How can physical therapy help with pelvic floor dysfunction?

Written By: Dr. Yuchin Chang, PT, DPT, OCS

When people think of physical therapy, the image of exercising in the gym often comes into mind.  Not many people know that physical therapy can help pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as pain, incontinence, constipation, and so on.

What is the pelvic floor?  The pelvic floor is the area between your pubic bone and tailbone, and the muscles in this region are called pelvic floor muscles.   These muscles have very close relationships with the bowel, bladder, and sexual function.  Like the other muscles in the body, pelvic floor muscles can become irritated as a result of injuries, such as a fall onto the tailbone, difficult vaginal deliveries, pelvic fractures, and so on.  They can also become restricted as a result of core weakness, prolapsed organ, surgeries, and faulty lifting mechanics.

Physical therapists are experts in dealing with muscular dysfunctions.  Not only effective muscle manipulations are done during the session, but the patients are also taught exercises and tactics for symptom management and patient empowerment.  As a result, patients can regain use of their pelvic floor muscles and address muscle weakness, tightness, incoordination, and pain.

How do you know if physical therapy is helpful to address your specific pelvic floor issues?  Stop by our office or give us a call. We are located inside the Madison and Summit Area YMCA in New Jersey, and we offer one-on-one sessions in a private and comfortable environment.  Our pelvic floor therapist, Yuchin Chang, is an APTA board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and specializes in myofasical pain syndrome. She is happy to answer any of your questions!