A pelvic floor therapist treats both men and women with pelvic floor dysfunction. These specialized treatments target a wide range of conditions affecting urinary control, sexual function, and core stability that impact millions of people regardless of gender. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Pasadena supports both men and women dealing with chronic pelvic pain or muscle dysfunction. The therapy works by retraining weakened muscles, releasing tension in overactive muscles, and restoring proper coordination between different muscle groups in the pelvic region.
Common conditions treated
- Women frequently seek pelvic floor therapy for postpartum recovery, addressing issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and diastasis recti. Pregnancy and childbirth can damage pelvic floor muscles, causing long-term dysfunction if left untreated.
- Men often require therapy following prostate surgery for chronic pelvic pain syndrome or erectile dysfunction. Prostate removal or radiation can damage surrounding muscles and nerves, making rehabilitation essential for recovery.
Both genders may need treatment for chronic constipation, coccyx pain, or sexual dysfunction related to pelvic floor problems.
Muscle strengthening techniques
Therapists teach patients proper techniques for strengthening weak pelvic floor muscles through targeted exercises. Kegel exercises form the foundation of most treatment plans, but therapists ensure patients perform them correctly with proper timing and intensity. Progressive resistance training helps patients gradually build muscle strength and endurance. Therapists may use biofeedback devices to help patients visualize muscle contractions and learn precise control. Surface electromyography provides real-time feedback about muscle activity, assisting patients to develop a better awareness of their pelvic floor function.
Muscle relaxation methods
Overactive or hypertonic pelvic floor muscles require different treatment approaches focused on relaxation and lengthening. Therapists use manual techniques to reduce muscle tension, including trigger point release, myofascial release, and soft tissue mobilization. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques help patients learn to release chronic muscle tension. Heat therapy, gentle stretching, and meditation practices complement hands-on treatment methods. Some patients benefit from dilator therapy to gradually stretch tight muscles and reduce pain during penetration.
Coordination and timing
Proper pelvic floor function requires precise coordination between muscle groups and timing with breathing patterns. Therapists teach patients how to coordinate pelvic floor contractions with core muscles, diaphragm movement, and daily activities. Functional training integrates pelvic floor awareness into lifting, coughing, and exercising. Patients learn to engage their pelvic floor muscles automatically before activities that increase abdominal pressure, preventing leakage and protecting against injury.
Treatment for incontinence
Both stress and urge incontinence respond well to pelvic floor therapy through different mechanisms. Stress incontinence treatment focuses on strengthening muscles to provide better support during physical activities that increase pressure on the bladder. Urge incontinence therapy involves retraining the bladder and teaching relaxation techniques to manage sudden urges. Bladder training protocols help patients gradually increase the time between bathroom visits while learning strategies to suppress inappropriate urges.
Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Men recovering from prostate surgery benefit from early pelvic floor therapy to regain continence and sexual function. Therapy typically begins shortly after catheter removal and continues for several months as healing progresses.
- Women may need rehabilitation following gynecologic surgeries, cesarean sections, or prolapse repairs. Therapy helps restore normal muscle function while protecting healing tissues through modified exercise programs and gradual progression of activities.
Pelvic floor therapy offers evidence-based solutions for numerous conditions affecting both genders, providing hope and practical treatment options for people struggling with these often embarrassing but treatable problems.
