24 May 2024
Frequently when I mention to people that I specialize in pelvic floor therapy the first thing that gets acknowledged is how helpful it can be for addressing urinary incontinence for postpartum mothers. I always agree. And while I am grateful for the reputation pelvic therapy has for helping (mainly people with vaginas – and especially surrounding childbearing) I also feel we fall short sometimes in describing the benefits in many other arenas.
Pelvic health sessions when performed by a licensed physical therapist can address any musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, movement, or functional problem. Let’s break that down into plain language.
- PAIN – the pelvic muscles, both inside and outside can contribute to otherwise difficult to treat pain conditions – especially with reference to the hips, the low back including the SI (sacroiliac) joints, the groin, or the lower abdomen.
- The pelvic floor muscles form the base of your core and if they are being ignored, overused, or underutilized you might notice performance issues during your favorite activities including sports, but also gardening, hiking, or even sexual activities. The ways of addressing pain are numerous, and this does not exclude the pelvic floor – I love problem solving with clients and finding a common language for navigating painful conditions.
- BLADDER MATTERS – many understand the trauma of giving birth and how that can lead to pelvic floor changes, but how about when the muscles of the pelvic floor lead to urinary issues, like urgency, frequency, or worse – retention, that are unrelated to pregnancy
- Some of the ways holistic pelvic health sessions can shed light on these relationships is by looking at the whole person. A healthy nervous system, an integrated lifestyle that includes self-care, and manual therapy for scar tissue, or muscle tension, can all play a role in improving quality of life in the realm of pelvic health
- COMPLICATIONS FROM OTHER LIFE EXPERIENCES – times have been tough for some of us over the past few years and if you add in management of a new disease (pelvic cancers, cardiac or metabolic events) or chronic condition you might feel ready for a reset. The abdominal and pelvic organs do so much to support us, and likewise reflect our vitality, influence our posture, and help us move better and feel great.
- If you are recovering from oncological treatment, or managing a condition which affects your nerves, muscles or bones, attention to rehabilitation of your tissues including the pelvic floor might be an enhancement of your whole recovery that has not been highlighted before now. And depending on the situation, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy could be a gentle yet powerful missing piece of your recovery story.
