The pelvic floor is a small group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that have many important jobs, like bowel and bladder function, sexual function, breathing, and stabilizing the spine and pelvis. Like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor can be injured, or can develop dysfunctional movement patterns, leading to pelvic floor disorders like urinary incontinence, painful bladder, constipation, defecatory disorders, painful sex, vulvodynia, pelvic pain, prolapse, even low back and hip pain.
After a thorough history and pelvic floor examination, internal and external manual therapies like cupping and dry needling of the hips and low back, or internal myofascial release, help to soften and relieve painful muscles. The highest priority is placed on the patient’s comfort and safety, so consent is constantly asked before proceeding with examination or treatment.
After this, exercises are shown to help re-coordinate and strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. The at-home rehab program is designed with your lifestyle in mind and includes self care management strategies, and continuous updates to the care plan until the patient is ready to be discharged from care. This usually takes 6-8 visits, but may be more or less depending on the patient.