Have you ever noticed that you have trouble controlling your bladder when you sneeze or cough? Maybe you struggle with making it to the bathroom in time. Have you noticed discomfort in your pelvis that just won’t go away? These are all symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, which is a condition that occurs when the muscles or connective tissue in the pelvic floor are weak or injured. This condition affects roughly 1 in 3 women in the U.S. Most cases occur after traumatic injury, pregnancy, overuse and old age. If you think you may be dealing with poor pelvic health, here’s how you can be sure and what pelvic floor rehab at physical therapy can do for women’s health.

What are the signs of poor pelvic health that could benefit from physical therapy care?

There are several signs that may indicate poor pelvic health. If you experience one or more of the following signs, you may be dealing with poor pelvic function that could improve with help with pelvic floor and women’s health rehab from a physical therapist:

• Difficulty controlling your bladder when laughing, running or sneezing.
• Trouble predicting when you need to use the bathroom.
• Feeling heavy or pulling sensations in the pelvic area.
• Feeling pain in the lower back, pelvis or rectum.
• Having pain during sex.

How can physical therapy help someone promote their pelvic health?

Physical therapy can significantly help someone who’s experiencing pelvic problems. There are many benefits of getting PT care to promote pelvic health. These benefits include reduced pain, increased range of motion, better sexual function, lower chronic pain, and improved bowel and urinary function. Keep reading to learn how physical therapy can be used to improve your pelvic health: 

• Mobilize joints — A physical therapist can use manual therapy to improve joint function, increase range of motion and reduce joint pain in the pelvis. Joint mobilization can improve symptoms of poor pelvic health and lead patients toward improved pelvic stability and function.

• Improve muscle strength — Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms are exacerbated by poor muscle strength, which is why strengthening the muscles can be so effective at improving pelvic health.

• Reduce muscle tension — Tight and contracted pelvic muscles can cause pain and discomfort in the pelvic area, but PT can help you release some of this tension through therapeutic exercises.

• Provide deep heating to muscles — Another way that physical therapy can improve the health of your pelvic health is by therapeutic ultrasound. Ultrasounds in PT are different from traditional ultrasounds because they’re used to relax your muscles and boost circulation. If you’re in PT for pelvic floor dysfunction, ultrasounds can be helpful by heating up the muscles in your body and helping you to release some of the tension and discomfort you may be experiencing.

To learn the basics of pelvic floor PT, read here.

Lattimore Physical Therapy can help you improve your pelvic health

Lattimore Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Network started in 1992. John and Cindy Shuman, husband and wife, first launched their own physical therapy practice intending to improve the quality of life of each community member. Since 1992, Lattimore PT has opened nearly 30 different locations across New York.

Our team of talented physical therapists across the state is dedicated to understanding the best treatment for you. We specialize in taking a “hands-on,” interactive approach with each of our patients to provide them with the best care possible. Each physical therapist at our Lattimore locations takes pride in their work and does their best to come to the clinic each day smiling. We aim to make each physical therapy session enjoyable yet productive. The ultimate mark of success is a patient who feels positively impacted by our work. Are you ready to experience “the Lattimore way”?

We’re more than qualified to help you improve your pelvic health and functionality. We treat various conditions and patients with unique circumstances, including poor pelvic health. You’re not just another chart when you come to visit us. You’re a patient deserving help. Let us be the ones to give you the help you need to improve your pelvic health.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.