Treatment of Pelvic Dysfunction

Each patient will have a customized program, specific to their needs that utilizes the strategies below both in isolation and in combination. There are many interventions used to address pelvic floor dysfunction that include: pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, bladder/bowel training, and myofascial release.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training:

The pelvic floor muscle is one of the components contributing to urethral closure in maintaining continence. However, it can also be a source of muscle tension causing pain, or muscle tightness that prevents normal urination, defecation, and penetration. Pelvic floor muscle training involves strengthening, relaxation, or coordination techniques to improve the function of the pelvic floor muscle. Because the pelvic floor muscle is a voluntary muscle, training the muscle to function effectively is similar to training any other voluntary muscle in the body.

Biofeedback:

Biofeedback is a treatment used to facilitate the contraction or relaxation of the pelvic floor muscle. Biofeedback can be as simple as the use of a finger or a mirror, and as complex as the use of a pressure device or electrical monitor of muscle activity. Research has not found that one method of biofeedback is superior to another and that biofeedback has the best results when used in combination with other therapies.

Bladder/bowel training:

Bladder and bowel training involves re-setting the bowel and bladder habits to promote improved organ function to assist in regaining continence. The first step in bladder and/or bowel training is to assess the current day-to-day function of your bladder and/or bowels. To accomplish this, TLC may request that you keep a Bladder or Bowel Diary for up to three days to track your bowel and/or bladder function

Myofascial release:

Myofascial release is a manual technique used in pain management for muscle tightness and scar adhesions. Muscle tightness and pain can be a result of trauma to the pelvic floor, asymmetries in the structures of the pelvis, and increased or decreased muscle tone. Scars adhesions can cause restricted movement and pain. Myofascial release can break down the adhesions to assist in re-gaining function and decreasing pain.

TENS:

TENS is an abbreviation for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a device that applies an electrical current through the skin to assist in pain management. It can be used for both acute and chronic pain.

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** Internal exams are the best way to assess the pelvic floor but at TLC we understand that not everyone is able to tolerate an internal exam due to pain or anxiety. Due to this we offer two alternatives to the traditional internal pelvic exam:
(1) An external evaluation OR
(2) An internal exam with the use of lidocaine, that is applied topically prior to the pelvic exam. If the use of lidocaine is the option that you prefer, please notify TLC prior to your appointment or contact your doctor and request a prescription for 4% aqueous lidocaine and bring it to your first appointment.