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.

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005

Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Source 1 Source 2

Links: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

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.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Stepping Over Hurdles

We believe that overcoming challenges is an essential part of the recovery process. One of the most effective ways we help our patients rebuild strength and confidence is through hurdle exercises. This dynamic, functional activity targets key areas of phys

Mastering the Turkish Get-Up

At our clinic, we’re passionate about helping patients achieve their fitness goals. The Turkish Get-Up stands out as a full-body exercise that builds strength, stability, and coordination.

Understanding Osteoporosis and the Role of Physical Therapy in Management

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a reduction in bone density and thickness, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures. It can result from aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, or a diet lacking in calcium and vitamin D.

Mastering Balance Training

We celebrate every step of progress our patients achieve. Balance training is one of those critical components of rehabilitation and fitness that may look effortless but requires immense focus, strength, and determination.

Dyspraxia: Identifying Key Symptoms and How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Dyspraxia is a neurological motor disorder that impacts fine and gross motor skills, motor planning, and coordination. While it may affect cognitive skills indirectly, dyspraxia is not related to intelligence.

What you need to know about Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that impacts the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to a variety of symptoms that affect different aspects of your life, including your vision, movement, sensation, a