What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
PFD (pelvic floor dysfunction) is a term used to describe pain in the pelvis and/or disruption of bowel, bladder or sexual function due to restrictions of the muscles and nerves of the pelvis.
The pelvis is a bony bowl-shaped structure which holds the organs of digestion, elimination, and sexual function. The pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are located at bottom of the bowl, attaching like a sling from the pubis in the front to the coccyx in the back. These muscles help support the abdominal viscera, maintain continence (bladder and fecal), enhance sexual function and assist in core/trunk stability.
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a wide range of symptoms that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor are weak and/or tight. This may be due to an impairment of the sacroiliac joint, low back, coccyx or hip joint which could be secondary to a previous surgery, a trauma such as a fall, pregnancy, childbirth, or poor posture. A thorough physical therapy evaluation of the musculoskeletal system can determine the cause of these dysfunctions and then provide treatments to correct them.
Men's Health Specialists
Throughout the lifespan, men can experience pelvic floor dysfunction in the form of urinary symptoms such as urgency, frequency, leaking/incontinence, sexual symptoms such as pain with erections/ejaculation (ED), bowel symptoms such as constipation, bowel urgency, rectal pain, incontinence, pelvic and perineal pain and symptoms associated with surgical removal of the prostate. The musculoskeletal components of these dysfunctions are easily addressed by a pelvic health PT specialist who have specialized training beyond earning their DPT degree through coursework with the Herman and Wallace Institute, and various organizations focusing on specific skills to address musculoskeletal causes of urinary, sexual and bowel dysfunction in addition to pelvic pain.
Our philosophy at Zion Physical Therapy is to educate patients first on how physical therapy works to help specific symptoms, answer any questions you may have, then ask your permission before we physically evaluate and treat.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Men's Pelvic Health
At Zion Physical Therapy, we take pride in being leaders in the field of both Men’s and Women’s Pelvic Health. Whether you are suffering from bowel, bladder or sexual dysfunction, recovering from a pelvic surgery such as a prostatectomy, or coping with chronic pelvic pain, we are here to help you. We offer 45 minute 1 on 1 evaluations and follow-up sessions conducted in private treatment rooms to discuss and assess the injury or condition that you are experiencing in order to design the treatment plan best suited for your recovery and well-being.
