Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Identifying Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a condition characterized by a range of symptoms and anatomical changes that result from abnormal functioning of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles may become either too tight (hypertonic) or too weak (hypotonic), or they may not coordinate properly, leading to various complications.

Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction:

• Difficulty Urinating or Having Bowel Movements: Struggling to start or complete these functions.
• Incomplete Bowel Movements: A sensation that your bowel movement isn’t fully finished.
• Urinary or Fecal Leakage: Involuntary loss of urine or stool.
• Frequent Urination: A constant urge to use the bathroom.
• Straining to Void: The need to push hard to urinate or have a bowel movement.
• Interrupted Urination: Stopping and starting flow during urination.
• Chronic Constipation: Persistent difficulty in passing stool.
• Position Changes for Bowel Movements: Needing to adjust your position to successfully pass stool.
• Painful Urination: Discomfort while urinating.
• Unexplained Pain: Pain in the lower back, genitals, anus, or pelvic region without a clear cause.

Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Several factors can contribute to the development of PFD, including:

• Pelvic Injuries: Trauma or accidents that affect the pelvic region.
• Pelvic Surgery: Surgical procedures in the pelvic area.
• Aging: Natural weakening of muscles over time.
• Obesity: Excess weight putting additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
• Pregnancy and Childbirth: The stress of carrying and delivering a baby.
• Bathroom Habits: Frequent bathroom visits or excessive straining can weaken pelvic floor muscles over time.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

When you begin pelvic floor therapy, a physical therapist (PT) will assess your symptoms and evaluate the strength and endurance of your core muscles. They’ll guide you through specific activities and positions to determine how well your pelvic floor muscles coordinate with the rest of your body.

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we offer specialized pelvic floor therapy tailored to your needs. Our expert therapists will work with you to restore proper function and alleviate the discomfort associated with PFD.

Don’t let pelvic floor dysfunction control your life. Call Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your health and well-being.

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.