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- Written by Justin and Kourtney Randsdorp Justin and Kourtney Randsdorp
If you are over the age of 50, it’s very likely that either you or someone you know is suffering from urinary leakage, a common symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Leakage may start as “rushing” to get to the bathroom or a small dribble when you swing a golf club or sneeze; however, if not treated correctly, pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest into more severe symptoms, such as bed-wetting or continuous incontinence that will seriously impact a person’s quality of life.
The good news is that pelvic floor dysfunction is not an inevitable life sentence as we age, and it can be reversed! In fact, 80% of cases of urinary incontinence are either alleviated or completely eliminated with the correct interventions, which may include pelvic floor therapy.
To many, the “pelvic floor” is a mystery, as it is not a visible structure, and the concept of rehabilitating this area of the body is a relatively new field in healthcare.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a “bowl” at the base of the pelvis with three main functions: elimination or containment for the bowel and bladder, structural support for your organs, and facilitating (pleasurable) sexual function.
When considering the pelvic floor muscles with bladder control, a healthy pelvic floor has the ability to contract or tighten to hold urine in so leakage does not occur. Contrarily, healthy pelvic floor muscles are able to fully relax in order to allow urine to fully exit when we are on the toilet.
Like any muscle of the body, the pelvic floor muscles need to have strength, the ability to relax, coordination, and endurance to produce optimal function.
Rehabilitating these muscles requires a personalized approach, as there is not a “one size fits all” method. Many people are told to “just do Kegels,” which are essentially contractions of these pelvic floor muscles.
This is poorly guided advice, as a majority of people do not complete Kegels correctly, and many times mindlessly doing Kegels will actually worsen symptoms if the muscles of the pelvic floor are naturally too tight.
Specialists in pelvic floor muscle function often utilize biofeedback, a tool that uses a sensor to retrieve information about muscular activity and shows the specialist and patient this muscular activity on a computer screen.
By knowing exactly how the muscles are impaired, treatment is developed to achieve normal muscular function.
While muscle function is a big contributor to a happy pelvic floor, pelvic health is also largely dependent upon our behaviors and lifestyle choices.
Did you know that drinking too little water can actually irritate the bladder and cause more urinary leakage? Inadequate water can also lead to constipation, which further impedes normal transit of urine out of the body and can contribute to unwanted leakage.
The frequency of how often we toilet can lead to habitual feelings of when we have to go. The “hold it all day pee-er” and “go every hour just in case pee-er” may adversely train their brains into abnormal habits that lead to urinary leakage or retention.
Muscle training, behavioral modifications, and positional recommendations are essential in guiding you back toward a leakage-free life where you’re in control.
If you are noticing any kind of pelvic floor dysfunction, do not suffer in silence. Be sure to contact your doctor to determine next steps for treatment so you can regain your confidence and have the greatest quality of life possible.
Functional Freedom LLC provides mobile, outpatient therapy specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation in your home. Justin and Kourtney Randsdorp are the owners and operators, allowing treatment to be conducted by the gender of your preference. Services are covered under Medicare Part B. For further information, call (717) 663-8307 or visit www.functionalfreedomllc.com.