Many Americans suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, yet often, the problem goes unidentified and untreated. Statistics tell us that 1 in 5 Americans (of all ages) suffer from some form of pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in time in their life. Additionally, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just a “women’s" disorder; men and children can have pelvic floor dysfunction as well.

The pelvic floor is made up of muscles and other tissues that form a sling from the pubic bone to the tailbone. They assist in supporting the abdominal and pelvic organs, and help to control bladder, bowel and sexual activity.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a term used to describe a wide range of problems that occur when the muscles within the pelvis are unbalanced. They can be overly weak, tight, or there can even be impairment of the sacroiliac joint, low back, coccyx or hip joint. The tissues surrounding the pelvic organs may have increased or decreased sensitivity or irritation resulting in pelvic pain.

The etiology of pelvic floor dysfunction can be due to infections, pregnancy or childbirth, changes in hormones, dysfunctional physical training or weight lifting, poor posture from chronic low back or SI dysfunction, trauma (i.e. an injury or car accident), or a result of surgery.

Patients are often referred because they have one or more of the following problems:

• Disorders of the bladder
• IC (Interstitial Cystitis)/ Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS)
• Prostatitis
• Prostatodynia
• Disorders of the bowel
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease)
• Chronic constipation
• Feeling of fullness/abdominal pain, pressure, discomfort, and bloating
• Sexual Dysfunctions
• Anorgasmia
• Erectile dysfunction
• Levator Ani Syndrome refers to pain, pressure, or ache in the sacrum, coccyx, rectum, and/or vagina caused by unusual tension in the levator ani muscles.
  • May increase with intercourse, sitting, defecation, and constipation
  • Pain referred to the thigh or coccyx/sacrum, gluteal region
  • Severe, sharp, burning, or ache with urination
• Pelvic Pain/Dysfunction
• Pudendal neuralgia
• Dyspareunia
• Vulvodynia
• Vulvar vestibulitis
• Vaginismus
• Chronic pelvic infections/ vaginitis
• Pelvic congestion
• Lichens sclerosus
• Lichens planus
• Disorders of the musculoskeletal system
• Coccydynia
• Low back pain
• Pelvic imbalance
• Post-Surgical scarring and pain: hysterectomy, hernia, laparoscopy, caesarean section, appendectomy, prostatectomy, and episiotomy.

Treatment may include:

• External and internal manual therapy including: respiratory synkinesis, myofascial release and trigger point release, visceral manipulation, connective tissue manipulation, and biofeedback.
• Cold laser, heat and cold therapy.
• IV therapies including PRP and ozone

We prefer treatment to be multidisciplinary and holistic. We also offer help with stress management, nutritional counseling, gynecological services, and herbal therapies.

Connective Tissue Manipulation

It is the movement of one layer of skin over the other to release tension in the tissue and to increase range of motion in the joint or the limb. The manipulation creates a sensation of a sharp scratch, and the tighter the tissue, the sharper the sensation. When the tension is released, the blood flow to the area increases, thereby removing toxins from that region, decreasing pain, and ultimately allowing more movement to occur. With each treatment, there is further reduction in connective tissue tension.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is a sheet of connective tissue that surrounds, separates, or connects muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body. Myofascial release is application of sustained pressure to reduce fascial restrictions to relieve pain, improve range of motion, relax muscles, and relieve neurological dysfunction.

Visceral Manipulation

Adhesions, abnormal tone, or displacement may result in disharmonious movement between internal organs which in turn may lead to chronic irritation and pain. Visceral manipulation uses gentle palpation and manual therapy to evaluate and correct the imbalances.