Pelvic floor therapy in Imperial, MO. Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t just cause hurt; it can affect your self-esteem and happiness. If pelvic floor dysfunction is preventing you from dominating on the grass, beginning parenthood, or just getting through a day with the same confidence and ease you used to, pelvic floor physical therapy may be what you need to feel like your best you again. With research-supported treatment plans, pelvic floor therapy in Imperial, MO can lead to:

• Improved bladder and bowel control
• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Enhanced sexual function and pleasure
• Increased confidence and quality of life

Axes Physical Therapy in Imperial, MO specializes in creating personalized treatment plans that gets pelvic floor patients back to the pastimes they love most safely and effectively. If you are interested in learning more about pelvic floor therapy or desire to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapusts, please contact us online today or get in touch to the Axes location nearest you. We’re here to help you reclaim control and confidence in your pelvic health.

Understanding the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is the soft tissues and joints that form a supportive web-like structure at the base of the pelvis. It acts like a “floor” or a base 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 manage several basic functions.

The pelvic floor has numerous functions and roles:

• Helps manage your bladder and bowels by providing you control over the contraction and release of muscles
• Supports organs in the pelvis and stops them from descending
• Resists abdominal pressure from lifting, coughing, or other activities
• Supports optimal sexual function
• Provides stability 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 lymph circulation, contributing to sustain healthy tissue

Pelvic Floor Anatomy

The pelvic floor muscles stretch from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone at the front, while also linking to the hip bones on each side. These muscles have openings or passages 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 mesh of muscles and tissues that constructs a sturdy base, holding the pelvic organs in place and preventing them from sagging. It works like a supportive sling to maintain the position and function of pelvic organs.

The chief 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 helps you to hold in your stool (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 supports the organs inside your lower belly (iliococcygeus). The coccygeus connects the side and back bones of your pelvis and helps to keep your pelvis stable.

The pelvic floor muscles have important roles. They help in regulating the release of urine and stool by contracting and relaxing at the correct times and contribute in sexual function and satisfaction by providing support to the organs involved in sexual activity. When the pelvic floor is weakened or becomes too tense, it leads to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Causes, Signs, and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when you experience difficulty unwinding and coordinating your pelvic floor muscles for optimal function.

Signs and Symptoms

• Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements
• Feeling like your bowel movements are incomplete
• Leakage of urine or feces
• Regularly feeling the urge to use the bathroom
• Sensation of needing to strain urine or feces
• Pelvic discomfort
• Pain during sex
• Erectile dysfunction and difficulty 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, it’s important to remember that proven, evidence-backed treatment plans exist with professional physical therapy in Imperial, MO. At Axes, we offer an entire team committed to assisting you regain the joy of engaging in the activities you cherish most in life.

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

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

Pelvic floor therapy involves exercises that can strengthen, improve flexibility of, or coordinate the pelvic muscles. The advantages of physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction in Imperial, MO include:

• Improved pelvic floor muscle strength — Strengthening pelvic floor muscles can help improving bladder and bowel control, alleviate symptoms of urinary and fecal incontinence, and provide better support for the pelvic organs.
• Improved pelvic floor muscle coordination — Enhancing coordination supports vitals functioning, such as relaxing and contracting muscles during urination, bowel movements, and sexual activity.
• Pain management — By targeting weaker or less flexible muscles and addressing sensitive areas, physical therapy can assist in reducing or eradicating the discomfort you endure caused by pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Pre- and postpartum care — Pelvic floor therapy is frequently advised during pregnancy and following childbirth. It can aid in readying the pelvic floor for delivery, minimizing the risk of after childbirth pelvic floor dysfunction, and facilitating recuperation from changes and trauma to the pelvic floor related to childbirth.
• Sexual health improvement — By concentrating on specific muscles and tackling any hidden issues, therapy can improve sexual excitement, climax, and general sexual health.
• Education and self-management — Your customized pelvic floor therapy plan will not just consist of guided exercises. By offering education and instructing you in techniques you can utilize autonomously, your Axes physical therapist helps you actively participate in your own care and enables you to sustain a lifestyle that promotes pelvic floor health.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we have a team of knowledgeable pelvic floor therapists in Imperial, MO who can support you in enhancing your pelvic well-being and performance. While certain instances of pelvic floor dysfunction might necessitate operative intervention, the majority of individuals in Imperial, MO will likely experience long-lasting and substantial improvement through less invasive physical therapy methods.

