PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION
Many patients with urinary, bowel and/or sexual symptoms and/or pelvic pain often have dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles, specifically, a group of muscles called the Levator Ani and Obturator Internus. These muscles lie between the pubic bone and tailbone. They are responsible for bladder and bowel control as well as sexual functioning. Therefore, when the muscles are tight they can cause pain and /or dysfunction of the bladder, bowel, and genitals (sexual organs). Physical Therapy is indicated as part of a multi-disciplinary medical intervention. Proper treatment can minimize and eradicate these perplexing symptoms.
There are many causes of pelvic pain and dysfunction. Very rarely are symptoms initiated by a single cause. Typically, cumulative insults to the pelvis can lead to pain and/or dysfunction. In general, causes include structural or somatic abnormalities, visceral disease or dysfunction, activity-related injuries, or physical trauma.
