PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY

At KOH PT Lab, we specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy that targets pelvic and abdominal health. Our primary focus is on the pelvic floor muscles which are essential for proper blood flow to connective and muscle tissue, thus increasing your overall mobility. The aim of our pelvic floor physical therapy treatments is to restore a higher level of movement quality as well as alleviate any pain or discomfort caused by trigger points or tight connective tissues. We take great pride in being able to offer you trustworthy services that help enhance your wellbeing.

At the core of your torso lies an intricate group of muscles known as your pelvic floor. A common condition called Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can occur when you improperly relax and coordinate these muscles for either urination or defecation. Furthermore, women may experience pain during intercourse while men could suffer from erectile dysfunctions (ED).

The pelvic floor muscles are the foundation for important organs within your body, such as the bladder, uterus or prostate, and rectum. The pelvic floor provide stability to these vital parts by wrapping around your pelvic bone. Additionally, some of them create a sling-like shape that offers more reinforcement around the rectum area. Physical therapy strengthens your pelvic floor muscles to ensure these essential body parts are supported so they can function more effectively.

Four of the most common pelvic floor disorders that can affect individuals include: Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Urinary Incontinence, Fecal Incontinence and Pain.

Women are not the only ones who can suffer from pelvic floor disorders; men too, may develop this condition. Surgery or radiation treatments that damage nerves and tissues in the area may increase one’s risk of developing a disorder. Additionally, regularly lifting heavy items as well as hereditary factors play a part in both genders being susceptible to these issues. Pelvic floor disorders arise when underlying support structures become weakened due to age or injury.

Specialists suggest that this condition may stem from at least one of the following sources:

• Childbirth
• Interstitial cystitis
• Obesity
• Trauma to the pelvic region
• Pelvic surgery
• Chronic coughing
• Chronic constipation
• Vaginal childbirth
• Weightlifting
• High-impact exercise (like running)

Stress, bacteria or inflammation can cause the pelvic floor muscles to tense up defensively in order to protect against a potential threat. This same reaction can be triggered by long periods of sitting or direct trauma such as an accident involving a bicycle. Unfortunately, in some instances, the pelvic floor muscles remain rigid and tight for extended lengths of time which results in discomfort or pain from overly stiffened muscles.

• Urinary or bladder control issues –painful urination or an inability to fully empty the bladder during urination or urinary frequency
• Testicular pain, groin pain, and/or hip pain
• Penile pain
• Burning pain – in pelvic area, perineum, urethra, penis
• Pain prior, during, and/or after ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Constipation including straining or pain during bowel movements
• Pressure in the pelvic area
• Muscle spasms in the pelvic area
• Pelvic pain–including pain in the bladder and rectum

Pelvic floor dysfunction has far-reaching consequences for women’s reproductive health, such as pain during intercourse and weakening of the uterus and vagina. Shockingly, around 35% of all women have experienced Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) in their lives due to this condition, making it a widespread issue that must be given more attention.

• Urinary or bladder control issues –painful urination or an inability to fully empty the bladder during urination
• Constipation including straining or pain during bowel movements
• Unexplained pain, pressure or a heavy feeling inside the vagina and/or rectum
• Muscle spasms in the pelvic area
• Pelvic, bladder, or rectal pain

During pelvic floor physical therapy, specialists will target the muscles and organs of your pelvis to help manage discomfort or dysfunction. We’ll provide you with exercises that focus on reinforcing and stabilizing your core’s major muscles—like the pelvic floor, abdominal area, back region, and diaphragm—which also includes retraining and fortifying your pelvic floor muscles.

At Koh PT, we use the most effective modalities from all around the globe to ensure optimal healing.  Some of these therapies include ShockWave Therapy, Therapeutic Taping, Fascia Stretching, and Cold Laser Therapy.

During initial consultation your physical therapist will assess your pelvic floor muscles for tone, elasticity, pain, and tenderness.

This may include observation and palpation of back, pelvis, hips, abdomen and pelvic floor. Your therapist is looking for restrictions of mobility or movement, cause of pain or cause of pain that is referred to another location. During pelvic floor therapy, we focus on equipping you with the right exercises to stabilize and fortify your core muscles.

We’ll build up everything from your abdominal area, back muscles, diaphragm down to the main component – your pelvic floor! Our tailored program will also re-train and strengthen those specific muscles for a successful outcome.

Most people start to experience some positive results after 4 to 6 weeks, and a major improvement may take up to 3 months. Depending on the condition being treated, it can even require 12 or more sessions in order for them to see complete or near-complete resolution of their symptoms.

At KOHPT Lab, our team of knowledgeable physical therapists and specialists are dedicated to helping you regain strength and function in your pelvic floor.