Curious About Pelvic Floor Therapy? You’re In the Right Place!

Jun 11

If you haven’t been inundated by #trending Pelvic Floor reels and posts on social media yet, then…this article is for you. This article is for you even if they do have your algorithm. This article is for you if you have a pelvis (and you do…yes, even you.)

A Quick (and NOT dirty!) Anatomy Review:

To really understand the importance of the pelvic floor, we have to first consider its role in the greater context: the respiratory diaphragm serves as the “roof” of our abdominal cavity, the pelvic diaphragm serves as the “floor”, and the deep muscles of the abdomen and the spine serve as the “walls”. All of these structures comprise our “core” and are essential for proper shock absorption, load transfer, protecting and stabilizing the spine, and managing intra-abdominal pressure.

Our pelvic floor is comprised of three muscle layers located at the base of the pelvis (yes, all pelvises) in a hammock-like orientation. The major functions of the pelvic floor muscles include:

● Sphincteric Control: holding back poop and pee when you want, and relaxing/voiding when you want

● Support: of the organs (bladder, uterus, rectum, colon, etc) and their connective tissues contained within the abdominal cavity

● Sump Pump: lymphatic drainage and bloodflow out of the pelvic girdle and back into circulation

● Sexual Function: the ability to maintain and achieve erection, orgasm, and experience pleasure

● Stability: of the spine, pelvis and hips → this is the base of your “core”

Needless to say, the pelvic floor serves a variety of vital, often misunderstood and overlooked, life sustaining functions that have historically gotten very little press. It is our job as pelvic floor specialists not only to help treat the dysfunction, but also educate our communities and fellow colleagues about the help that is available! Too often, people suffer with pelvic floor conditions for years…decades…before finding help. This is why we have to scream from the rooftops and talk about it to anyone who will listen!

What are signs of pelvic floor dysfunction?

First, it is important to recognize that pelvic floor dysfunction can occur at any time in life and in all genders. The causes for pelvic floor dysfunction are also far and wide, and sometimes entirely unknown. Sometimes there is a physical event or trauma such as labor, surgery, or chronic constipation and straining. Sometimes pelvic floor dysfunction can be the result of an underlying hormonal imbalance or a mental health issue, as common as anxiety or PTSD. The presentation of pelvic floor dysfunction can look similar in two individuals but be due to very different underlying causes. Sometimes the same underlying condition will present itself in a variety of ways. The point is that it is a complex and fascinating part of our bodies that deserves discussion, recognition, and oftentimes, professional attention. The following are some common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, but please note that this is not an exhaustive list!

● urinary/bowel leakage, urgency, frequency

● constipation and incomplete emptying of stool

● hemorrhoids

● pelvic or abdominal pain

● pain or difficulty with erection, arousal, intercourse or orgasm

● low back, tailbone, and hip pain

● perineal heaviness/pressure or feeling like “something” is falling out

● chronic prostatitis

● Testicular and penile pain

● and so much more!

What to do if you think you (or someone you know) have pelvic floor dysfunction:

Seek the attention of a Pelvic Floor Specialist, usually a Physical or Occupational Therapist who specializes in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. Not all providers treat all genders or all ages, so you may have to do a little research to see who can address your specific needs. If you find a provider that you don’t connect with, doesn’t seem to be able to meet your needs, or doesn’t accept your insurance, please don’t give up! Not every therapist or every clinic is meant for every individual–permission to look around a bit. There are even some online services for those in remote areas or who cannot find any daycare to leave home. I cannot speak to the credibility of all providers or clinics, but I will say: we are out there! A conversation over Zoom may be the best you can get right now, but at least it’s a start. Invest in your pelvis! You deserve it!

Please reach out to Method Physical Therapy if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment at info@methodptnm.com

Sources for locating Pelvic Floor practitioners include (definitely not limited to):

https://pelvicrehab.com/

https://pelvicglobal.com/directory/

Google: pelvic floor therapy

Patient Advocacy Organizations like those for: IC, EDS, IPPS, and much more.

Katie Dewar, PT, DPT.

Katie Dewar, PT, DPT was born and raised in South Florida and graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida in 2017. She spent her final clinical rotation working with the Pelvic Health team at the University’s renowned research hospital, having the privilege of being exposed to a wide variety of abdominopelvic conditions, treatments, research, and mentorship. She encourages an integrative and holistic approach to healing and is excited for the opportunity to grow roots and practice alongside like-minded colleagues in New Mexico! Katie also enjoys painting, hiking, cooking, music, gardening, and exploring new places & ideas.