Pelvic Health Blog

What the research says: pelvic therapy for prolapse

9/10/2017

Written by Michelle Dela Rosa, PT

There is help for pelvic organ prolapse, or laxity in the vaginal or rectal walls. Pelvic floor muscle training in women with prolapse is effective in improving symptoms.

In a randomized controlled trial, 447 females with newly diagnosed prolapse (stages 1-3) were randomly assigned to receive one-on-one pelvic floor muscle training OR education in modifying lifestyle.

Women in the pelvic muscle training group reported significantly less pelvic organ prolapse symptoms at 12 months than those that just received education. They reported improvement in: activities of daily life, sexual activity, bladder function, and bowel function.

It takes time to strengthen pelvic muscles, but our therapists often see muscle training instrumental in avoiding corrective surgery and in other cases, helpful in preparing for surgery. If you've been diagnosed with prolapse, speak to your doctor about physical therapy for pelvic muscle training. If you've had therapy in the past, we're here for you too for "refresher" sessions or ways to improve your current program.

Yoga Tip: Downward-facing Dog

8/30/2017

Written by Marzena Bard, PTA

Start your day with this energizing pose in sun salutations, or use it in the evening as a calming, gentle pose.

Pelvic benefits include: decompresses and neutralizes spine, reduces heavy sensation associated with menopause, relaxes pelvic floor, helps with organ prolapse management.

Start on hands and knees.
Make sure your hands are positioned in a straight line, fingers slightly spreading.
Feel your mat mostly under your index fingers and thumbs.
Take a deep breath and while exhaling, lift your hips up, then shift your body weight back.
You can move your feet farther back, and/or further apart, but keep the hands in place.
Relax your head and neck completely, letting them hang down freely. Your body should be like an inverted letter "V."
Breathe slow, and breathe deeply.

Case study: pelvic pain after repair of prolapse

2/8/2017

Patient: 66-year- old female with mesh repair of rectal and bladder prolapse 10 years ago.

Chief Complaint: “Knife-like” pelvic pain 10/10 with physical activity the following year, pelvic pain with urinary urgency, 6 voids at night.

Past Medical History: Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis 2 years ago, lumbar arthritis, thyroid condition.

Physical Therapy Treatment: Education on lifestyle modification for prolapse; breathing exercises; bladder retraining; manual release to pelvic floor and restricted internal scars; stretches for pelvis, hips, and low back; gentle core strengthening exercises.

Results: Pelvic pain 1/10 with physical activity, 0 discomfort with 2-hour drive, and 3 voids at night in 17 visits!

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What the research says: pelvic therapy for prolapse

Yoga Tip: Downward-facing Dog

Case study: pelvic pain after repair of prolapse

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