PFD (pelvic floor dysfunction) is a term used to describe disruption of bowel, bladder and/or sexual function due to restrictions of the muscles and nerves of the pelvis. The muscles of the pelvic floor are located at the base of the pelvis, extending from the pubic bone to the coccyx. These muscles surround the rectal, urethral and in females the vaginal openings. In order for proper sexual, urinary and bowel functioning to occur these muscles have to be strong and healthy.
Muscle dysfunction can occur from a variety of secondary impairments including a previous surgery (such as removal of the prostate gland), a trauma, pregnancy, childbirth, or poor posture. Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a wide range of symptoms that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor and/or muscles of the lower abdominals, lumbar spine and hips are tight, weak, spasmed, uncoordinated.
- Urinary/Fecal Incontinence
- Urinary Frequency/Urgency
- Constipation
- Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia)
- Penis/testicle Pain
- Rectum/Anal pain
- Pubic Bone Pain
- Coccyx Pain
- Erection/ejaculation difficulties/pain
- Low sexual desire/sexual distress
- Prolapse (Bladder, Rectum)
- Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation)
- Core weakness
Many patients with pelvic floor dysfunction feel embarrassed of their symptoms and have not spoken to a medical professional. Others may have sought out specialists and have not found any relief of their symptoms or have complete understanding of their condition. Physical therapy can provide understanding, education, effective treatment and relief of pelvic floor symptoms.
All evaluations and treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction are conducted in private treatment rooms. Our goal at Garden State Spine and Pain Institute 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.
A thorough physical therapy evaluation of the musculoskeletal system can determine the cause of these dysfunctions and then provide treatments to correct them. Depending on the findings of the examination a variety of treatment options are available and a unique treatment plan is made for every individual patient by a licensed physical therapist.