Internal Pelvic Floor Therapy
What is The Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis, supporting organs such as the bladder, uterus/ovaries (in women), prostate (in males), and rectum. These muscles play a crucial role in controlling urination, bowel movements, and sexual function. They also provide support for the organs in the pelvic area.
Internal and external physical therapy address the dysfunctions that are related to the pelvic floor region. Internal pelvic floor therapy specifically involves the insertion of a gloved and lubricated finger into the vagina or rectum to directly assess and treat the pelvic floor muscles internally. This technique allows the therapist to evaluate muscle tone, strength, flexibility, trigger points, endurance, spasticity and coordination, as well as to provide targeted treatment to address dysfunction.
Pelvic Floor Therapy (External and Internal) is Important For Several Reasons:
Treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest in various ways, including urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate these symptoms by addressing underlying muscle imbalances or weakness.
Prevention and management of pelvic floor disorders: Pelvic floor therapy can help prevent the development or progression of pelvic floor disorders, particularly in women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. It can also be beneficial for individuals with conditions such as chronic constipation or overactive bladder.
Improvement of sexual function: Pelvic floor therapy can enhance sexual function by improving pelvic muscle strength, coordination, and relaxation. This can lead to increased sexual sensation and pleasure.
Post-surgical rehabilitation: Pelvic floor therapy is often recommended as part of the rehabilitation process following pelvic surgery, such as procedures for pelvic organ prolapse or prostate surgery in men.
Overall, internal pelvic floor therapy plays a vital role in the comprehensive management of pelvic floor disorders, offering personalized treatment approaches to address the unique needs of each individual.
