What is the Pelvic Floor?
Our pelvic floor is made up of muscles, tendons, and nerves just like every other muscle in the body, which means it can be injured and cause pain in the same way. It serves many purposes, including bladder and bowel movements, internal organ support, and especially in men — erectile dysfunction. When muscle tightness or nerve entrapment occurs within the pelvic floor, it can cause extreme discomfort. Many people don’t realize that physical therapy can be a solution to this painful problem.
“The purpose of physical therapy for patients with pelvic floor pain is to figure out whether the pain is muscle or nerve based and where the problem is coming from,” said Nick Warnken, PT. “If a specific muscle or nerve is causing the issue, we can address those particular muscles and nerves to help loosen that pain.”
What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition commonly experienced in both men and women but can affect each differently. Your pelvic floor muscles provide support to organs in your pelvis, including your intestines, bladder and urethra. A lack of control in the muscles of your pelvic floor can lead to a variety of disorders.
Men’s symptoms
- Pelvic pain
- Penile/testicle pain
- Post vasectomy pain/tightness.
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pre-mature ejaculation
- Groin strain/pain.
- Urinary incontinence
- Rectal incontinence
- Pain with erections
- Pain during or post urination
- Pain during or post ejaculation
Women’s symptoms
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Trouble controlling your bowels or urine, leading to leaks.
- Pain during sex.
How can pelvic floor physical therapy help?
Depending on the level of comfort determined by the patient, there are hands-on therapy exercises that can be used to treat the pain. Determining whether it is a muscular or nerve-based pain will help decide the course of treatment. Your physical therapist will perform a comprehensive exam, including reviewing medical history and current symptoms, a brief physical evaluation and imaging tests if necessary. From there, they will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises
- Stretching techniques
- Nerve gliding exercises
- Biofeedback
- Electrical stimulation
- Body mechanics education
If you are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, there is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, one in five people will suffer from pelvic floor disorders during their lifetime. The Iowa Clinic Physical Therapy department has five certified pelvic floor specialists (shown below). To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, you can book an appointment online or call 515.875.9706.
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