What is Pelvic Floor Disorder?

Pelvic floor disorders are one of those health topics that may seem too embarrassing to talk about with family, friends, or even a doctor. Despite being common, especially as you age, misconceptions about the condition and societal stigmas prevent some patients from getting the help they need.

Although the actual number of adults suffering from pelvic floor disorders is unknown due to underreporting, about 32% of women and 16% of men in the United States during their lifetime will experience at least one pelvic floor disorder.

In this blog, Caryn McAllister, PT, DPT, and the team of movement experts at High Quality Home Therapy share their insights on pelvic floor disorder and how pelvic floor rehabilitation can provide effective treatment and get you back to a productive life.

Pelvic floor disorder explained

Let’s start this topic by first explaining what the pelvic floor is and its function in the healthy operation of the human body. The pelvic floor is the medical term that describes the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that stabilize and support pelvic organs responsible for numerous bodily functions.

For women, pelvic floor muscles support the uterus, bladder, and colon. With men, pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and colon. In coordination with other key muscle groups in the torso, pelvic floor muscles allow the body to absorb pressure from things like lifting, coughing, or sneezing in a way that protects your spine and your internal organs. Simultaneously, these muscles help control your bowel and bladder function (continence) and some sexual activity.

Known as urogynecologic disorders, pelvic floor disorders (PFD) are the umbrella term for any pain or dysfunction in the area of the uterus, cervix, vagina, bladder, colon, or rectum. Some common symptoms resulting from pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, frequent trips to the bathroom, constipation, and painful urination.

Although the causes of pelvic floor disorders aren’t understood, natural aging, being overweight or obese, trauma or surgery in the pelvic area, and pregnancy and childbirth may be contributing factors to developing PFD. For diabetic men, frequent heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or prostate surgery may contribute to PFD.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions impact quality of life

Regardless of the particular symptoms you suffer from pelvic floor disorder, it wreaks havoc on your quality of life. Instead of enjoying a day out with your grandkids, you may stay home due to embarrassment or anxiety about a leaky bladder. It doesn’t have to be that way. Regardless of whether you have weak, spastic, tight, or uncoordinated pelvic floor muscles, effective treatment is possible.

Our highly trained, compassionate therapists at High Quality Home Therapy create personalized pelvic floor disorder treatment plans that may feature pelvic floor rehab and education. Our robust menu of services includes:

Pelvic floor training education
Pelvic floor exercises
Manual therapy
Biofeedback
Physical therapy
Bathroom habit retraining

Pelvic floor rehab strengthens and restores

The goal of our pelvic floor rehab program is to provide physical therapy services to strengthen and restore your pelvic floor muscles for optimal function. Specifically, we train you to coordinate muscles, strengthen weak muscles, and loosen tight muscles. Our pelvic floor rehab services have helped patients improve bowel, bladder, and sexual function, restoring overall health and quality of life.

Early intervention is vital

Like most medical conditions, early intervention is essential for optimal outcomes. If you notice changes in pelvic function, don’t wait. We customize each patient’s pelvic floor rehab sessions based on the severity of your condition, goals, and availability. Virtual, home-based care or in-office sessions are available for your convenience.

If you’re ready to return to feeling like yourself again, call High Quality Home Therapy in Stamford, Connecticut, today or use our online tool to schedule an appointment. Caryn McAllister, PT, DPT, and her professional team provide the care you need to get back to living your best life.