Pelvic floor muscle weakness is a common health concern that can lead to a number of urinary tract issues, including painful urination, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention.
In addition to urinary tract issues, a weak pelvic floor could cause a patient’s rectum, small intestine, bladder, uterus, or vagina to prolapse, which is a condition that causes a pelvic organ to collapse and protrude out of an opening or the wall of another pelvic organ. This condition tends to affect women more than men due to certain risk factors like pregnancy or undergoing a hysterectomy. Ultimately, it’s imperative patients seek treatment for this ailment to prevent bothersome symptoms and serious health problems.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (Kegel Exercises)
Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also called kegel exercises, are a therapeutic tool that helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. As we mentioned previously, the pelvic floor supports a number of pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, rectum, and small intestine. Men and women can perform kegel exercises to prevent a number of bothersome urological conditions like prolapse and urinary incontinence. This exercise is also highly recommended for pregnant women preparing for labor. Pelvic floor muscle training is discreet and can be done anywhere at any time. A physician at Affiliated Urologists will provide patients with in-depth instructions, but generally speaking, this exercise requires the patient to relax and tighten the muscles used to stop urine and flatulence. Kegel exercises may complement several treatments available at Affiliated Urologists. Be sure to consult with a physician at Affiliated Urologists before starting a pelvic floor exercise regimen.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a treatment option for patients who suffer from pelvic floor disorders. This unique therapy is managed by a qualified physician who develops a treatment regimen based on the patient's condition and severity of symptoms. After an initial assessment and examination, the physiotherapist may recommend a number of techniques to educate the patient about his or her condition to help manage bothersome symptoms. Pelvic floor physiotherapy may include lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management, as well as kegel exercises and biofeedback. Patients may also benefit from electrical muscle stimulation, bladder and bowel retraining, and postural re-education.