PFD (pelvic floor dysfunction) is a term used to describe pain in the pelvis and/or disruption of bowel, bladder or sexual function due to restrictions of the muscles and nerves of the pelvis.
The pelvis is a bony bowl-shaped structure which holds the organs of digestion, elimination, and sexual function. The pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are located at bottom of the bowl, attaching like a sling from the pubis in the front to the coccyx in the back. These muscles help support the abdominal viscera, maintain continence (bladder and fecal), enhance sexual function and assist in core/trunk stability.
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a wide range of symptoms that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor are weak and/or tight. This may be due to an impairment of the sacroiliac joint, low back, coccyx or hip joint which could be secondary to a previous surgery, a trauma such as a fall, pregnancy, childbirth, or poor posture. A thorough physical therapy evaluation of the musculoskeletal system can determine the cause of these dysfunctions and then provide treatments to correct them.
Throughout the lifespan, women can experience pelvic floor dysfunction in the form of symptoms such as urgency, frequency, leaking/incontinence, sexual symptoms such as pain with sex, tampon insertion and GYN exams, thinning of vaginal tissue during and post menopause, and bowel symptoms such as constipation, urgency, rectal pain, and incontinence. The musculoskeletal components of these dysfunctions are easily addressed by one of our pelvic health PT specialists who have specialized training beyond earning their DPT degree through coursework with the Herman and Wallace Institute, the Women’s Health Section of the APTA and various organizations focusing on specific skills to address musculoskeletal causes of urinary, sexual and bowel dysfunction in addition the prenatal/postpartum population and pelvic pain.
Our philosophy at Zion Physical Therapy is to educate patients first on how physical therapy works to help specific symptoms, answer any questions you may have, then ask your permission before we physically evaluate and treat.
Our treatments for urinary dysfunction are designed to help restore strength, bladder control, and improve overall bladder and pelvic health.
Our physical therapy team specializes in treating bowel dysfunction, helping to restore normal bowel function.
We provide individualized treatments to help you recover from issues such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, and pain during sex.
Services provided to help resolve pain and dysfunction related to the pregnancy period, while also preparing one for labor, delivery and what to expect in the postpartum period.
Services provided to help resolve pain and dysfunction from labor and vaginal or C-Section delivery. We focus on individual symptoms and goals, while helping you navigate taking care of an infant or child!
Treatment strategies both in office and through a home exercise program to address the musculoskeletal causes of Abdominophrenic Dyssynergia. We also work with your other healthcare providers.
Through a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle modifications, Zion Physical Therapy can help you achieve optimal pelvic floor health.
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Read these articles specifically written for women's health and women's pelvic floor health.
