Many physical therapy practices focus on pelvic health, but what are the best methods? Read on to learn more about Trigger point therapy, Vaginal dilators, Therapeutic ultrasound, and Biofeedback technique. There are many benefits, but which one will be the best for you? The pelvic floor has a complex mechanical relationship with the diaphragm, so many treatments will suit you. Read on to learn more about pelvic health – a specialty physical therapy practice.
Trigger point therapy
In recent years, the prevalence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the pelvic area has risen for various reasons. These include mechanical factors, pelvic asymmetries, and inflammatory and psychologic factors. However, despite their widespread prevalence, many practitioners are not familiar with their role and how they might benefit from trigger point therapy for pelvic health.
In the study, 33 women with pain in their pelvic area will participate. Following routine gynecological examinations, they will perform orthopedic tests for pelvic pain. Then, they will be assigned to three treatment groups: external myofascial trigger point release, internal myofascial trigger point release, or a combination of both. After each treatment, measurements of pain intensity and sensation will be repeated. The investigator and gynecologist are blind to the treatment, and the researchers are responsible for determining the pain level of each group.
The physical therapist who treats pelvic pain must know the trigger points in the pelvic muscles and understand the referral pattern of each. For example, trigger points in the piriformis muscle refer to hip and leg pain. They may create pain in the rectum, radiating throughout the leg. The physical therapist must know which muscles are responsible for causing pain in the pelvic area and how to manipulate them to improve patient health.
Vaginal dilators
One of the essential tools in physical therapy for pelvic health arsenal is a vaginal dilator. This gadget works by relaxing pelvic floor muscles, which keep the vagina open. Many women use vaginal dilators for tight pelvic floor muscles, such as levator ani spasm or vaginismus. While using a vaginal dilator, women should practice with a small finger or object to build their comfort levels. In addition, women should always clean their contraptions in hot water, as soap residue can linger on them. After washing, they should keep their dilators in a dry, clean place.
A vaginal dilator can help prevent or treat these symptoms. In addition, women who have had cancer, or had surgery that caused menopause, should consider using one to keep their vaginal tissues soft. Another condition that requires vaginal dilators is Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome. A woman suffering from this condition will likely experience sex difficulties or even painful penetration. A vaginal dilator can be used to stretch the tissues around the vagina, which makes penetration easier.
Therapeutic ultrasound
While most people associate therapeutic ultrasound for pelvic health with the treatment of bladder infections, it is a less invasive medication method. Ultrasound therapy is a process in which the physician uses high-frequency sound waves to force medicines through the body’s tissues. Treatment usually lasts a few minutes for small areas but may take longer if scar tissue is involved. This procedure can be a very beneficial adjunctive therapy in the treatment of pelvic pain, as well as scar tissue.
Treatments involving therapeutic ultrasound are not new. It has long been used in physical therapy to treat a range of conditions. For example, pelvic floor muscle therapy, which uses ultrasound to help relieve pelvic pain, has been around for several years. It is often administered to women with overactive pelvic floor muscles or difficulty activating them. This form of treatment includes visual tools, verbal coaching, and stretching to help patients learn how to relax and engage their pelvic muscles.
Biofeedback technique
A biofeedback technique provides an image of your muscles and can help you use them more effectively. This technique can also help you learn how to activate the muscles correctly and stop using the wrong ones. Biofeedback has many novel applications, including the treatment of chronic low back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction.
A biofeedback unit uses electrical impulses to determine which muscles are contracting and relaxing and provides feedback about the changes. Usually, electrodes are placed between the vagina and anus, while a probe is inserted into the rectum or vagina. The electrodes then display a reading. During treatment, the therapist will explain the desired task and how you can train your muscles to achieve it. Some therapists will even let you borrow their biofeedback device to use at home.
