Introduction
Childbirth and pelvic surgery can be life-altering events for women, both physically and emotionally. While these events bring about many changes, they can also result in pelvic floor weakness, leading to various conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall pelvic health. In this article, we will explore the reasons why pelvic floor therapy is an essential step for women after childbirth or pelvic surgery.
Why Pelvic Floor Weakness Occurs After Childbirth and Pelvic Surgery
Childbirth is a traumatic experience for the body, and it can put significant pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin softens the ligaments and joints, making the pelvic floor muscles more susceptible to stretching and tearing. Childbirth, especially a vaginal delivery, can further strain the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to weaken. This can lead to pelvic floor weakness, causing the muscles to lose their tone and strength.
Similarly, pelvic surgery can weaken the pelvic floor, leading to similar symptoms as childbirth. This is because the surgery involves accessing the pelvic area, which can cause damage to the pelvic floor muscles.
Additionally, some surgeries, such as a hysterectomy, can result in the removal of supporting structures, further exacerbating the problem.
What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is a type of therapy provided by an occupational or physical therapist that focuses on the muscles of the pelvic floor. The therapy aims to improve pelvic floor function, including strengthening and toning the muscles, reducing symptoms, and improving overall quality of life. Pelvic floor therapy can be done through various techniques such as exercises, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation.
Exercises such as Kegels and pelvic floor muscle contractions can help improve pelvic floor muscle strength and tone. Manual therapy involves the physical therapist manually manipulating the muscles and tissues to improve their function. Electrical stimulation uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and improve their function.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy
Improves Bladder Control
One of the most common symptoms of pelvic floor weakness is urinary incontinence. This can range from occasional leakage to a complete loss of bladder control. Pelvic floor therapy can help improve bladder control by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which can prevent the leakage of urine. The therapy can also help retrain the bladder muscles, improving their function and reducing symptoms of incontinence.
Reduces Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which the pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, bulge into the vagina. This can result in a range of symptoms, including pressure in the pelvic area, discomfort during sexual activity, and difficulty with bowel movements. Pelvic floor therapy can help reduce the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse by strengthening the muscles that support the pelvic organs. This can improve the support of the pelvic organs and reduce the bulging, improving overall comfort and function.
Improves Sexual Function
Pelvic floor weakness can also lead to sexual dysfunction. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in sexual function, and weakness in these muscles can result in discomfort, pain, and reduced pleasure during sexual activity. Pelvic floor therapy can help improve sexual function by strengthening the muscles that support the pelvic organs and improving muscle tone. This can improve overall sexual function and enhance pleasure during sexual activity.
Reduces Pelvic Pain
Pelvic floor weakness or tightness can also cause pelvic pain, and pelvic floor therapy can help reduce pain by strengthening the muscles or lengthening and strengthening improving overall pelvic health. The therapy can also help alleviate other symptoms like back pain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pelvic floor therapy is a highly effective way for women to improve their overall pelvic health after childbirth or pelvic surgery. The therapy can help alleviate symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction, and can improve overall quality of life. The therapy is non-invasive and can be done through various techniques such as exercises, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation. Women who have experienced childbirth or pelvic surgery should consider pelvic floor therapy as a means of improving their overall health and well-being.
It is important to remember that pelvic floor therapy should be performed under the guidance of a qualified occupational or physical therapist. The therapist can evaluate your individual needs and create a customized therapy plan that is right for you. Regular pelvic floor therapy sessions can lead to significant improvements in pelvic health and function, and can help women regain control over their bodies and their lives. So, if you have experienced childbirth or pelvic surgery and are experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor weakness, consider pelvic floor therapy as a step towards a healthier and happier future.
Resources
- Smith, K. (2020). Physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction: A review of current evidence. Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy, 44(2), 51-58.
- Maher, C. F., & Baessler, K. (2015). Pelvic floor muscle training for prevention and treatment of urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women. The Cochrane Library, (9).
- Kjerulff, K. H., & Langenberg, P. (2010). Pelvic floor muscle training for prevention and treatment of pelvic and back pain in pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 202(6), 547.e1-547.e6.
- Van Dillen, L. R., Delyser, D., Haddad, A., & Burgio, K. L. (2012). Pelvic floor muscle training for women with stress urinary incontinence after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. The Cochrane Library, (11).
- He, Y., & Yeung, C. (2017). Electrical stimulation for pelvic floor muscle training. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6).
- Nicolle, L. E. (2018). Pelvic floor muscle exercises for prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence in women. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 190(24), E676-E684.
