Pelvic Floor Therapy
More than 11 million men, women and children suffer from some form of pelvic floor problem such as incontinence, constipation, prolapse, pelvic pain/discomfort, or postpartum changes. The good news is many cases of pelvic floor problems can be treated successfully.
At OSF HealthCare we have specially trained pelvic rehabilitation specialists who can help determine the factors contributing to your symptoms. They will work with you to create a treatment plan.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor consists of three layers of muscle across the pelvic outlet that support the pelvic organs against gravity and resist any increases in abdominal pressure during coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting and stabilization of body’s trunk during physical activity such as strong movements of the arms and legs.
These pelvic muscles may become overactive or underactive for a variety of reasons throughout a person’s lifetime.
可能会出现影响膀胱功能的问题，导致意外失尿(尿失禁)，膀胱排空频繁，膀胱排空困难导致尿道感染，泄漏，或频繁排尿;肠道问题可能包括便秘、渗漏或脱垂;子宫问题可能包括疼痛或脱垂。
盆底功能障碍也可能导致腹部、背部、臀部或骨盆疼痛。盆底疗法解决这些肌肉的作用，以及其他可能导致问题的物理和生活方式因素。
Treatment options
Treatment plans may include the following:
- EMG – a process that allows an individual to monitor the ability to contract or relax a muscle
- Bladder training – learning to control the need to urinate with techniques such as distraction and timed voiding
- Exercises for the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder (for example, Kegels)
- Trigger point and myofascial release techniques that may include internal work
- Diet modifications
- Lifestyle changes
- Physiological quieting techniques
- Keeping a bladder diary to increase awareness of patterns and habits
Pelvic Floor Conditions
Urinary incontinence
25 - 45%的人口有尿失禁(意外丢失的尿液)，随着年龄的增长，发病率增加。虽然尿漏可能是常见的，但它从来不被认为是正常的。有些人对尿失禁的反应是减少与家人和朋友的社交互动。
Constipation
Chronic constipation is infrequent bowel movements or the difficult passage of stools that persists for several weeks or longer. Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks. Chronic constipation may also cause excessive straining to have a bowel movement and other signs and symptoms.
Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is the bulging of a body part, such as the rectum or vagina that commonly occurs because of weakened supportive tissues around the organs. Prolapse may cause discomfort with sitting, lifting and sexual function; and it may interfere with bladder emptying and bowel movements.
Pelvic pain or discomfort
Pelvic pain can arise from muscle or other soft tissue imbalances in the lumbar or pelvic floor region. Other medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues or issues with the reproductive system, can also contribute to pelvic pain. Physical therapy will address these imbalances. Through a detailed assessment and partnership with a therapist, treatment can bring positive results.
Postpartum changes
Pregnancy and delivery can cause changes in a woman’s posture, muscle length and strength. These changes may contribute to pain, discomfort, or incontinence, as well as difficulty with returning to full daily function.
What to Expect
You would undergo physical therapy according your customized treatment plan. Usually, formal physical therapy continues for two to six sessions. A home program of exercises and lifestyle modification to achieve the best outcomes efficiently goes hand-in-hand with formal physical therapy.
The goal of therapy is to make weak muscles strong and overactive muscles relax their tone. Pain reduction may be a relevant goal. Therapy hopes to reduce incontinence episodes and achieve normal frequency of trips to the bathroom.
Ultimately, depending on the specific needs of the individual patients, we want to improve function so you can perform all the activities you would like to do without distraction from symptoms.
If you’re having pain and discomfort, speak to a member of your care team about how you could benefit from pelvic floor therapy from an OSF HealthCare physical therapist.
How to Get Started
You’ll need a physician’s referral to set up an initial evaluation appointment.
What to Bring
Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
When to Arrive
Arrive about 15 minutes prior to your scheduled visit to complete your registration process. For children under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be present for the initial appointment.