Empowering Wellness: Pelvic Health Matters More than You Think

Physical therapy can be all about muscles, bones and cardiovascular fitness or flexibility, but little do we know is there is another area of physical therapy that focuses on Pelvic Health. It is an integral part of overall wellness, impacting daily function, quality of life, and even emotional well-being. My journey into pelvic floor therapy began when my sister, after giving birth, struggled with postpartum pelvic floor issues. Despite trying medications, her symptoms of urinary incontinence, and pain around the pelvic region persisted until she started working with a pelvic floor physical therapist. I saw firsthand how this specialized care strengthened her and restored her confidence. It introduced me to the critical role of pelvic floor muscles, which, like our postural muscles, work constantly—even during simple activities like walking or when we are under stress. I was inspired to learn more in this area and knowing that there are not many Physical Therapists for this, I wanted to join the community and be a part of APTA Pelvic Health and take the in-depth course offered by experienced instructors. Some of the important aspects, I learned at the webinar and in practice were very helpful in understanding Pelvic Health.

Pelvic Health functions

The pelvis plays an important role in holding the organs, bowel and bladder control, sexual health, and childbirth. It also anchors muscles and ligaments that support the bladder, intestines and uterus while providing core stability. Imbalance in the function in this area can lead to a variety of issues, including but not limited to Urinary incontinence or urgency, dyspareunia, organ prolapse, and low back pain.

Despite its importance, pelvic health is often overlooked, leaving many individuals to struggle in silence.

The Pelvic Floor’s Role in Everyday Life

The pelvic floor acts just like the postural muscle for day-to-day activities. Whether you are laughing with friends, lifting weights, or running after a toddler, the pelvic floor is engaged to prevent any leakage of urine. But what happens when it does not work as it should, this can be uncomfortable to discuss but is very common among teenagers, older adults and athletes as well. The reason why it happens is a lack of proper coordination and strength, pelvic floor muscles can either become too weak (leading to issues like incontinence) or too tight (resulting in pain or dysfunction).

Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Health

The article Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: More Than Kegels by Debevoise et al. (2015) emphasizes the multifaceted nature of pelvic floor physical therapy, expanding beyond traditional Kegel exercises. Earlier, all we knew about the pelvic floor muscle was training the pelvic floor muscle is the solution to any problems, but now it is much more than just kegel exercises. It discusses the importance of addressing both strength and relaxation of pelvic floor muscles to manage and treat a variety of conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery. The authors highlight evidence-based techniques, including biofeedback, manual therapy, and individualized exercise regimens, and the role of pelvic health therapists in educating patients about the interplay between pelvic floor function and overall health. The therapists are certified and skilful in training the patients to help them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

Seek professional help if,  you experience symptoms like pain, incontinence, or pressure, don’t hesitate to contact a pelvic health physical therapist.

References:

DeBevoise, T. M., Dobinsky, A. F., McCurdy-Robinson, C. B., McGee, C. M., McNeely, C. E., Sauder, S. K., & Sullivan, K. D. (2015). Pelvic floor physical therapy: More than Kegels. Womens Healthcare, 3(2), 34-41.

Author: Keta Parikh, PT, MS, 2024 APTA Pelvic Health CAPP Scholarship Recipient

Author Bio: Keta Parikh is a dedicated physical therapist based in New York with two years of experience helping patients achieve better movement and wellness. She earned her master's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Houston, where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based care. Later, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of working in the city, she is passionate about promoting holistic health, and in her free time, Keta enjoys hiking, practising yoga, and exploring new cuisines.