Pelvic floor therapy treats pelvic floor muscle pain, weakness, and dysfunction. When these muscles are in good condition, they permit blood flow to the connective and muscular tissues, thereby enhancing mobility.

A Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC clinic aims to restore a greater degree of mobility, motion, and healthy function. In cases of pain or discomfort, they will pinpoint muscle trigger points and connective tissues that are tight or stiff, which may be the cause of the problem.

Undergoing physical therapy to alleviate the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction has been regarded as an effective, non-invasive treatment method for decades. At a Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC clinic, their physical therapists re-train the pelvic floor muscles, which control the bladder, the bowel, and a person’s sexual function, using a variety of non-surgical and painless treatment methods. Learning how to strengthen and make the pelvic floor muscles relax will not only improve function but will also alleviate pain or discomfort.

During pelvic floor therapy, you will learn exercises to balance and strengthen your core or the muscles that stabilize the trunk (pelvic floor, diaphragm, abdomen, and back). This will also involve the re-training and the strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles.

The physical therapist will assess which of your muscles are overly contracted and give you stretching exercises to improve your coordination and mobility. In addition, they will instruct you in proper posture exercises, muscle relaxation techniques, and diaphragmatic breathing – all of which can improve your symptoms, overall health, and sense of well-being.

The specific course of treatment they usually recommend will depend on your symptoms. To alleviate certain symptoms, you must relax and lengthen the pelvic floor muscles, whereas other symptoms may entail strengthening these muscles.

The pelvic floor physical therapists will also work with you on some behavioral modifications, such as dietary and lifestyle changes, that will alleviate your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC: The Importance

Both men and women have a pelvic floor that comprises a layer of muscles extending from the pubic bone to the tailbone. In men, the bladder, bowel, and prostate are supported by the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue; in women, the vagina, bladder, bowel, and uterus are supported by the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue.

In both men and women, pelvic floor muscles are involved in sexual function and pleasure, as well as the regulation of bowel and bladder function. The pelvic floor muscles in pregnant women support the fetus and should be relaxed during the birthing process.

By contracting and relaxing, pelvic floor muscles regulate bowel and bladder function. The pelvic floor muscles, for instance, must contract to prevent incontinence and must relax to allow bowel movements and urination. A person will experience dysfunction if their muscles contract too strongly or too weakly, which can lead to constipation, incontinence, pain during sexual intercourse, or pain in the lower back, genitals, rectum, or pelvic region. Injury to the pelvic floor following surgery, childbirth, certain medical procedures, or a history of physical abuse can also cause pain and dysfunction.

Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC: What to Expect During The Initial Assessment

We know that issues relating to pelvic floor dysfunction can be highly personal and that you may feel anxious or even frightened about what to expect. We would like to reassure you that physical therapists in Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC clinics are highly trained professionals with extensive experience treating pelvic conditions. They will take the time to answer your questions and thoroughly explain each step.

Your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation at your first appointment in order to formulate the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Pelvic floor therapy aims to restore mobility and reduce pain. During your examination, the therapist will evaluate your breathing pattern,  posture, spinal, hip, and abdominal strength and flexibility to identify contributing factors.

Their objective is to determine the likely cause(s) of your pelvic floor dysfunction. The more details you can provide about your symptoms, the quicker they can identify the problem. Provide detailed notes regarding your symptoms and anything that exacerbates or alleviates your pain. 

Your physical therapist may ask you to move around during your visit in order to evaluate certain functions, so dress comfortably. It is highly encouraged for you to ask questions and give feedback for each session.

The initial assessment usually includes the following:

• A thorough review of your medical or health history

• A comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms

• Evaluation of the areas that are painful or dysfunctional

• A comprehensive review of your medical history 

• A comprehensive physical exam

During the assessment, you will be asked to stand, walk, and sit in order to identify possible posture or joint issues that could have affected your pelvic floor muscles. They will also assess whether bone or muscle tissues in your lower hips, back, sacroiliac joint, thighs, or buttocks may be causing the dysfunction or pain in your pelvic floor muscles.

In addition, the physical therapist will conduct a physical examination. Occasionally, this may involve an internal examination. The therapists have obtained specialized training in dysfunctions of the pelvic floor muscles. They know that this examination process may make you feel uneasy, so they will take each step carefully and slowly. This preliminary effort can help identify muscle and strength-related issues that may cause you discomfort or dysfunction.

The physical therapist will take their time and explain what to expect at each stage of the assessment.   You can opt to pause the assessment at any time.

How Many Pelvic Floor Therapy Sessions Should You Expect?

It is essential to view pelvic floor physical therapy sessions as being more of a marathon than just a sprint. Although the first session of treatment is an essential step toward a complete recovery, you should not anticipate that all of your problems will be resolved afterward. In reality, you will likely require six to eight one-hour sessions before experiencing relief. Even though it might seem like a long time, it is far preferable than not seeking appropriate treatment and enduring months of pain and discomfort.