Pelvic Floor Problems Are Common But You Don’t Have to Live with Them

Do you leak urine when you cough, laugh, exercise, or lift something? Are you experiencing pelvic pressure, discomfort during intimacy, constipation, or pain in your hips, lower back, or pelvic area?

These symptoms may be related to pelvic-floor dysfunction—and they are more common than many people realize. Although people are often embarrassed to discuss them, pelvic-floor problems are treatable.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles also help control urination and bowel movements, support your core, and contribute to sexual function.

Like any other muscles, the pelvic-floor muscles can become weak, tight, painful, or poorly coordinated.

Signs You May Benefit From Pelvic-Floor Therapy

Pelvic-floor physical therapy may help if you experience:

• Urinary leakage, urgency, or frequent urination

• Pelvic pressure or heaviness

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pelvic or abdominal pain

• Pain during or after intimacy

• Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements

• Lower-back, hip, tailbone, or sacroiliac joint pain

• Weakness or discomfort during or after pregnancy

• Abdominal separation, also called diastasis recti

• Difficulty returning to exercise after childbirth

• Symptoms following pelvic, abdominal, or prostate surgery

Pelvic-floor therapy can benefit women and men of different ages—not only people who have recently had a baby.

What Happens During Pelvic-Floor Physical Therapy?

Your first appointment begins with a private conversation about your symptoms, health history, and goals. Your physical therapist will explain the evaluation and treatment process so you can make informed decisions and feel comfortable throughout your care.

Treatment is personalized and may include:

• Pelvic-floor muscle strengthening or relaxation

• Core and hip strengthening

• Breathing and coordination exercises

• Posture and movement training

• Gentle manual therapy

• Scar-tissue treatment

• Bladder and bowel habit education

• A customized home exercise program

Pelvic-floor therapy is not simply doing Kegel exercises. Some people have muscles that are already too tight, and additional strengthening may make their symptoms worse. A proper evaluation helps determine exactly what your body needs.

You Do Not Have to Accept These Symptoms as “Normal”

Urinary leakage, pelvic pain, and postpartum discomfort may be common, but that does not mean you should ignore them. With the appropriate treatment, many people can return to exercising, working, traveling, and enjoying everyday activities with greater comfort and confidence.

At TheraPhysical, we provide respectful, individualized care in a supportive and private environment. Our goal is to help you understand your body, address the cause of your symptoms, and return to the activities that matter to you.

We serve patients in Lyndhurst, Garfield, Wallington, and Woodland Park, New Jersey.

Ready to feel more comfortable and confident? Contact TheraPhysical today to schedule a private pelvic-floor physical therapy evaluation.