PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION -FOR MEN AND WOMEN
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles and other tissues that form a sling from the pubic bone to the tailbone. They assist in maintaining an upright posture, supporting abdominal and pelvic organs, and help to control the bladder, bowel, and sexual activity.
When these muscles become overactive, or overused, the result can be pain and decreased function in any of the areas mentioned Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) refers to a wide range of problems that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor are not functioning normally and are often too tight, and weak.
There are often related impairments of the sacroiliac joint, low back, coccyx, and/or hip joint, that accompany this condition, and can contribute to pain and loss of function.
HOW DO WE TREAT PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTIONS?
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External and internal manual therapy including:
myofascial release and trigger point release, visceral manipulation, connective tissue manipulation, and craniosacral therapy -
Biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
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Cold laser, heat and cold therapy
CONDITIONS OF PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTIONS
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and its related conditions can be due to infections (usually not diagnosed), pregnancy or childbirth, poor posture from the chronic low back or SI dysfunction, trauma (e.g. bad fall), or following surgery. It can also be insidious and appear to have no real incident that caused it.
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Disorders of the bladder: IC (Interstitial Cystitis), Prostatitis, Prostatodynia
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Disorders of the bowel, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
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Feeling of fullness/abdominal pain, pressure, discomfort, and bloating
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Constipation/incomplete emptying
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Sexual Dysfunctions ((Related to Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction)
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Levator Ani Syndrome refers to pain, pressure, or ache in the sacrum, coccyx, rectum, and/or vagina caused by unusual tension in the levator ani muscles.
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may increase with intercourse, sitting, defecation, and constipation
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may refer pain to the thigh, coccyx/sacrum, abdomen, groin, or gluteal region
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may cause severe, sharp, burning, or aching with urination
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Pain with intercourse (Dyspareunia)
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Pain with ejaculation
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Difficulty getting/maintaining erection
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Difficulty reaching orgasm
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Post-Surgical: hysterectomy, hernia, laparoscopy, caesarean section, appendectomy, prostatectomy, and episiotomy