Pelvic floor dysfunction can be complicated! There are obvious signs and symptoms associated with it, but there are many other symptoms and signs that are generally missed. This often leads to longer treatments. You can learn about the comprehensive presentation of pelvic floor dysfunction in my blog: ” Subtle Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction”. When it comes to the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction internal manual treatment is not the only treatment option. In fact, at our clinic, the treatment is only external involving breathing, coordination of movement, postural stability, and understanding what is necessary to not only get rid of the issue but to keep it away.
What Is Biofeedback?
As explained in my blog, What are the treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunction, ” The goal of biofeedback is to improve muscle control, strength, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. It is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as pelvic floor exercises and behavioral modifications. This is an attempt to provide a comprehensive approach to pelvic floor dysfunction management. With this, sensors are attached to specific areas near the pelvic floor muscles and detect muscle activity to provide feedback.
Visual or auditory feedback:
The sensors are connected to a monitor or a device that produces visual or auditory cues. The individual can see or hear real-time information about their muscle activity.
Muscle contraction and relaxation training:
The individual is guided to perform specific pelvic floor muscle exercises, such as contracting and relaxing the muscles. The feedback from the sensors helps them understand the correct muscle engagement and monitor their progress.
Correcting muscle coordination:
Biofeedback can help individuals learn to coordinate the relaxation and contraction of their pelvic floor muscles with other muscle groups involved in bladder and bowel control.
Reinforcing proper technique:
The immediate feedback from biofeedback encourages the individual to adjust and refine their muscle activation techniques, ensuring they are performing the exercises correctly.
Home practice:
In some cases, individuals may be provided with portable biofeedback devices to continue practicing the exercises at home and monitor their progress independently.”
How Does Biofeedback Help Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Improved muscle awareness and control:
Biofeedback helps individuals develop a better understanding of their pelvic floor muscles and how to control them effectively. This increased awareness can lead to improved muscle coordination and function.
Enhanced pelvic floor muscle strength:
By providing real-time feedback, biofeedback assists individuals in performing pelvic floor muscle exercises with proper technique and intensity. This can result in increased muscle strength over time.
Symptom reduction:
Biofeedback has been shown to help reduce various symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, pelvic pain, and bowel dysfunction. Studies show that the benefits gained through biofeedback can be sustained even after the treatment is completed. Continued practice and integration of the learned techniques into daily life can help maintain the improvements achieved. Biofeedback allows for personalized treatment since it is applicable to each individual’s muscle activity. The success of biofeedback treatment varies depending on the individual, the specific type, and the severity of pelvic floor dysfunction. As well as compliance with the recommended treatment plan.
Is Biofeedback Necessary for All Types of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
No. In almost all cases when stabilizing the pelvis, which has to do with postural correction, along with proper breathing techniques, our patients are able to properly engage their muscles at the right time for the right movements. For cases such as prolapse or severe laxity of the muscles of the pelvic floor, biofeedback seems to be a great addition.
If you think you have pelvic floor dysfunction or have not received the treatment results you wish for, do not hesitate to contact us.
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