Pelvic floor therapy in Brentwood, MO. Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just cause pain; it can impact your sense of self and independence. If pelvic floor dysfunction is keeping you from returning to a beloved sport, beginning parenthood, or just getting through a day with the same confidence and comfort you used to, pelvic floor physical therapy may be what you require to feel like your best you again. With evidence-backed treatment plans, pelvic floor therapy in Brentwood, MO can lead to:

• Improved bladder and bowel control
• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Enhanced sexual performance and satisfaction
• Increased self-assurance and quality of life

Axes Physical Therapy in Brentwood, MO specializes in creating customized treatment plans that gets pelvic floor patients back to the activities they love most securely and effectively. If you are interested in gaining more information about pelvic floor therapy or want to arrange an appointment with one of our experts, please contact us online today or get in touch to the Axes location nearest you. We’re here to help you regain command and confidence in your pelvic health.

How the Pelvic Floor Works

The pelvic floor is the soft tissues and joints that create a supportive hammock-like structure at the base of the pelvis. It acts like a “floor” or a foundation for the organs in the pelvic region, including the bladder, uterus, urethra, and rectum. The pelvic floor protects organs and your spine from outside pressure while helping control several everyday functions.

The pelvic floor has numerous functions and roles:

• Helps control your bladder and bowels by providing you control over the contraction and release of muscles
• Supports organs in the pelvis and stops them from prolapsing
• Resists belly pressure from lifting, coughing, or other activities
• Supports healthy sexual function
• Provides sturdiness and alignment to the core and back
• During pregnancy, expands to accommodate a growing fetus and supports vaginal delivery in childbirth
• Assists in blood and lymphatic circulation, helping to maintain vibrant tissue

Pelvic Floor Anatomy

The pelvic floor muscles extend from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone at the front, while also joining to the hip bones on each side. These muscles have channels or canals for the urethra (through which urine is passed), the vagina, and the anus (through which stool is passed).

Think of the pelvic floor as a woven network of muscles and tissues that creates a resilient foundation, supporting the pelvic organs in place and preventing them from descending down. It works like a reinforcing sling to preserve the position and function of pelvic organs.

The main muscles of the pelvic floor are called the levator ani and the coccygeus. The levator ani has three parts: one that wraps around the rectum and assists you to hold in your feces (puborectalis), one that connects the front and back bones of your pelvis and supports the urethra and rectum (pubococcygeus), and one that connects the side and back bones of your pelvis and sustains the organs inside your lower belly (iliococcygeus). The coccygeus connects the side and back bones of your pelvis and works to keep your pelvis stable.

The pelvic floor muscles have important roles. They aid in regulating the release of urine and stool by contracting and relaxing at the correct times and play a part in sexual function and pleasure by providing support to the organs involved in sexual activity. When the pelvic floor is compromised or becomes too tense, it results in pelvic floor dysfunction.

Causes, Signs, and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition where you have difficulty unwinding and coordinating your pelvic floor muscles for optimal function.

Signs and Symptoms

• Challenges urinating or having bowel movements
• Feeling like your bowel movements are not fully finished
• Leakage of urine or feces
• Frequently feeling the urge to use the bathroom
• Feeling like you need to strain waste
• Pelvic discomfort
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Erectile dysfunction and trouble ejaculating
• Organ prolapse

Potential Causes

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Pelvic surgery or trauma
• Obesity
• Aging
• Menopause
• Chronic constipation or straining
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Heavy lifting or high-impact exercise
• Psychological factors like stress or emotional trauma
• Nerve damage
• Surgery

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability. While it can affect anyone deeply, there is hope with professional physical therapy in Brentwood, MO. At Axes, we offer an entire team committed to helping you recover the pleasure of participating in the things you hold dear most in life.

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

If you are suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, you may feel frustrated, embarrassed, or hopeless. But a diagnosis is not the same thing as a life sentence. With pragmatic treatment plans customized for you by your Brentwood, MO physical therapist, you can reclaim control over your life and enjoy a pain-free life.

Pelvic floor therapy involves exercises that can build strength in, improve flexibility of, or coordinate the pelvic muscles. The positive outcomes of physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction in Brentwood, MO include:

• Improved pelvic floor muscle strength — Strengthening pelvic floor muscles can assist in improving bladder and bowel control, reduce symptoms of urinary and fecal incontinence, and provide better support for the pelvic organs.
• Improved pelvic floor muscle coordination — Enhancing coordination promotes vitals functioning, such as the ability to relax and contract the muscles during urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity.
• Pain management — By targeting weaker or stiffer muscles and addressing sensitive areas, physical therapy can support in reducing or eradicating the pain you feel resulting from pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Pre- and postpartum care — Pelvic floor therapy is frequently advised during pregnancy and following childbirth. It can assist in readying the pelvic floor for childbirth, reducing the chance of after childbirth pelvic floor dysfunction, and helping recovery from changes and trauma to the pelvic floor related to pregnancy and labor.
• Sexual health improvement — By concentrating on particular muscles and tackling any underlying issues, therapy can improve sexual excitement, climax, and overall sexual satisfaction.
• Education and self-management — Your personalized pelvic floor therapy plan will not just consist of monitored exercises. By providing information and guiding you in methods you can try autonomously, your Axes physical therapist helps you actively participate in your own care and empowers you to maintain a routine that promotes pelvic floor health.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we have a team of knowledgeable pelvic floor therapists in Brentwood, MO who can assist you in improving your pelvic health and performance. While some cases of pelvic floor dysfunction may necessitate operative treatment, most patients in Brentwood, MO will likely find sustained and significant improvement through less invasive physical therapy methods.

