The group of muscles in the pelvic area make up the pelvic floor. Similar
to a sling, our pelvic muscles support the bladder, uterus in women, prostate
in men, and rectum. Bowel and bladder movements are controlled when we
contract and relax the pelvic muscles.
But hundreds of people in Northern Utah are unable to control their pelvic
floor muscles; a problem known as pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor
dysfunction occurs when the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that
support pelvic organs don’t work as they should. It’s an issue
that can affect men and women, although it’s much more common in
women. Up to a third of all women experience some type of pelvic floor
disorder in her lifetime.
For some, the pelvic floor muscles are too weak; in others they are too
tight. Pelvic floor dysfunction can also be result of a lower back, hip
joint, sacroiliac joint, and/or coccyx impairment.
What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?
There are many reasons pelvic floor dysfunction can develop. A few common ones are:
Pregnancy or childbirth
Endometriosis
Poor posture
Infections (yeast, bacterial, etc)
Trauma
Past surgeries
For some people, pelvic floor dysfunction is a symptom of another medical
issue. Ogden Clinic’s pelvic floor therapy program is part of a
multidisciplinary treatment approach for people who live with:
Urinary urgency or frequency (lack of bladder control)
Fecal incontinence: lack of bowel control
Pelvic organ prolapse: a condition wherein the uterus, bladder, and/or
bowel “drop” into the vagina can cause a bulge through the
vaginal canal.
Chronic pelvic pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Vaginismus: Vaginal pain or spasm during penetration
Pelvic floor therapists work closely with urologists, OB/GYNs, physical
therapists, and primary care physicians using this therapy as part of
a comprehensive treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction?
Many people don’t feel comfortable talking about personal topics
like pelvic floor dysfunction. But these issues are very common treatment
is available. If any of these symptoms affect your quality of life, reach
out to your primary care physician or contact our pelvic floor therapists
in Ogden to discuss your condition.
Feelings that you can’t complete a bowel movement or that you need
to have several bowel movements within a short period of time
Constipation or straining during bowel movement
Frequent urination or urgency to urinate
Pain while urinating or having a bowel movement
Pain during intercourse
Unexplained pain in your pelvic regions, rectum, or genitals
Bladder or bowel leakage
What treatment options are available?
Ogden Clinic now offers Pelvic Floor Therapy, a subspecialty of our Physical
Therapy program. Pelvic floor dysfunction is very treatable and, with
the help of a trained professional, surgery may not be needed. A few services
offered from our pelvic floor therapist include:
Exercises to identify and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Relaxation techniques: Therapy and self-care techniques like yoga, exercises, and heat (hot baths,
sauna use, etc.) can help relax the pelvic floor muscles.
Biofeedback: A non-painful and non-surgical technique to help patients improve muscle
coordination. Biofeedback training has shown improvement in up to 70%
of patients in recent studies.
Soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to address muscle imbalances.
Medication: Sometimes a low-dose muscle relaxant can help ease the pelvic
floor muscles.
Education on diet, nutrition, and behavior changes that can help improve symptoms.
You don’t need to live with the life-altering or embarrassing symptoms
of pelvic floor dysfunction. To learn more about our multidisciplinary
treatment options or schedule an appointment, call Professional Center
Physical Therapy at
801-475-3300.
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