Your pelvic floor consists of muscles and soft tissues that provide the foundation for the pelvic organs. Certain things, such as pregnancy, trauma, and obesity, can cause the pelvic floor to lose function. This can result in unwanted consequences, such as chronic constipation, urine or fecal leakage, and pelvic pain. If you have a weak pelvic floor, there are some things you can do to regain function. However, you may get better results if you receive physical therapy in Gilbert, AZ.
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How To Maintain Pelvic Bodily Function
It is possible to prevent or reverse pelvic floor dysfunction, and some things you can do on your own.
Prevent Constipation
Constipation is sometimes a sign of a weak pelvic floor, but it can also be the cause. Straining and sitting on the toilet for too long can cause the muscles to lose function.
To keep constipation at bay, increase the amount of fiber you consume, drink lots of water, and exercise regularly.
Lift Carefully
If you lift an item incorrectly, this can put stress on your pelvic floor. If it is a heavy item, ask someone to help you. Even with manageable items, make sure you activate your core muscles, bend your knees to pick them up, and hold them close to your body.
Exercise The Correct Muscles
Exercise is important, but most people focus on cardio and strengthening the larger muscles of the body. However, proper exercise of the pelvic floor and core muscles is just as important if you want to avoid pelvic floor dysfunction.
Kegels are one of the better-known exercises to help strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor. However, there are many other moves that are beneficial. These typically consist of subtle moves, as you are working smaller muscles.
Relax The Pelvic Floor Muscles
Sometimes pelvic floor dysfunction occurs because the associated muscles are unable to relax. If there is constant contraction, this can result in issues such as constipation, incontinence, pain during sex, and bladder pain. If you need to relax those muscles, Tobler physical therapy can help you learn how to do this.
Helping You Return To A Normal & Healthy Life
If following the previous advice at home does not help, you may want to reach out to Arrowhead physical therapy. A physical therapist who has experience working with pelvic floor issues can help you regain normal function.
Pelvic floor physical therapy consists of a variety of things, depending on what is causing your issues. Manual therapy to release trigger points may be used to relax the area. Your physical therapist may also use biofeedback to improve coordination.
During your visits with the physical therapist, you will learn various exercises to strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor. Your PT will demonstrate them and then guide your through the moves to ensure you are doing them correctly. More than likely, your therapist will ask you to do them at home on a daily basis to support the work you are doing during your sessions.
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects many people. Fortunately, you can reverse this by making lifestyle changes and seeing a physical therapist.