Pelvic Floor Therapy for bowel and bladder health

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to restore the muscles that support your pelvic organs, including the bladder, bowel, and uterus. These muscles play a critical role in maintaining proper function and control of the urinary and digestive systems. When the pelvic floor becomes weak, tight, or imbalanced, it can lead to bowel and bladder conditions such as:

• Urinary Incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, or exercising)
• Urgency or Frequency (feeling the need to go often or urgently)
• Constipation
• Fecal Incontinence (difficulty controlling bowel movements)
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (when organs like the bladder or rectum drop and cause discomfort or pressure)

Pelvic floor therapy can help by:

1. Improving Muscle Strength & Coordination
   Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to issues like urinary incontinence and fecal leakage. By strengthening these muscles through targeted exercises, you can gain better control over your bladder and bowel functions.
2. Releasing Muscle Tightness & Tension
   Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles can cause difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels and lead to symptoms such as urinary urgency or constipation. Relaxation techniques, manual therapy, and breathing exercises can help reduce this tension.
3. Re-Education of the Pelvic Floor
   Many people are unaware of how to properly engage and relax their pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor therapy can retrain these muscles to function optimally, improving overall bowel and bladder health.
4. Lifestyle and Behavior Modifications
   In addition to hands-on treatment, physical therapists provide education on bladder habits, bowel routines, diet, and hydration to support long-term improvements in pelvic health.
5. Alleviating Pain and Discomfort
   Pelvic floor therapy can address discomfort and pressure caused by pelvic organ prolapse, offering relief and support for those dealing with chronic pelvic pain or urinary urgency.

Pelvic floor therapy offers a non-invasive, effective approach to addressing and managing these conditions, empowering you to regain control and improve your quality of life. Whether you're experiencing postpartum changes, aging-related issues, or have chronic pelvic floor dysfunction, therapy can offer targeted solutions that cater to your individual needs.