Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Waldwick, NJ

“I had no idea this sort of thing exists!”

Pelvic floor disorders effect 1 in 3 women, yet most don’t even know physical therapy exists for their pelvic floor muscles.   Most often people are too embarrassed to discuss their sexual or urinary issues with anyone.  Because of this, these disorders can go unidentified and they are left to live with inconvenience and pain.

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a range of problems that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor are weak or there is an impairment in the lower back.  At the base of your spine, your pelvic and hip bones join together to essentially form your “seat”.  Contained within your pelvic and hip bones are important nerves and blood vessels.  These tissues are held in place by a variety of pelvic floor muscles.  The muscles act like a sling to support the pelvic organs. As these muscles continue to weaken they will affect the normal function of your organs.  Symptoms may change or worsen over time and often include difficultly controlling your bladder or bowels, low back pain or pelvic discomfort.

WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY?

When the pelvis does not function optimally, it can cause issues such as incontinence, bowel dysfunction, muscle weakness, painful sex, vaginal pain, organ prolapse and others.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists are musculosketetal experts in the area associated with the pelvis.  They are trained in both internal and external evaluation and treatment techniques, often helping patients restore strength and function to the muscles and connective tissues that serve the reproductive and urinary systems.

Using internal and external techniques, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists evaluate and treat these problems to help to restore strength and function.  Many things factor into a well-balanced, coordinated pelvic floor including proper posture, breathing and alignment.  Many issues that we assume are byproducts of having children or getting older can be treated with physical therapy.

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WHAT TO EXPECT AT A PELVIC THERAPY VISIT

Our medical team can discuss your specific questions with you. To get started, refer to What To Expect When You See A Pelvic Therapist (used with permission from Pelvic Guru®, LLC www.pelvicglobal.com) for a pelvic therapy visit overview. This is a good starting point to learn more. Our team will provide more details and can answer your specific questions.

WHO NEEDS PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Pelvic Floor therapy can improve many conditions experienced by women and men. The therapist will check strength, flexibility and range of motion in the back, pelvis and hips. The pelvic floor can be weakened by pregnancy, childbirth, prostate cancer treatment, obesity and the straining of chronic constipation.

Women who have had children are at an increased risk for developing pelvic floor dysfunction.  Incidentally, they may also develop a condition called diastasis recti, which occurs when the abdomen is stretched, causing the large muscles to separate. Other causes of pelvic floor dysfunction may include infection, history of surgery or trauma.

Common Treatments Used Successfully in The Management of Pelvic Pain Include:

• Biofeedback
• External and Internal soft tissue mobilization
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Trigger Point Release
• Therapeutic Exercises

DO YOU BELIEVE YOU MAY BE STRUGGLING FROM PELVIC PAIN?

Your pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and other symptoms may be related to issues with your pelvic floor muscles.  These muscles can be strengthened with therapy.

Conditions We Treat With Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy:

If you have been diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction, our physical therapist will work closely with you to design and implement the most appropriate treatment plan that will fit your unique needs.