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As a pelvic health physical therapist at Activcore in New Jersey, I find myself talking about the pelvis all day long. After all, people are excited to learn about this fast growing area of physical therapy practice. And they have many, many questions! So here are some of the most common I get asked:
1. Are only women affected by pelvic floor dysfunction?
Anyone with a pelvis can be affected. Regardless of your gender, pelvic floor dysfunction can affect bowel and bladder function, sexual function, and your overall quality of life.
2. Is pelvic floor treatment primarily for older adults?
Absolutely not! Anyone with a pelvis can benefit from better pelvic health. Conditions such as pelvic pain, chronic constipation, urinary incontinence, pregnancy/postpartum, and certain medical conditions can affect all age groups. It is essential to understand the signs and symptoms and when to seek medical care.
3. Do I need to have pain to get treatment?
Just like how we prioritize our physical health through exercise and preventative care, maintaining your pelvic health is essential for overall well-being. Incorporating pelvic floor exercises, practicing good bowel and bladder habits, and seeking regular checkups can all contribute to optimal pelvic health and prevent future issues.
4. Can Kegels cure any pelvic floor dysfunction?
While Kegels can be an effective exercise, they are often not appropriately prescribed. In some cases, Kegels can actually worsen pelvic floor dysfunction, especially in the case of hypertonic (tight) pelvic floor and/or poor pelvic floor muscle coordination. Sometimes we need to relax (AKA down train) your muscles to reduce symptoms. In other cases, there may be some instability and/or biomechanical dysfunction that can occur outside the pelvic floor that may be contributing to your issues. A pelvic health physical therapist can perform a thorough examination to discover the root cause of your pelvic floor dysfunction and determine an appropriate treatment plan for you.
5. Is leaking urine normal after I give birth?
The body goes through a significant change during gestation and it may become your new "normal" to experience some level of urinary leakage. However, leaking urine at any point in life is not normal. This goes for males as well. Leaking urine can be due to a multitude of reasons and can be properly managed once the root cause has been determined. Pelvic health PT can help!
6. How can I relieve constipation?
Besides increasing your water and fiber intake, there are many other ways to relieve constipation. A pelvic health physical therapists will look at the whole picture. If there are obvious deficits, they will make general recommendations. They may also investigate factors such as the presence of abdominal scars, your diaphragm and ribcage movement, and the range of motion of your spine and hips. Pelvic therapists often have specialized training in visceral manipulation, which can assist with the mobility of the intestine or other areas of the gastrointestinal tract.
If you think you can benefit from better pelvic health, please reach out to me at Activcore Bernardsville to schedule a consultation now!
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post are based on the opinion of the author, unless otherwise noted, and should not be taken as personal medical advice. The information provided is intended to help readers make their own informed health and wellness decisions.
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