Holistic Approach to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Why Focusing on One Area May Not Be Enough
Have you ever felt like you’ve hit a wall with your treatment plan, focusing on just one area, only to find little to no improvement?
It’s a common frustration, especially when dealing with complex issues like pelvic floor dysfunction. There are many structures in this region - so I like to think of it as a neighborhood. Who could be your potential angry neighbor? And how can we cheer them up?!
As a Physical Therapist, my expertise lies in the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems - essentially the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
However, to effectively address pelvic floor issues, it’s crucial to look beyond just these systems.
Our bodies are intricately connected, and understanding this interconnectedness is key to successful treatment. Here are some often-overlooked aspects that should be considered when dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction: (in no particular order)
Fascia
Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps around our muscles, organs, nerves, and blood vessels. It not only provides structural support but can also be a significant source of pain and sensitivity. When fascia becomes tense or inflamed, it can lead to discomfort that may be mistakenly attributed to other causes.
It can be affected by lack of movement, trauma, pregnancy changes/birth, protective mechanism, etc.
Visceral System
The organs, such as the uterus, bladder and rectum, and their respective connective tissues can also play a role in pelvic floor dysfunction. Organ dysfunction can contribute to pain, discomfort, and pressure experienced in the pelvic region, and addressing this can be key to finding relief.
Nervous System
The state of your nervous system greatly influences how your body functions and its readiness to heal. It’s not just about whether your nerves are working; it’s about how the nervous system responds to stress. Think about “fight or flight,” “freeze,” " or “rest and digest” responses. These states can affect your pelvic floor and overall well-being.
Our pelvic floor muscles are innervated by our autonomic nervous system. We don’t have to constantly think about contracting our pelvic floor so that we don’t pee our pants all day long. It’s done automatically (unless there is dysfunction). Since our muscles are innervated by nerves, our nervous system affects the coordination and tone. When you are stressed, are you one to say “I hold my tension in my neck.” Similar can be said about the pelvic floor, because of how they are innervated.
Respiratory System
Your breathing and thoracic mobility (how well your spine/chest moves) are linked to pelvic floor function. Restricted breathing patterns or thoracic tightness can place undue stress on your pelvic floor. Improving respiratory function can impact your pelvic health.
Psychosocial Factors
Stress, emotional well-being, social support, and motivation are all elements that can either hinder or aid in the healing process. The mind and body are not separate entities; what affects one will invariably affect the other.
Sleep
Lack of sleep can exacerbate pain and decrease your ability to cope with stress, further complicating pelvic floor dysfunction. Ensuring quality sleep is a foundational aspect of any treatment plan.
Nutrition
What you eat can directly affect your body’s ability to heal and function. Nutritional imbalances can contribute to inflammation and other issues that may worsen pelvic floor dysfunction.
Hormone Dysfunction
Hormonal imbalances can play a role: for example, fluctuations in estrogen levels can affect tissue elasticity and contribute to symptoms
Orthopedic Issues
Problems elsewhere in the body - such as an old ankle injury, hip pain, low back pain, or chronic neck tension - can have a domino effect that impacts the pelvic floor. These issues can alter your gait, posture, and muscle activation patterns, ultimately contributing to pelvic dysfunction.
A Holistic View of Healing
Taking a comprehensive history and evaluating the body as a whole, can provide crucial insights into your symptoms. While it may be frustrating not to have a direct, straightforward diagnosis, understanding the contributing factors is key. This holistic approach is what I aim to provide in my practice - helping you navigate the complexities of pelvic floor dysfunction by considering the entire picture, not just isolated parts.
By addressing these various systems and factors, we can create a more effective and personalized treatment plan that leads to lasting relief and improved quality of life. So, if you’ve been struggling with treatment that doesn’t seem to be working, it might be time to broaden your focus and explore these other crucial areas.
Your body is a complex, interconnected system, and healing it requires a comprehensive approach. Let’s work together to uncover the root causes of your discomfort and chart a path toward lasting health and wellness.
