May 2024 Newsletter: Pelvic Floor Health
We sat down for a Q&A with Dirigo’s own Pelvic Floor Specialist, Dr. Julie Pettit-Lane!
What is the pelvic floor?
Pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles forming a “bowl” in the pelvis. These muscles, nerves, and tissues in the pelvis help with support of pelvic organs, sphincter control, sexual function, and stability for low back, pelvis, and core.
Does PF dysfunction only affect females?
Many of these symptoms can be experienced in any pelvis regardless of sex or gender. Symptoms may begin suddenly after a traumatic event, a sudden change in activity, or surgery (a big one in the male population is prostate surgery). Other times symptoms may develop gradually as a result of prolonged sitting, scar tissue, poor posture, aging, chronic coughing or stress.
What are symptoms of PF dysfunction?
Bladder symptoms: leaking of urine, increase in urinary frequency, frequent waking at night to pee, strong urge, difficulty starting urine stream or incomplete bladder emptying
Bowel symptoms: leaking of stool or gas, bowel frequency, constipation, or bowel movement difficulties
Sexual dysfunction: erectile dysfunction
Pain symptoms: pain in the low back, hip, groin, or pelvis, pain with intercourse, erection, or ejaculation, genital pain, or abdominal aches and pain
What is the goal of pelvic floor PT?
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction for all individuals can make it difficult to engage in daily activity, exercise, or enjoy sexual intimacy. The goal is to improve muscle tone, coordination, and control to get you back to your normal activity level with the confidence to manage your symptoms.
Book your Physical Therapy evaluation with us today.
Visit our website for more information and details.
