Happy Monday! Today, we're diving into the uplifting world of pelvic floor therapy – a transformative experience for the often-overlooked powerhouse of your body. So, settle into a cozy spot, let's explore the wonders of pelvic floor therapy, and empower ourselves with knowledge!
So, What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on assessing and treating pelvic floor muscles and their support structures. Guided by a skilled therapist, whether a physical therapist or an occupational therapist with additional expertise, you'll embark on a journey designed to strengthen, lengthen/relax and/or restore coordination & balance to these vital muscles and associated structures.
Beyond that, we're here to share knowledge about pelvic health – covering everything from the do's and don’ts of bowel and bladder health to intimate aspects like sex and hygiene. A key role is also breaking down stigmas surrounding women’s health, intimate health, and gender-affirming care. It's time to normalize these conversations, erase any negative connotations, and foster a community where empowerment through education and awareness is celebrated. Your body deserves respect, understanding, and care, and pelvic floor therapy is your passport to pelvic health journey.
Do I Need Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Absolutely, or perhaps! Allow me to clarify...
As pelvic floor therapists, we're trained to address various pelvic floor dysfunctions, including incontinence, pre & postnatal care, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, gender-affirming care, and pre/post-surgical care for specific procedures, along with orthopedic issues like lower back pain, neck pain, hip pain, and more. If you're experiencing abnormal or bothersome symptoms that persist, hindering your enjoyment of everyday activities, the answer is a resounding yes – seek a pelvic floor therapist! We're here to help.
Then there's the "maybe" category. Some individuals seek preventative care, whether it's before or during pregnancy, to establish strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, learn an efficient way to push during labor to minimize tearing and protecting the pelvic floor or how to minimize C-section scar pain after.
There are also women who also seek proactive measure with aging issues like leakage from worsening. If your intuition is nudging you that something isn’t right, or if you simply have questions, consulting with a pelvic floor therapist can provide reassurance and guide you towards optimal pelvic floor health.
Also, keep in mind that every pelvic floor therapist is unique and talented in their own way. So I suggest learning about different practices and the pelvic floor therapist to see if they are able to help you for with specific needs and wants!
What Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Entail?
Pelvic floor therapy encompasses a variety of elements such as an internal assessment, exercises, education, breath work, and hands-on techniques, to name some of the procedures.
The internal assessment, resembling a gynecological exam but with different goals, allows us to pinpoint specific pelvic floor muscles and assess tone, strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
The pelvic floor physical therapy journey also includes exercises tailored to address your specific needs and goals, aiding your return to or improvement in certain activities! Exercises designed specifically for you are to help you get stronger, more flexible, improve your posture, move better and/or lessen or alleviate your pain!
One incredible benefit of seeking pelvic floor therapy is gaining insight into how your pelvic floor collaborates with the rest of your body. We view the body as a coordinated unit, where various components work together efficiently. As our body doesn't work in isolation, considerations include how you breathe, move, engage & coordinate other muscles such as your core, lower back, hips, and even assess how your posture influences you! It's truly magical how our body functions!
Education is also another vital component of pelvic floor therapy. Knowing what's happening in your body alleviates mental burdens and motivates many women to address concerns. Every pelvic floor journey is unique, and each treatment plan is crafted to suit the individual. If you have reservations about internal assessments and treatments, rest assured, modifications and alternatives can be discussed with your pelvic floor therapist.
As you embark on your pelvic floor therapy journey, remember that empowerment is an ongoing process. Your pelvic floor is not just a muscle group; it's a source of strength, resilience, and self-love. Embrace the journey, revel in newfound awareness, and celebrate the empowerment that comes with understanding and caring for your incredible pelvic floor.
So, dear reader, go forth with confidence, armed with the knowledge and empowerment that pelvic floor therapy brings!
Remember, the suggestions on this and other blog posts on this website is not to be used as substitution of medical advice given by your provider. The information on this website is also not to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease but for educational purposes only. It is best to consult with your medical professional.
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