What Brentwood, MO Pelvic Floor Therapy Involves

Your first pelvic floor therapy session in Brentwood, MO will comprise an examination of your current pelvic floor condition. The following sessions will focus on implementing your tailored treatment plan.

Assessment and Evaluation

The journey of pelvic floor therapy begins with an initial assessment. In this appointment, your Brentwood, MO physical therapist will take the time to familiarize themselves with you and your issues. They will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and goals. Additionally, they will conduct a physical examination and musculoskeletal assessment of your trunk and pelvis to evaluate your present condition. With your approval, a pre-pelvic floor therapy assessment in Brentwood, MO may also involve an internal examination to further assess the muscle strength level. Alternatively, biofeedback sensors can be used as an substitute to an internal examination.

The assessment and evaluation performed by your physical therapist will help in recognizing the potential causes of your pelvic floor dysfunction and facilitate the formulation of an effective treatment plan to assist you in getting back to the activities you love.

Pelvic Floor Therapy Treatments and Exercises

Upon reviewing the findings from your assessment and evaluation, your pelvic floor therapist in Brentwood, MO will design a personalized treatment plan customized to your needs. This plan will include defined goals, techniques, and anticipated outcomes to guide your therapy.

Exercises for Pelvic Floor Therapy

Improving physical strength and balance is crucial for any pelvic floor therapy plan. Exercises that may be included in your physical therapy treatment plan in Brentwood, MO are:

• Kegel exercises to relax and contract the pelvic floor muscles
• Diaphragmatic breathing to harmonize your breath with your pelvic floor motion
• Stretching exercises to loosen tight muscles
• Resistance exercises to build up weak muscles
• Functional training to integrate new muscle patterns into daily activities

The exercises your Brentwood, MO physical therapist prescribes for your pelvic floor dysfunction will differ based on your specific situation, but will all be aimed at retraining your body and muscles for optimal health. Depending on your present health and level of pelvic floor dysfunction, exercises may commence with you lying flat on your back and evolve to seated and upright positions.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy, such as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, involves your physical therapist using their hands to put pressure on and massage specific areas of your pelvis. It may include myofascial release (releasing tight knots in your muscles), nerve decompression (freeing up compressed nerves), joint manipulation (improving the mobility of your joints), deep tissue massage (relaxing tense muscles), or skin mobilization (lifting and rolling the skin to reduce adhesions).

Biofeedback Training

Biofeedback training utilizes a device to measure and display the activity of your pelvic floor muscles on a screen. It help you learn how to control and harmonize your pelvic floor muscles by giving you instant feedback on how they contract and release. This feedback helps you better understand understand how to activate and release the muscles properly, optimizing your muscle integration and control.

Behavioral and Lifestyle Modifications

Physical therapy isn’t just a list of exercises to cross off – it also provides you with access to professional, research-supported insights that improve your daily life. Your physical therapist may suggest you with:

• Changes to your diet
• Fluid control
• Proper posture and lifting techniques
• Strategies for managing constipation
• Further recommendations for a healthier day-to-day life and lifestyle

Complementing the exercises and techniques employed in pelvic floor therapy with these adjustments fosters better pelvic floor function and general well-being.

Other pelvic floor therapy techniques may incorporate therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, vaginal dilators, weighted cones, medications, and more alternatives.

Axes Physical Therapy’s Approach to Pelvic Floor Therapy in Brentwood, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy, we firmly believe in delivering personalized and caring treatment to our patients. Owned and operated by a devoted physical therapist in Brentwood, MO, our practice places our clients at the center and strives to achieve beneficial patient results. We understand that pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest as a challenging and difficult issue. That’s why we approach every patient with the greatest respect, compassion, and tailored attention.

We also subscribe to the belief in delivering evidence-based and integrative care to our patients. We utilize up-to-date research and cutting-edge technology to shape our treatment plans and methodologies. In addition, we offer a range of other physical therapy services that can supplement your pelvic floor therapy, including:

• Orthopedic rehab
• Sports physical therapy
• Neurological physical therapy
• Geriatric physical therapy
• Pre- or post-surgery rehab

If you are interested in trying pelvic floor therapy in Brentwood, MO, trust in Axes. We have several convenient physical therapy locations in the Brentwood, MO area, all committed to realizing your ideal pelvic health.

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Brentwood, MO Pelvic Floor Therapy Today

Don’t let pelvic floor dysfunction to hinder you from being the best version of yourself. At Axes, our devoted physical and occupational therapists in Brentwood, MO have a unified mission: getting you back to the activities you love the most. Whether pelvic floor dysfunction is keeping your participation in your favorite sport or making it challenging to get through your day, we will tailor our physical therapy treatment plan specifically to you and your goals. Request an appointment through our website or contact the closest location to you to embark on your path with Axes Physical Therapy in Brentwood, MO today.