As explained in my blog, What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?, ” Unlike what most people think, pelvic floor dysfunction is not just a pelvic floor issue but issues related to the pelvic floor AND what it is attached to.” After all, it is not a free-floating surface! Therefore, its integrity depends on how strong and viable its influencers and attachments are. Think of building a house. You have a strong second floor, but what it is connected to is 4 weak walls or strong walls but weak attachment points.
Subtle Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition that affects both men and women. There are many subtle signs that are typically considered to be their own set of issues. The following is a list of the subtle signs with more details found on my blog written on the subject:
- “Lower back pain
- Pain in the back joints of the pelvis (SI Joints)
- Pain in the front pubic area
- Arched lower back
- Slouched lower back
- Slouched mid-back or hunchback
- Military posture with the chest pushed out
- A V-stance where the torso is positioned behind the hip joints on the side view
- Chronic forward neck
- Inability to bend down below the knees
- Habitually standing on one leg with the other leg bent
- Chronic one-sided pain in the lower extremity
- Hip pain on one or both sides”
How Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treated?
Generally, most treatments include internal manual therapy with some attention given to breathing. This, of course, is in the absence of presentations that require surgery. My blog on the treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunction discusses the many routes you can take to treat this condition. This includes medication, exercises, pelvic floor therapy, biofeedback, as well as behavioral and lifestyle modifications which you can read more about in the blog.
Can Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Be Cured or Managed Long-Term?
Now, pelvic floor dysfunction is a chronic condition. And while a complete cure may not always be possible, we can typically manage its symptoms long-term. The key to maintaining improvements achieved through therapy include consistency in treatment, compliance with lifestyle modifications, and ongoing exercise routines. Lastly, always remember that the pelvis and overall postural stability is the key to assuring the work done to strengthen the pelvic floor continues.
In the meantime, if you have pelvic floor dysfunction and have not seen the results you hoped for or think you may have pelvic floor dysfunction, do not hesitate to contact me.
Dr. Shakib
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