Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) affects millions of people, yet many suffer in silence due to self-consciousness or lack of awareness about treatment options. Although there are many symptoms of PFD, many of them can significantly impact your quality of life on a daily basis. The frustrating reality is that finding the right treatment can feel overwhelming because pelvic floor dysfunction has numerous risk factors, causes, and symptoms that vary widely from person to person.
The good news? Physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction is an effective option for resolving many symptoms of PFD, with non-invasive treatment approaches available. Pelvic floor therapy is highly personalized to address your specific symptoms and underlying causes. But because each person’s needs are different, so too is the treatment process.
Getting to know the general process for pelvic floor therapy can still be helpful so you know what to expect from your first appointment and each visit thereafter.
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction
You may already have a formal diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction and are simply seeking personalized care at a clinic that offers pelvic floor PT. However, if you’re still wondering whether your symptoms are technically a pelvic floor disorder, our Pelvic Floor Therapists can help you understand what’s happening and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms can be surprisingly diverse and sometimes have symptoms that overlap with other conditions, which is why professional evaluation is crucial.
Common symptoms in women include:
- Urinary incontinence or urgency
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- Chronic constipation or difficulty with bowel movements
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Painful intercourse
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain or discomfort
Similar symptoms in men include:
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Difficulty starting urination
- Chronic prostatitis symptoms
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful ejaculation
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Lower back pain
- Rectal pain or pressure
Less common but significant symptoms for both men and women include:
- Tailbone pain
- Pubic bone pain
- Groin pain
- Painful sitting
- Muscle spasms in the pelvic region
- Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
Many people experience a combination of these symptoms, and the severity can fluctuate based on stress levels, physical activity, hormonal changes, and other factors. The key is learning that these symptoms are not normal and that you don’t have to live with them.
How physical therapy helps correct pelvic floor problems
PT for pelvic floor dysfunction takes a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of your condition. Unlike medications that may only mask symptoms, physical therapy works to restore proper muscle function, improve coordination, and, in some cases, teach you ways to help manage your symptoms in the long term.
- Manual therapy forms the foundation of most pelvic floor therapy programs. Your physical therapist uses specialized techniques to assess muscle tension, trigger points, and areas of restriction. Through gentle manipulation and massage, manual therapy can help release tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
- Patient education and at-home care are equally important components. Your therapist will teach you about pelvic floor anatomy, proper posture, breathing techniques, and lifestyle modifications that support healing. You’ll learn to identify activities or habits that may be contributing to your symptoms and discover practical strategies for managing them.
- Strengthening and coordination exercises help restore proper muscle function. Contrary to popular belief, pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t always about weak muscles – sometimes the muscles are too tight or lack proper coordination. Your therapist will design exercises specifically for your needs, which might include Kegel exercises, core strengthening, or relaxation techniques.
- Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises are particularly important for people whose pelvic floor muscles are overly tight or in spasm. Learning to consciously relax these muscles can provide significant symptom relief and prevent future problems.
- Biofeedback therapy uses specialized equipment to help you or your therapist visualize your muscle activity in real-time. This technology can be incredibly helpful for learning proper muscle coordination and ensuring you’re performing exercises correctly.
- Postural training and movement education address compensatory patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms. Poor posture, improper lifting techniques, and movement patterns can all impact pelvic floor function.
What to expect from pelvic floor physical therapy
First visit
Your first appointment will almost certainly be a comprehensive evaluation that typically lasts 60-90 minutes. Your physical therapist will begin with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals. This conversation helps them understand the full scope of your condition and any contributing factors.
The physical examination may include assessment of your posture, breathing patterns, core strength, and flexibility. Depending on your comfort level and specific needs, your therapist may also perform an internal examination to assess pelvic floor muscle function directly. This examination is always performed with your consent and when it provides necessary information about muscle tone, strength, and coordination.
Subsequent appointments
Based on the findings from your evaluation, your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. This plan will outline the recommended frequency and duration of treatment, types of treatment modalities to be used, and measurable goals for tracking progress.
Subsequent pelvic floor therapy sessions typically last 45-60 minutes and may include a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, biofeedback training, and education. Your therapist will continuously monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Most people begin to notice improvements within 4-6 weeks of starting treatment, though the timeline can vary significantly. Some people experience relief after just a few sessions, while others may need several months of consistent therapy to achieve their goals. The key is maintaining open communication with your therapist and staying committed to the treatment plan.
Pelvic floor physical therapy in Greater St. Louis
Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t have to control your life. With the right treatment approach, most people can achieve significant symptom relief and return to their normal activities. Physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive path to recovery that addresses the root causes of your symptoms rather than just managing them.
Even if you’re not totally sure if it’s right for you, we’re happy to have a conversation with you about your concerns.
If you’re in the Greater St. Louis area, call a nearby Excel Sports & Physical Therapy clinic or request an initial appointment online today to get started.