What Imperial, MO Pelvic Floor Therapy Involves

Your first pelvic floor therapy session in Imperial, MO will comprise an examination of your current pelvic floor health. The remaining sessions will focus on implementing your personalized treatment plan.

Assessment and Evaluation

The journey of pelvic floor therapy begins with an initial evaluation. In this appointment, your Imperial, MO physical therapist will dedicate time to understand you and your issues. They will inquire about your medical history, lifestyle, and goals. Additionally, they will conduct a physical examination and musculoskeletal assessment of your trunk and pelvis to determine your present condition. With your consent, a pre-pelvic floor therapy assessment in Imperial, MO may also involve an internal examination to better evaluate the strength level. Alternatively, biofeedback sensors can be used rather than an internal examination.

The assessment and evaluation conducted by your physical therapist will assist in identifying the potential causes of your pelvic floor dysfunction and facilitate the creation of an effective treatment plan to help you in getting back to the activities you enjoy.

Pelvic Floor Therapy Treatments and Exercises

Upon reviewing the findings from your assessment and evaluation, your pelvic floor therapist in Imperial, MO will develop a personalized treatment plan customized to your needs. This plan will include precise goals, techniques, and expected results to guide your therapy.

Exercises for Pelvic Floor Therapy

Improving muscle strength and balance is essential for any pelvic floor therapy plan. Exercises that may be included in your physical therapy treatment plan in Imperial, MO include:

• Kegel exercises to relax and tighten the pelvic floor muscles
• Diaphragmatic breathing to harmonize your breath with your pelvic floor motion
• Stretching exercises to loosen tight muscles
• Strengthening exercises to build up weak muscles
• Functional training to include new muscle movements into everyday tasks

The exercises your Imperial, MO physical therapist prescribes for your pelvic floor dysfunction will vary based on your specific needs, but will all be aimed at rehabilitating your body and muscles for optimal health. Depending on your present health and level of pelvic floor dysfunction, exercises may initially start with you lying down on your back and evolve to seated and upright positions.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy, such as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, is a hands-on technique that involves your physical therapist applying pressure or massaging specific areas of your pelvis. It may include trigger point therapy (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 rolling (lifting and rolling the skin to reduce adhesions).

Biofeedback Training

Biofeedback training makes use of a device to gauge and display the activity of your pelvic floor muscles on a screen. It help you understand how to regulate and harmonize your pelvic floor muscles by giving you real-time feedback on how they engage and release. This feedback helps you better understand understand how to activate and release the muscles appropriately, optimizing your muscle alignment and mastery.

Behavioral and Lifestyle Modifications

Physical therapy isn’t just a list of exercises to mark off – it also provides you with entry to skilled, science-backed insights that enhance your everyday life. Your physical therapist may recommend you with:

• Alterations to your nutrition
• Fluid management
• Correct posture and safe lifting methods
• Approaches for managing constipation
• Any other tips for a healthier everyday life and lifestyle

Enhancing the exercises and techniques employed in pelvic floor therapy with these adjustments fosters enhanced pelvic floor function and overall well-being.

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

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

At Axes Physical Therapy, we firmly believe in delivering individualized and compassionate treatment to our patients. Owned and operated by a committed physical therapist in Imperial, MO, our practice places our clients at the center and endeavors to attain positive patient results. We comprehend that pelvic floor dysfunction can present as a challenging and demanding issue. That’s why we approach every patient with the greatest respect, compassion, and personalized attention.

We also embrace the belief in providing evidence-based and holistic care to our patients. We make use of up-to-date research and advanced technology to guide our treatment plans and methodologies. In addition, we offer a range of other physical therapy services that can complement your pelvic floor therapy, including:

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

If you are considering pelvic floor therapy in Imperial, MO at Axes Physical Therapy, we are here to help. We have several convenient physical therapy locations in the Imperial, MO area, all committed to realizing your ideal pelvic health.

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

Don’t let pelvic floor dysfunction to hinder you from being the best version of yourself. At Axes, our dedicated physio and occupational therapists in Imperial, MO have a singular mission: returning you to the things you love the most. Whether pelvic floor dysfunction is preventing your participation in your favorite sport or making it difficult to navigate your day, we will tailor our physical therapy treatment plan specifically to you and your goals. Schedule an appointment through our website or contact the closest location to you to embark on your recovery with Axes Physical Therapy in Imperial, MO today.