111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized treatment focused on strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles. It involves targeted exercises and techniques designed to relieve pain, improve function, and enhance your overall quality of life. At the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, NY, you have access to the best specialists to successfully ease your pain and stop your symptoms. Call today for a checkup.
A therapeutic treatment for women and men, pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) strengthens the muscles of your pelvic floor. This type of physical therapy also acts as a preventative measure against pelvic floor dysfunction and other pelvic floor disorders. If you perform PFPT exercises regularly, you prevent many pelvic muscular issues, including:
The pelvic floor is a bowl-shaped arrangement of muscles, ligaments and nerves. These connective tissues form a safety net that underpins your bladder, rectum and uterus (in women). When the muscles of your pelvic floor are excessively close or stressed, they cause a condition called myofascial pain. Pelvic floor disorders strike women and men, but women aged 60 and older are the most susceptible.
Everyone has a pelvic floor — a group of muscles that support the urinary and reproductive organs while helping control bladder and bowel function.
In women, the pelvic floor holds the bladder in place at the front and supports the vagina and rectum at the back. The uterus is suspended at the top of the pelvic floor by a network of muscles, tendons, and connective tissue.
In men, the pelvic floor muscles provide support for the bladder, bowels, rectum, and urethra.
These muscles are anchored between the tailbone and pubic bone. When the pelvic floor muscles weaken or do not function properly, it can lead to a condition known as pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor are unable to relax or coordinate effectively. Instead of functioning smoothly, the muscles may remain tight, leading to a variety of symptoms, including:
Constipation
Frequent urination
Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder movements (incontinence)
Pain during intercourse (in women)
Erectile dysfunction (in men)
At times, the exact cause of pelvic floor dysfunction may not be clear. However, several factors can contribute to or trigger this condition, including:
Weakened pelvic floor muscles aren’t a normal part of aging, and you don’t have to live with the consequences. The symptoms can be reversed with pelvic floor physical therapy at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, NY. Seek treatment early to prevent more serious conditions. Your best bet as a woman is to get checked regularly by your gynecologist.
While doctors don’t yet understand what causes all types of pelvic floor disorders, they most often stem from activities and lifestyle choices, such as:
Because myofascial pelvic pain is similar to that of other conditions, some general practitioners may misdiagnose the source. Your specialist at Medex rules out other reasons for your pain, such as fibroids or bladder issues. After discussing your symptoms, you may be directed to keep a bladder diary for a certain amount of time to track how often you go.
You also may need to undergo one or more diagnostic tests, as determined by your specialist. The tests include a:
Once your Queens doctor reaches a diagnosis, the first treatment option — and the least invasive — is usually pelvic floor physical therapy. PFPT is a better option than medications, since drugs don’t address the cause of your pain, like PFPT does, although small dosages of a muscle relaxant or muscular neurotoxin eases your pain temporarily. When you catch your symptoms early, PFPT can completely reverse them.
Pelvic floor physical therapy includes exercises that stretch, relax and strengthen the muscles of your lower pelvis — that is, your pelvic floor muscles. Since it’s not always easy to isolate these muscles, you have to work with a therapist to get the exercises right, and you must practice them at home. Similar to Kegel exercises, PFPT strengthens your pelvic floor, relieving myofascial pelvic pain and eliminating other issues, such as urinary and fecal incontinence.
Biofeedback measures your progress. Before you begin your exercises, your physical therapist puts biofeedback sensors on your vaginal or rectal wall to check the quality of the muscle tone and muscle contractions. The results are stored and then compared to new readings taken at regular intervals while you do the exercises.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized treatment designed to address symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and help the muscles function as they should. This therapy involves targeted exercises that focus on strengthening and relaxing the pelvic muscles.
When you begin pelvic floor therapy, your physical therapist (PT) will assess your symptoms and evaluate your core muscles for strength and endurance. They will guide you through various activities and positions to observe the coordination of your pelvic floor muscles.
Your PT will create a personalized therapy plan based on your assessment, tailored to meet your specific needs. Treatment may involve both internal and external therapy, but internal therapy will only be introduced once you feel comfortable, as it can be uncomfortable for some people.
The main goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to alleviate your symptoms, enabling you to return to your daily activities. This could include improving bladder control, engaging in physical activities, or relieving pain during sex. Therapy can also enhance muscle awareness, leading to improved sexual experiences and stronger orgasms for women.
