What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

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What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

April 27, 2020

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a term used to describe the inability of the pelvic floor to function normally .This could be the disorder of muscles, nerves or both and the surrounding joints like the hips and sacroiliac joint.The pelvic floor muscles are the muscles around the genitalia .These muscles support the normal bladder , bowel and sexual functions.Dysfunction of these muscles interfere with the normal functioning of the aforementioned organ systems.

A pelvic therapist is a physical therapist who has additional specific training to be able to evaluate and treat all complaints of pain and dysfunction in the pelvic floor area .

This has been the area of treatment mostly for women ,and it is called womens health but recently the term Pelvic health is used more in reference to Pelvic rehab to be inclusive of men as well.Some of the common diagnosis that men present with are as follows

  • Incontinence ( stress and Urge Incontinence )
  • Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
  • Pelvic pain
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • IBS
  • Coccyx ( Tail bone ) pain
  • Constipation

Some of the diagnosis for women could include the following :

  • Incontinence
  • Pelvic organ prolapse ( can be bladder or rectum)
  • Post and abdominal and pelvic floor surgery
  • Pudendal Nerve dysfunction
  • Sexual dysfunction -Dyspareunia ( painful penetration )
  • IBS

Some diagnosis treated in children include

  • Bed wetting
  • Constipation

Hope this brings some clarity of what a pelvic floor therapist treats . Please leave your comments and questions below .

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