PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION
What is it?
This disorder occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor are weak, tight, or there is an impairment of the sacroiliac (SI) joint, low back, coccyx and/or hip joint. The tissues surrounding the pelvic organs then become inflamed and exquisitely painful. Many times, the underlying cause of pelvic pain is difficult to determine.
symptoms
the relationship to the hip
Not only are the muscles of the pelvic floor in extremely close proximity to the hip joint, but some of them even attach to it! Inflammation coming from dysfunction in the hip joint can spread to and affect the pelvic floor musculature, eventually leading to pelvic floor dysfunction.
The primary role of the pelvic floor is to support visceral organs and manage continence. It also plays an important role in sexual function. When these muscles are asked to do something other than what they were designed to do--such as stabilize the hip--the muscles can become tight, overworked and inflamed, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction. Many physical therapists that are Pelvic Floor Specialists have seen a high incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction in patients who have hip labral tears or who have just undergone a total hip replacement. Although current research is still lacking to delineate the magnitude of such a relationship at this time, things are in the works! See below for what clinicians are saying about the topic. The first file is an excerpt from a text book and the second is an abstract from a research symposium. See page 29 for relevant presentation entitled "The relationship between labral tears of the hip and generalized unprovoked vulvodynia."
The primary role of the pelvic floor is to support visceral organs and manage continence. It also plays an important role in sexual function. When these muscles are asked to do something other than what they were designed to do--such as stabilize the hip--the muscles can become tight, overworked and inflamed, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction. Many physical therapists that are Pelvic Floor Specialists have seen a high incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction in patients who have hip labral tears or who have just undergone a total hip replacement. Although current research is still lacking to delineate the magnitude of such a relationship at this time, things are in the works! See below for what clinicians are saying about the topic. The first file is an excerpt from a text book and the second is an abstract from a research symposium. See page 29 for relevant presentation entitled "The relationship between labral tears of the hip and generalized unprovoked vulvodynia."
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How is it treated?
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation is an individualized program designed and carried out by a board recognized Pelvic Floor/Women's Health Specialist in physical therapy to address any musculoskeletal dysfunction of the pelvic floor. The use both internal and external manual techniques including things like soft tissue massage, trigger point dry needling, biofeedback, electrical stimulation and visceral manipulation. In addition, a specific home exercise program is designed to address impairments contributing to your pain.