The pelvic floor musculature plays an important role in everything from bowel and bladder health to maintaining core/trunk stability during functional movements to breathing/swallowing. On With Life has several trained therapists on staff in our inpatient and outpatient program in Ankeny and Coralville to address these issues.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is the group of muscles forming the base of your pelvis, often referred to as
the “hammock” of muscles. These muscles form the base of your pelvis and are an important part of the core musculature–working to support the pelvis and internal organs, and assist with stabilization of the
trunk for upper and lower extremity movements. These muscles are also key for bowel/bladder and sexual function.
What's the connection with brain injury and pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor and brain have a direct connection, and a brain injury can disrupt that connection and communication between the brain and the pelvic floor causing pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor is made up of muscles, so just like any other muscles in the body may be affected as a result of a brain injury, the pelvic floor may also become weak, tight, loose or lose sensation/control.
What are some reasons someone might initiate being seen by a therapist trained in pelvic floor?
A pelvic floor trained therapist assesses the pelvic floor from a biomechanical and psychosocial standpoint. From a functional standpoint, a pelvic floor trained therapist will collaborate with you and assess how your concerns impact your daily routine, community participation and overall quality of life.
Reasons to refer to a therapist can range from issues with bowel and bladder functioning (incontinence, constipation, etc.), issues with sexual function, pain, weakness or instability through the trunk. Pelvic floor therapists may also help with breath support and coordination to improve breathing and voicing.
What are some ways a pelvic floor-trained therapist can help?
A pelvic floor trained therapist will provide you a listening ear to validate your concerns. We want you to know that there are options for therapeutic treatment and we can explore those options together as a team. During the first appointment, the majority of the time is spent discussing your history, concerns and goals. At the end of that first appointment we will plan next steps based on your wants, needs and desires.
We first perform a comprehensive interview to determine your concerns. Often, a bowel/bladder diary is initiated in order to determine how your eating/drinking habits affect your toileting. We then perform a movement screen including assessment of breathing coordination and then perform an external and/ or internal examination of your musculature. Finally, we work with you to develop a treatment plan, which may include manual therapy techniques, environmental modifications, biofeedback, a home exercise program, etc.