Disclaimer:: This post is sponsored by our friends at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital written by Valerie LeBas, Physical Therapist.
Don’t Suffer with Bladder Leaks and Pelvic Pain
Pelvic Floor Therapy may be the nonsurgical solution you’ve been seeking for pelvic pain, incontinence and other symptoms that leave you feeling less like you.
Need to use the restroom frequently throughout the day? Experience pain or pressure in your pelvic region? Have a hard time reaching the restroom without leaking? Strain or have constipation during a bowel movement? Sound familiar?
If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, you may be struggling with a pelvic floor disorder.
You are not alone. An estimated one-third of women, nearly half of those over age 55, experience a pelvic floor disorder. However, not only older women are impacted. Pelvic floor disorders also occur in younger women, often in athletes, those who have given birth and those diagnosed with endometriosis.
You don’t have to live with these symptoms.
Relief is available. Start by talking to your OB-GYN or family doctor about your symptoms
and how pelvic floor therapy may help you getting back to feeling like you again.
Moms-to-be learn to prevent and recover from pregnancy-related discomfort and dysfunction. Therapists can also help moms who plan to deliver vaginally learn techniques to coordinate pelvic and abdominal muscles to aid in delivery. After baby is born, therapists guide you through exercises to prevent incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
So, how does it work? Pelvic floor therapy is a non-surgical solution that includes:
- Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor;
- Core-strengthening exercises;
- Biofeedback techniques to improve muscle contraction and relaxation;
- Electrical stimulation to improve awareness and strengthen muscles;
- Soft tissue mobilization and myfascial release to address muscle imbalance;
- Joint mobilization;
- Relaxation techniques;
- Self-care education including diet and lifestyle changes that can help improve symptoms.
Before you get started, an initial exam may include an orthopedic assessment for any musculo-skeletal dysfunction.
Pelvic muscles, similar to a sling, support the uterus, bladder and rectum. Contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles controls bowel and bladder movements. When the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support pelvic organs don’t work as they should, this can lead to:
- Frequent urination or an urgent need to go to the bathroom;
- Urinary leakage;
- Constipation;
- Bowel incontinence;
- Pelvic pain or pressure;
- Tailbone, lower back, or hip pain.
Pelvic floor therapy may be the solution you’ve been seeking. Regain the relief and confidence you desire. Start by talking to your OB-GYN or family doctor. A physician’s order is needed to begin pelvic floor therapy.
About the Author
Valerie LeBas is a Physical Therapist with Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital who is specially trained in pelvic floor disorders. She helps patients identify and strengthen their pelvic floor with a customized treatment plan. Call (337) 521- 9135, opt. 1, to learn more.
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