The pelvic floor muscles form a sling from the tailbone to the pubic area providing support to the internal organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) and encircling the bowel and bladder openings aiding in closure or continence. They also provide for pleasure responses during sexual activity. When these muscles are not functioning normally, we say they are in dysfunction.

TYPES OF DYSFUNCTIONS

Supportive - loss of strength and integrity of the connective tissues and muscular fibers of the pelvic floor.

Hypertonus - pain and/or spasm in the pelvic region.

Incoordination - loss of neuromuscular control with absent or inappropriate pattern of recruitment and timing. Lack of awareness or knowledge of pelvic floor muscles and their functions.

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?

- Bladder training using biofeedback or electric stimulation
- Dietary advice to help identify bladder irritants
- Muscle strengthening, relaxation and reeducation
- Exercise and stretching
- Postural education
- Manual therapy for joint alignment
- Positioning
- Myofascial techniques
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Self-help tips

For more information or to schedule, call the location most convenient to you.