Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: It's More Than Just Kegels

Many women have heard of Kegel exercises, but few know how much pelvic floor physical therapy can do. For many pelvic floor disorders it’s one of the most effective treatments there is, and it covers far more ground than Kegels.

What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy goes well beyond Kegel exercises. It’s a branch of physical therapy that treats the pelvic floor muscles along with how they connect to the rest of your body.

This therapy aims to:

Strengthen weak muscles and relax overly tense ones
Improve coordination and function of the pelvic floor
Address pain and discomfort in the pelvic region
Enhance overall posture and body mechanics
Optimize breathing patterns
Improve core strength and stability
Increase mobility in the hips, lower back, and pelvic area

The pelvic floor doesn’t work in isolation. It’s part of a system that includes your core, diaphragm, hips, and spine, and good therapy treats it that way.

Who Can Benefit?

Pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:

Pelvic organ prolapse
Urinary incontinence
Overactive bladder
Chronic pelvic pain
Painful intercourse
Postpartum recovery
Those with poor posture or chronic lower back pain

Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a specific condition, you might benefit from pelvic floor therapy if you experience frequent urination, difficulty emptying your bladder, or discomfort in your pelvic area.

What to Expect in a Session

Your first visit will typically involve a thorough evaluation of your pelvic floor function, medical history, and current symptoms. This may include:

External and internal examination of the pelvic floor muscles
Assessment of posture, breathing patterns, and core strength
Evaluation of toileting habits and patterns
Analysis of hip and lower back mobility
Observation of overall movement patterns and body mechanics

Subsequent sessions may include:

Biofeedback: Uses sensors to give you real-time information about your muscle activity
Manual therapy: Gentle manipulation of tissues to improve mobility and reduce pain
Targeted exercises: Customized routines to address your specific needs, including:
- Pelvic floor exercises (including, but not limited to, Kegels)
- Core strengthening exercises
- Hip and lower back mobility exercises
- Postural correction exercises
Breathing exercises: To optimize the coordination between your diaphragm and pelvic floor
Movement retraining: To improve overall body mechanics and reduce strain on the pelvic floor
Education: Learning about pelvic anatomy, proper toileting habits, and lifestyle modifications

Your therapist might also incorporate techniques such as:

Myofascial release
Trigger point therapy
Visceral manipulation
Neuromuscular re-education

The goal is a treatment plan built for you, one that addresses your pelvic floor and how it works with the rest of your body. That tends to produce results that last.

Long-term Benefits

Pelvic floor physical therapy can lead to significant improvements in quality of life. Many patients report:

Better bladder and bowel control
Reduced pelvic pain
Improved sexual function
Increased confidence and reduced anxiety

Results vary, but many women find pelvic floor physical therapy gives them lasting relief and better function.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a non-invasive option for many common pelvic floor disorders. By treating the root of the problem with care built around you, it can help you regain control and comfort day to day.

If you’re dealing with pelvic floor issues, raise this option with your healthcare provider. It’s more than Kegels. It’s a full approach to pelvic health that can change how you feel every day.