Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction A

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often result in a wide range of physical complications, including pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause significant issues such as urinary and fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain, all of which severely impact the quality of life. At Junction Physical Therapy , we offer specialized Pelvic floor physiotherapy Grande Prairie to help individuals with SCI manage these challenges and regain control over their pelvic health.

Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction After SCI

These muscles control the function of the bladder and bowel, and they play a critical role in sexual function. After a spinal cord injury, the communication between the brain and the pelvic floor muscles may be disrupted, pelvic floor dysfunction.

Some of the common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction after SCI include:

Urinary Incontinence: The inability to control bladder function can lead to involuntary leakage of urine, especially during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion.

Fecal Incontinence: Loss of bowel control is another common symptom, causing unintentional leakage of stool.

Urinary Retention: Difficulty in emptying the bladder fully or completely can result in urinary retention, which may lead to urinary tract infections and other complications.

Constipation: Dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles can make it difficult to pass stool, leading to chronic constipation.

Sexual Dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction after SCI may lead to difficulties with sexual function, including reduced sensation, pain, or inability to engage in sexual activity.

Pelvic Pain: Chronic pain in the pelvic region is another common symptom associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.

The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective treatment for managing pelvic floor dysfunction after spinal cord injury. At Junction Physical Therapy, our approach focuses on strengthening and retraining the pelvic floor muscles to improve their function and restore control over bladder and bowel movements.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT): Pelvic floor muscle training involves exercises specifically designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises help improve muscle tone and control, reducing the symptoms of incontinence and improving overall pelvic health. Kegel exercises are commonly used, but they are often tailored to the individual’s specific needs and capabilities.

Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that helps individuals gain awareness and control over their pelvic floor muscles. Through the use of specialized equipment, patients can see how their muscles are functioning and learn how to contract and relax them properly. This feedback can significantly enhance the effectiveness of pelvic floor exercises.

Electrical Stimulation: For individuals who have difficulty activating their pelvic floor muscles due to nerve damage from the SCI, electrical stimulation may be used. This therapy involves using mild electrical currents to stimulate muscle contractions, helping to strengthen the pelvic floor.

Bladder and Bowel Retraining: In addition to exercises, pelvic floor physical therapy may include bladder and bowel retraining programs. These programs teach patients techniques to improve bladder and bowel control, reduce incontinence, and promote regular elimination.

Postural Training: Proper posture plays a crucial role in pelvic health. Pelvic floor physical therapy often includes postural training to ensure that the pelvis is properly aligned, which can help improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for SCI Patients
Pelvic floor physical therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with spina