Can Pelvic PT Help With My Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is estimated to affect up to 50% of women. Many women don’t experience symptoms, but some experience discomfort in the pelvic region with additional symptoms listed below. Treatment is recommended if symptoms are bothersome or begin to interfere with your daily life. 

Risks for developing pelvic organ prolapse: 

• Childbirth
• Obesity 
• Age
• Constant straining - weight lifting, chronic coughing, etc.

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse:

• Pelvic pressure
• Pelvic heaviness
• Lower back pain  
• Urinary or bowel incontinence
• Urinary retention
• Constipation

The pelvic floor muscles are important in supporting the pelvic organs which include the uterus, bladder and rectum. If you’ve been diagnosed with POP, likely one of these structures has pushed into the vaginal wall and through the pelvic floor muscles. There are a few different options for treatment. Physical Therapy has been shown to be an effective form of treatment without having to undergo surgery. 

When the pelvic floor muscles are either too tight or too weak, they can impact your pelvic floor and thus provide less support for your pelvic organs. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy includes the following techniques to assist with managing and improving POP: 

• Pressure management - using diaphragmatic breathing to improve the relationship between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor to manage abdominal pressures, helping to decrease pressure being placed on the pelvic floor
• Postural mechanics - improving postural mechanics with everyday activities can reduce pressure being placed on the pelvic floor as you learn to utilize important muscle groups
• Pelvic floor lengthening and/or strengthening - depending on how tight and/or weak your pelvic floor muscles are, Physical Therapists will use techniques to improve the function of these muscles to better support the pelvic organs 
• Core and hip strengthening - to improve strength and stability of your pelvis, lower back and hips

Utilizing Physical Therapy techniques, your symptoms can often be alleviated and you can return to your normal daily activities and exercise. 

What if I want more guidance?

If you have pelvic organ prolapse and want help with your symptoms, contact your provider for a referral to a CHI Health Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist. You can reach out to our Pelvic Health Navigator at (402) 717-7358 or visit our website for more information.