Pelvic Health & Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Addressing your questions about pelvic, women's, and musculoskeletal health. Health is a journey. Movement is healing!
"Am I the only one who has this?" So many individuals who experience pelvic health issues ask this question. They fear that they are the only person with urinary leakage, fecal incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain....the list goes on. The answer is no, pelvic floor dysfunction is more common than you think.
Men, women, and children are all susceptible to developing issues with their pelvic floor musculature. Muscular imbalances, soft tissue abnormalities, and misalignment in joints can alter the pelvic floor and impact an individual's ability to control their bowel and bladder as well as manage pain associated with the pelvic floor muscles. Women have a higher risk of developing issues with their pelvic floor. This risk is increased with hormone fluctuations, age, and giving birth. In fact in 2010, it was estimated that 28.07 million women in the U.S. over the age of 20 experienced some form of pelvic floor dysfunction. This number is estimated to increase to 31.88 million women over the age of 20 by the year 2020 experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction according to Herman & Wallace. So no, you are definitely not the only person with your symptoms. It is more common than you think. Not only are your symptoms more common than you think, but there may be a non-pharmaceutical treatment for your symptoms with pelvic or women's health physical therapy. The incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction in men and children is lower. However, for men, it increases post-prostatectomy. Bowel, bladder, and reproductive function may feel uncomfortable to talk about, especially when you are experiencing an issue. Rest assured you are not the only one with theses symptoms. Just walk down the feminine care isle or turn on the TV there are lots of products and medications available to manage your symptoms. These products will not fix the muscular dysfunction that may cause your symptoms, but physical therapy can help address these deficits. Talk to your physician or Physical Therapist about seeking the services of a pelvic or women's health physical therapist. |
AuthorHello! I am Caitlyn, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board Certified Women's Health Physical Therapist working in St Louis, Missouri. Faculty in developing residency program. Endowarrior Categories
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