What is Pelvic Health?
Pelvic Health is a specialized area of health care that focuses on the optimal function of the pelvic floor muscles, bladder, urinary tract, bowel, rectum, sexual function with a holistic and mind-body approach to overall wellness of all systems. Pelvic Health physical therapy includes evaluation and treatment of a wide range of pelvic conditions (listed below), which are treated by a Pelvic Health physical therapist and many times with a team approach including other providers and specialists (listed below).
Pelvic Health Physical Therapy is the evaluation, assessment and treatment of the pelvis, hip and low back in addition to all contributing factors and includes the muscles, joints, ligaments, positioning and function as it all relates to one or a combination of pelvic conditions (listed below). Pelvic Health Physical Therapy has several terms that are related: Pelvic, Pelvic Floor, Women’s Pelvic, Men’s Pelvic, Urogynecologic Physical Therapy and Pelvic Rehab. Physical Therapy may include external and internal manual therapy including myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, trigger point release, visceral or connective tissue manipulation, in addition to biofeedback and electrical stimulation. A multidisciplinary and holistic approach is encouraged. I can assist with referrals for complementary services that will enhance your healing process.
The Pelvic Floor, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Pelvic Pain
Pelvic floor dysfunctions affect women, men and children. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a general term referring to one or a combination of problems that may occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor become weak, tight, or when joints of the pelvis, hips, sacrum (sacroiliac), coccyx and/or lumbar spine are affected. The internal pelvic organs have connective tissue that may result in pelvic pain related to the irritation and/or sensitivity of these tissues.
There are many reasons for pelvic pain and the source of pain is often not apparent until thoroughly evaluated. Pelvic pain or pelvic floor dysfunctions are commonly related to posture habits, pregnancy, childbirth, trauma or accidents, surgeries, conditions affecting the bladder, bowel or reproductive organs, infections (often undiagnosed), The pelvic floor is a group of small muscles that run from the pubic bone to the tailbone. They are necessary for bladder, urinary tract, bowel, rectum and sexual function and support of internal organs and the spine. A few of the functions that a healthy pelvic floor promote are controlling urine, controlling feces, controlling gas, stronger orgasms and support of the spine and pelvis.