alleviates pain and strengthens muscles. Combining treatments supports your healing journey and brings you closer to recovery.
