Pelvic Floor Disorder
Restore Comfort and Regain Control
Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) is a common condition where you are not able to relax or contract the muscles of your pelvic floor well to urinate or have bowel movement due to spasm, tightness and/or weakness of the muscles and connective tissues of your pelvic floor.
One in every four women, and one in every eight men have at least one form of pelvic floor disorder in United States! The skilled team at startPTNow develops customized plans for pelvic floor disorders, addressing the root cause of your symptoms. If you need exceptional care for pelvic floor issues, schedule a same-day or next-day appointment at our Maryland locations.
Pelvic Floor Disorders Q & A
What is a pelvic floor disorder?
Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) is a common condition where you are not able to properly relax or contract the muscles of your pelvic floor to urinate or have bowel movements due to spasm, tightness, and/or weakness of the muscles and connective tissues.
These disorders affect millions of Americans, with one in every four women and one in every eight men experiencing at least one form of pelvic floor disorder. The condition can significantly impact daily life, comfort, and overall quality of life.
At startPTNow, we specialize in comprehensive assessments to identify the specific type of pelvic floor dysfunction you're experiencing and develop targeted treatment plans for improved pelvic health and function.
What causes pelvic floor disorders?
Pelvic floor disorders can result from various factors that affect the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues supporting your pelvic organs. The pelvic floor muscles, like other muscles in the body, need proper conditioning to maintain optimal function.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
Muscle Weakness & Tightness can develop from various factors including childbirth, aging, or chronic conditions. Weak pelvic floor muscles may lead to incontinence or organ prolapse, while overly tight muscles can cause pain and dysfunction.
Nerve Damage from surgery, childbirth, or medical conditions can affect pelvic floor muscle control and sensation, contributing to urinary or bowel dysfunction.
These conditions typically do not resolve on their own without proper treatment. Early intervention is crucial to prevent progression and improve your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders?
Pelvic floor disorders can manifest through various symptoms that affect urinary, bowel, and sexual function, as well as overall comfort and quality of life.
Urinary Symptoms
- Urine leakage (incontinence)
- Frequent need to urinate
- Urinary urgency
- Painful urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
Bowel & Pelvic Symptoms
- Constipation or straining
- Stool leakage
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness
- Chronic low back pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse sensation
Sexual Symptoms
- Pain during intercourse (women)
- Erectile dysfunction (men)
- Decreased sexual sensation
- Pelvic pain during/after sex
- Vaginal or penile pain
How can physical therapy help my pelvic floor disorder?
The startPTNow team customizes treatment plans for your pelvic floor disorder based on comprehensive assessment findings. Our specialized physical therapists conduct thorough evaluations to determine the specific factors contributing to your symptoms.
Our comprehensive evaluation includes assessment of your pelvic floor muscle function, posture, core stability, breathing patterns, and functional movements to identify the root causes of your pelvic health concerns.
Based on your assessment results, our expert therapists design a personalized pelvic health rehabilitation program. Our evidence-based treatment approach includes:
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
- Pelvic floor muscle retraining
- Biofeedback therapy
- Manual therapy techniques
- Muscle coordination training
- Relaxation techniques for tight muscles
Core & Functional Training
- Core stabilization exercises
- Postural re-education
- Breathing pattern retraining
- Functional movement training
- Bladder and bowel retraining
Education & Lifestyle
- Diet and hydration guidance
- Proper toileting techniques
- Lifestyle modification education
- Home exercise programs
- Stress management techniques
We provide compassionate, one-on-one care in a private and comfortable environment. Our specialized therapists Patience Nduka (Greenbelt office) and Nicole Kabia-Smith (Bowie office) offer expert pelvic floor physical therapy to help you regain control, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.
If you're experiencing pelvic pain, incontinence, or other pelvic health concerns,
schedule an appointment at StartPTNow by calling or booking online today.