Pelvic floor physical therapy includes a variety of techniques and exercises, such as:
Trigger Point Therapy: This technique involves applying pressure to specific points, known as trigger points, on the body, either internally or externally. In some cases, your PT may also use anesthesia injections to relieve discomfort in these areas.
Kegel Exercises: Kegels are exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by contracting and relaxing them. They are effective in relieving pain during sex and controlling incontinence. Your PT will guide you in performing Kegels correctly for maximum benefit.
Electrical Stimulation: This technique is used to reduce pelvic pain and muscle spasms. Your PT may perform this in the office or teach you how to use specialized equipment at home.
Biofeedback: Biofeedback involves using devices to monitor and measure the contraction of your pelvic floor muscles. This allows your PT to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement. Electrodes may be placed on the outside of your body (such as between the vagina or anus) or an internal probe may be used to measure muscle tension and relaxation. The results will be displayed on a computer screen and discussed with you to help track your progress.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a comprehensive approach to improving the function and strength of your pelvic muscles, offering relief from symptoms and enhancing overall well-being.
Pelvic floor physical therapy works, with a success rate as high as any other physical therapy regimen. Keep up with the exercises and the physical therapy visits. After practicing for four to six weeks, going to physical therapy sessions once or twice a week, you’ll feel improvement. You may need as long as three months to experience a significant change. Your personal results depend on the seriousness of your case.
If you feel any unusual or uncomfortable sensations in your pelvis or groin, tell your primary care doctor so that you can be referred to an expert physical therapist within the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center facility. It’s one of the perks of making a multi-specialty practice your first stop for medical care. The sooner you visit your Queens therapist, the better chance you have of preventing more serious complications. Contact Medex today.
We can help you find a doctor. Call (718) 275-8900
Licensed by the state of New York, Medex is an Article 28 diagnostic and treatment center. Our physicians provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages in the Forest Hills, Queens area, for over 15 years. Start receiving expert care now by calling or scheduling an appointment online with one of the skilled specialists.
1. What is pelvic floor therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on strengthening, relaxing, and coordinating the pelvic floor muscles. This therapy helps manage symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, such as incontinence, pain during sex, and urinary problems.
2. Who can benefit from pelvic floor therapy?
Both men and women can benefit from pelvic floor therapy, especially those who are experiencing pelvic pain, incontinence, urinary or bowel issues, or discomfort during sex. It is particularly useful for individuals dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction, which can be caused by childbirth, surgery, or aging.
3. How does pelvic floor therapy work?
Pelvic floor therapy involves targeted exercises and techniques to help strengthen and relax the pelvic floor muscles. A physical therapist will evaluate your symptoms, assess your muscle strength and coordination, and design a personalized treatment plan. This may include exercises like Kegels, electrical stimulation, trigger point therapy, and biofeedback.
4. What are Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises are exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by contracting and relaxing them. These exercises are effective for managing incontinence, pelvic pain, and improving sexual health. A physical therapist can guide you through the correct technique to maximize the benefits of Kegels.
5. Is pelvic floor therapy painful?
Pelvic floor therapy should not cause significant pain. However, some techniques, such as internal therapy, can be uncomfortable for certain individuals. Your therapist will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable and make adjustments to the therapy as needed.
6. How long does pelvic floor therapy take?
The duration of pelvic floor therapy varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and the goals of your treatment plan. Typically, therapy lasts 6 to 8 weeks, with sessions held once or twice a week. Your therapist will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
7. Can pelvic floor therapy help with pain during sex?
Yes, pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate pain during sex, particularly in women. By strengthening and relaxing the pelvic muscles, therapy can improve muscle awareness, reduce discomfort, and enhance sexual function.
8. Are there any side effects of pelvic floor therapy?
Side effects are rare but may include mild soreness or discomfort after therapy, especially if internal techniques are used. These side effects are usually temporary and should subside within a day or two.
9. Do I need a referral for pelvic floor therapy?
In many cases, a referral from your primary care physician or specialist is required for pelvic floor therapy, especially if it is covered by insurance. However, in some areas, you may be able to see a physical therapist directly without a referral. It’s best to check with your insurance provider and therapist to determine what’s required.
10. How do I know if pelvic floor therapy is right for me?
If you are experiencing symptoms such as incontinence, pelvic pain, or difficulty with sexual function, pelvic floor therapy may be beneficial. Consult with your healthcare provider or a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health to determine if this therapy is right for you. They can assess your symptoms and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center