Management and Treatment
Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Curable?
The good news for people who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction is that this condition is curable. However, there are no stop-gap measures, and extensive physical therapy is needed to regain lost muscle control. The patient is expected to adopt a healthier lifestyle and include regular exercise and mandated physiotherapy. The recovery does take some time, and you should keep in mind that sometimes the pelvic floor might not regain full functionality. Still, physiotherapy can help the patient recover more than 80 percent functionality in many cases.
If the pelvic floor muscles cannot attain some measure of control, pain management and medication can help the patient improve their quality of life. Targeted nerve blocks provide the patient with relief from excessive cramping of the pelvic floor and the resultant pain that comes along with it. You should keep in mind that the patient must follow a strict management protocol to gain maximum recovery. Pelvic floor dysfunction does not go away on its own, and if untreated, it worsens over time.
Treatment for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Fortunately for many, pelvic floor dysfunction does not often need surgery to correct. This is a condition that stems from the weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. The typical path to correct this condition is targeted pelvic floor exercises and physiotherapy. However, in the case of hernias or hemorrhoids, surgery is often the only option. These procedures may alter the quality of life for the patient dramatically and will help them experience a measure of relief from symptoms.
- Medications for pain management and supplements for strengthening muscles are the first course of treatment that doctors recommend.
- Pelvic floor therapy is a series of exercises tailored to suit the patient. The physical therapist determines which muscles are not relaxing correctly, and the patient is directed to do these exercises daily to help improve muscle strength.
- Another way to establish the target muscle sets for therapy is to use biofeedback, and Biofeedback uses specialized sensor electrodes that measure muscle electrical impulses. Based on the data collected, the therapist can quickly establish which exercises to pursue with the patient.
Management and Treatment
Depending on your condition and which symptoms you are experiencing, treatment options may vary. A doctor or pelvic floor physiotherapist may suggest:
- Pelvic floor training (Kegels)
- Physiotherapy
- Diet and lifestyle adjustments
- Prescription drugs
- Surgery
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Pelvic floor training
Pelvic floor training, also known as Kegels, strengthens the muscles that support the uterus, bladder, and rectum. Kegels are done by contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles for several minutes a day to effectively ward off incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises can be practiced by anyone regardless of age or gender. In addition, training the pelvic floor with resistance technology such as the Femme Flexor (used vaginally only) helps build strength back more efficiently.
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Physiotherapy and Physical therapy
Physiotherapy and physical therapy is a practice that evaluates, diagnoses, and treats physical injuries or disabilities. Certain physiotherapists specialize in pelvic floor physiotherapy, guiding patients on the best steps for improving symptoms.
Pelvic floor physiotherapists are widely accessible and available to consult without a doctor’s referral, making them an excellent resource. In addition, a pelvic floor physiotherapist will assign exercises and guide you with techniques to ensure exercises are being done safely and correctly.
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Diet and lifestyle adjustments
Living a healthy lifestyle helps support a more functional pelvic floor. For example, daily exercise that involves strengthening your core will improve your overall health and muscles that support your internal organs.
Avoid constipation by sipping water throughout the day and eating fiber-rich foods. Straining to poop puts pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor.
Many people who struggle with bladder leaks want to avoid drinking too much fluids to avoid trips to the bathroom. But not drinking enough causes dehydration and makes urine more concentrated. Dark, concentrated urine irritates your bladder and worsens urinary frequency and urgency. So drink up!
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Drugs
Drugs including non-prescription and prescription drugs can also help with symptoms of Pelvic floor dysfunction. Easily available medication such as stool softeners can help with constipation which strains the pelvic floor muscles.
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Surgery
Surgery such as trigger point injection may be used when other treatment options have been unsuccessful. Pain injections are a rare but effective treatment option for those whose pain has not responded to other treatments. Trigger point injection can be used with the help of your healthcare provider when physical therapy has failed.