Description

Pelvic floor physical therapy, also known as pelvic floor rehabilitation or pelvic physical therapy, is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles and associated structures. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues located at the base of the pelvis that support various organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles play a crucial role in urinary and fecal continence, sexual function, and core stability.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is typically performed by a specially trained physical therapist who has expertise in this area. The therapy is often used to address a wide range of conditions and issues, including:

1. Pelvic Pain: Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with various types of pelvic pain, such as vulvodynia, dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), and chronic pelvic pain.
2. Incontinence: This therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing urinary incontinence (involuntary urine leakage) or fecal incontinence (involuntary bowel movement).
3. Prenatal and Postpartum Care: Pelvic floor physical therapy can be an important component of prenatal and postpartum care, helping women prepare for childbirth and recover from childbirth-related issues, including perineal tears and episiotomies.
4. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: It can assist in managing and improving symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse, where organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum shift from their normal position and press against the vaginal wall.
5. Sexual Dysfunction: Some forms of sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or vaginismus, can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy.
6. Bowel Disorders: Pelvic floor therapy can be used to manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.

In the episode, Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by Dr. Jessica Jenkins, Physical Therapist and Owner at Be Free PT: Setting people free by treating both mind and body for their orthopedic and pelvic floor issues. Dr. Jenkins discusses therapy that can include manual techniques (massage, stretching, and joint mobilization), exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, biofeedback to improve awareness and control of these muscles, and education about lifestyle and behavioral changes.

Featured in this episode:

• Wim Hof method
• Social media and pelvic floor exercises
• Internal Pelvic exams and consent
• The hip joint and the pelvic floor

Resources:

• Jessica Jenkins Wim Hof Instructor
• Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute

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