Pelvic Floor Therapy Brooklyn & NYC

Common Causes And Symptoms Of Pelvic Floor Issues

Pelvic floor issues can be a delicate subject, surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. However, understanding the common causes and symptoms is the first step towards seeking the right help and reclaiming your quality of life. At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, Blair approaches these topics with empathy, professionalism, and support, ensuring you feel heard, validated, and cared for throughout your healing journey.

Common Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction can arise from a wide range of factors, impacting individuals across all stages of life. Here are some of the most common causes:

Pregnancy And Childbirth

The weight and pressure of a growing baby during pregnancy can place significant strain on the pelvic floor muscles, causing changes to the tissues integrity and ability to function properly. . The physical demands of childbirth, particularly during vaginal delivery, can further contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. In cases of prolonged labor, instrumental deliveries (such as the use of forceps or vacuum), or perineal tears, the risk of pelvic floor damage may increase. These factors make pregnancy and childbirth one of the leading causes of pelvic floor issues in women.

Surgery

Surgical procedures, particularly those involving the reproductive organs (like hysterectomies) or the lower abdomen, such as a cesarean birth, can affect pelvic floor muscles and nerves. Scar tissue from surgery may also lead to adhesions or restricted movement in the pelvic region, limiting flexibility and causing discomfort. 

Aging

As with many muscle groups in the body, the pelvic floor muscles naturally lose tone and elasticity with age. Hormonal changes associated with menopause, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, can weaken connective tissues in the pelvic area, making muscles more prone to dysfunction. This loss of tone and flexibility may result in incontinence, prolapse, changes in sex, or difficulty with bowel and bladder control. 

Overuse Or Underuse

The pelvic floor muscles, like any other muscles in the body, can suffer from overuse or underuse. Overuse occurs when these muscles are consistently strained, often through activities that involve heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, or intense abdominal pressure. Overuse may lead to muscle tightness, spasms, or even chronic pain. On the other hand, underuse can cause the muscles to weaken over time, particularly in individuals with sedentary lifestyles or prolonged sitting habits. Both overuse and underuse can result in poor pelvic muscle control and stability, impacting core strength and overall function.

Injury Or Trauma

Traumatic injuries, whether due to an accident, fall, or physical assault, can disrupt pelvic floor integrity, sometimes leading to immediate or delayed dysfunction. For instance, a direct injury to the lower abdomen or pelvis can cause tissue damage, inflammation, or even nerve damage, affecting muscle control and sensation. Emotional trauma, such as that experienced during childbirth or as a result of abuse, can also contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, leading to conditions like vaginismus or chronic pelvic pain as a response to stress or fear.

Chronic Straining

Chronic straining, often associated with constipation, heavy lifting, or respiratory issues that lead to chronic coughing, places excess pressure on the pelvic floor. This  can lead to or exacerbate issues like incontinence or prolapse. Proper management of bowel health, deep core training, and breathing techniques during activities can help mitigate this form of strain on the pelvic floor.

Hormonal Changes

Significant hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause, pregnancy, or as a result of certain medical treatments (like chemotherapy or hormone therapy), can impact pelvic floor strength and elasticity. Estrogen, in particular, helps maintain tissue health in the pelvic area, and a decrease in this hormone can lead to reduced muscle tone, dryness, and discomfort, which may exacerbate pelvic floor issues.

Understanding these common causes can help individuals recognize the importance of pelvic floor health and seek the appropriate support. Blair Mauri Pelvic Health provides compassionate, personalized care to address each individual’s unique needs and help them regain control, confidence, and quality of life.

Symptoms Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Identifying pelvic floor issues can sometimes be challenging due to the wide range of symptoms that might present themselves, including:

• Incontinence: This includes both stress incontinence (leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising) and urge incontinence (a sudden, intense need to urinate followed by involuntary urination). Pelvic Floor Therapy also treats urinary frequency. 

• Bowel leakage, pain, or urgency: This may include chronic hemorrhoids as well. 

• Pelvic Pain: Discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvic region, or genital area, which may be constant or occur during specific activities. This includes: pubic symphysis pain, sciatic pain, lower back or SI joint pain, as well as generalized pelvic area pain.

• Prolapse: A sensation or observation of one's pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) bulging into the vaginal canal.

• Sexual Pain or Discomfort: Pain during intercourse, difficulty achieving orgasm, or generalized discomfort during sexual activities is indicative of pelvic floor issues.

• Birth Prep: Preparing your body for birth is crucial. Through pelvic mobility, optimal fetal positioning, perineal massage, birth partner support, and personalized birth positioning recommendations, we can ensure a smoother birthing process and recovery.

• Birth Recovery: Post-delivery, your body undergoes significant changes. In addition to any symptoms you may be experiencing, Blair treats perineal or cesarean scars, ergonomic support during caregiving, return to exercise postpartum, and Diastasis Recti rehab. 

• Treatment or Prevention of Various Pelvic Floor Symptoms: Expertise includes but is not limited to managing incontinence, alleviating pelvic pain, and providing support for prolapse. Blair aims to enhance your pelvic function and alleviate discomfort through targeted exercises and therapies.

Understanding these common causes and symptoms is vital in recognizing when to seek help. Blair Mauri Pelvic Health stands ready to support you, offering personalized, evidence-based care right in the comfort of your home to address these symptoms and underlying causes. By focusing on your unique needs, we empower you to take control of your pelvic health, leading to improved well-being and an enhanced capacity to engage in meaningful life activities.

What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that focuses on the functional use of the muscles of the pelvic floor. This therapy is designed to address various pelvic floor disorders, including urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse.

During sessions, Blair will assess your symptoms and create a tailored treatment plan. This may involve a combination of exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, education on proper body mechanics, and techniques to improve posture and core stability.

She  may also employ manual therapy to enhance muscle awareness and function as well as reduce symptoms. An important goal of pelvic floor therapy is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and restore normal function.

Alleviates Pain And Discomfort

Many individuals suffer in silence from pelvic pain or discomfort due to various conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, or interstitial cystitis (painful bladder). Pelvic Floor Therapy offers therapeutic exercises and techniques specifically designed to reduce pain and improve quality of life, enabling clients to engage more fully in daily activities without the burden of chronic discomfort.

Improves Incontinence And Bladder Control

Incontinence is a common issue, particularly among the pre and postnatal population. Pelvic floor physical therapy helps coordinate the muscles of the pelvic floor, significantly decreasing episodes of both urinary and fecal incontinence. This improvement in bladder and bowel control can be incredibly empowering, restoring confidence and freedom.

Supports Prenatal And Postpartum Recovery

The journey through pregnancy and postpartum recovery is unique for every individual, and Pelvic Floor Therapy  provides key support during these transformative times. From preparing the pelvic floor for birth to assisting in recovery after delivery, targeted strategies enhance the body's ability to heal and adjust, making for a smoother transition through each phase of childbirth.

Addresses Sexual Discomfort 

Pelvic floor issues can often impact sexual health, leading to discomfort or dissatisfaction during intercourse. Pelvic Floor Therapy addresses these concerns directly with gentle, respectful techniques aimed at restoring function and reducing pain, enhancing intimacy and sexual well-being.

Preventing and healing  Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where pelvic organs shift  due to changes in  pelvic floor muscles, can be distressing and impact daily life. Through exercises and lifestyle advice, Pelvic Floor Therapy  helps prevent prolapse from occurring or progressing, offering a proactive approach to pelvic health.