There Can Be A Complex Link Between Spine Pain and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can be sensitive by nature. At Spinal Dynamics, you will be treated with sensitivity, privacy and respect.  Our advanced physical therapy expertise will empower you and help improve the quality of your life.

• Although physical therapy is commonly used to treat orthopedic, neurologic and other problems, it is not often explored as an option for addressing PFD.
• You will benefit from our in-depth understanding of both the spine and pelvic floor.
• Pelvic floor and spine problems may be inter-related and require a comprehensive treatment approach
• Our services often complement the most common treatment approaches (Kegel exercises, medications and activity modifications.)
• We will communicate with your physician to facilitate a team approach.

Biofeedback can be important

Biofeedback plays an important role for many of our patients. Special instruments are used to measure and provide “feedback” about nerves, muscles and body activity – and to help refine evaluation and treatment. Spinal Dynamics is pleased to have one of the Milwaukee area’s leading biofeedback-certified physical therapists.  Learn more >>

Visceral mobilization is beneficial for some

Visceral mobilization addresses the tissues that anchor internal organs to one another and to the skeletal system.  Just as some pelvic floor dysfunction can be related to spinal problems, some are related to visceral problems.  Spinal Dynamics offers visceral mobilization services as a specialty or as an adjunct to pelvic floor treatment.  Learn more >>

Physical or occupational therapy for PFD?

Although occupational therapy is used succcessfully for many patients, physical therapists may offer an additional perspective based upon the complex link that can occur between the spine and pelvic floor.  Physical therapy also focuses on strength, flexibility and posture -- all of which can influence a successful outcome. 

Join our monthly pelvic floor exercise class

"Your Muscles Have Memory" Pelvic Workout is offered at Spinal Dynamics.  This exercise class is designed to address weakness in pelvic floor muscles for women and men of all ages.  Call 414-302-0770 to register.   Learn More>>

Who sees us ?

PFD is common in both males and females. Symptoms may include:

• Incontinence
• Urgency
• Increased frequency
• Pain and burning with urination
• Pain in the abdomen, low back or pelvis
• Painful pelvic exams
• Difficulty with walking, sitting, or standing for a long period
• Diminished sexual desire, arousal or sensation
• Pain with sexual intercourse
• Pain with bowel function
• Chronic constipation or loose bowel
• Pain related to pregnancy or post-partum
• Chronic symptoms of prostatitis
• Symptoms following surgical procedures (abdominal or pelvic)

What Will My Treatment Program Include?

• Massage and manual techniques for muscle relaxation
• Joint mobilization and skeletal alignment of the pelvis and spine
• Stretching and strengthening exercises for the spine and pelvic floor
• Posture and position training for home and work
• Screening for gait and other biomechanical issues that may be affecting PFD
• Relaxation and breathing techniques
• Guidance for diet and nutrition to improve bowel and bladder function
• Biofeedback to assist in the retraining of the pelvic floor muscles
• Visceral mobilization to evaluate and treat internal organs (viscera) and their interconnecting tissues
• Electrical stimulation to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
• Optional supportive devices (such as sacroiliac belts) to help increase joint stability and reduce pain
• Education for patients and loved ones to manage PFD at home

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Pelvic Problem, Spinal Problem or Both?

Especially with lingering or recurring symptoms, pelvic floor and spine problems are more likely to be inter-related and, therefore, require a comprehensive treatment approach.

“My main symptoms are in my pelvis …” We will focus treatment to improve your primary pelvic floor symptoms. In addition, we will evaluate your spine for issues that may be influencing your pelvic floor. If we find spinal dysfunction, we will communicate with your physician and develop a plan to address your complete needs.

“I really don’t think I have pelvic problems. I just have back pain…” We will prioritize your treatment to address your spine.   During evaluation or treatment, if we unearth an underlying pelvic floor issue contributing to spinal symptoms, we will refine your treatment to address both spine and pelvic dysfunction.

“I have pain in both my pelvic area and my spine…” Some patients come to us with challenges related to both spine and pelvic floor. Our unique skills enable us to evaluate cause-and-effect relationships, addressing the interrelatedness of both.

 
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can occur when the muscles and tissues that support pelvic organs become too weak or too tight. Problems can result with organs (bladder, bowel, uterus or prostate), as well as the spine, sacroiliac and hip.

At Spinal Dynamics, we believe our biofeedback-certified physical therapists are valuable resources in treating pelvic floor dysfunction, and in addressing the complex link that may exist between the pelvic floor and spine.