Healing Pelvic Prolapse

Feeling heaviness or pressure in your pelvis is uncomfortable, not to mention the fear that grips you when it feels like your insides might fall out!

This is a common issue, especially after giving birth. But there is no need to live with pelvic prolapse. Normal function can be restored with pelvic floor physical therapy.

What causes pelvic prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is when your pelvic organs drop slightly lower into the pelvis. This causes a heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, which can sometimes worsen where you feel pressing into the vaginal wall.

You put pressure on the pelvic floor when you exert yourself. Coughing, sneezing, picking up kids, and carrying in the groceries can all cause pelvic prolapse when your pelvic floor muscles are weak.

Pelvic floor weakness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Childbirth: The process of vaginal childbirth can stretch and weaken the pelvic muscles and ligaments.
2. Age: As women age, the pelvic muscles and ligaments can weaken naturally.
3. Hormonal changes: The decline in estrogen during menopause can cause changes in the pelvic tissues, which can lead to prolapse.
4. Chronic constipation: Straining during bowel movements can put pressure on the pelvic muscles and lead to prolapse.
5. Chronic coughing: Frequent coughing can also put pressure on the pelvic muscles and lead to prolapse.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Heals Pelvic Prolapse

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for pelvic prolapse that can effectively reduce or even eliminate symptoms. The therapy involves working with a trained physical therapist to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. 

First, your physical therapist will look at your overall general movements. What is your pelvic alignment? What's the strength and flexibility of your spine, your core or abdominal muscles, and your glutes or your hips?

As an option, an internal exam can be performed to assess the pelvic floor muscles further. Are they overactive? Do you have increased muscle tone? How are your strength, endurance, and coordination?

Your personalized treatment plan will be developed based on the exam findings to address and heal pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

The therapist will teach you how to lessen the amount of pressure you put on the pelvic floor as well as how to strengthen the muscles. The therapist may also teach you techniques to improve your posture, breathing, and relaxation, which can help reduce stress on the pelvic floor muscles.

How long does treatment last?

Treatment times vary based on how your body responds. Most patients report notable progress after the first visit. You can expect to return to normal activities without pain or leaking after 6 to 12 visits.

There are many benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy. The most important is getting rid of pain, restoring intimacy with your significant other, and returning to normal activities with strength, confidence, and no limitations.

Ready to heal your pelvic floor?

The next step is to schedule your evaluation. This is a one-hour appointment with a physical therapist to determine your personalized treatment plan.

Schedule Pelvic Evaluation →