Biofeedback
One common treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction is biofeedback and stimulation. Your urogynecologist, along with a physical therapist, will partner with you to alleviate the symptoms associated with the many conditions of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Biofeedback is a technique where one learns to control specific physiological processes. This non-painful, non-surgical strategy provides improvement for many patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Bladder & Bowel Control Problems
Many women are affected by bladder and bowel control problems. Many more suffer from pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse of the vagina, bladder, uterus and rectum as well as urinary incontinence and bladder infections.
Symptoms associated with these conditions may include leaking urine during coughing, sneezing and during or after exercise or lifting. Other symptoms of pelvic floor disorders may be frequent urination or leaking urine associated with a strong urge, feeling of burning in the lower abdomen or vagina and a feeling of pain and pressure. These symptoms are often associated with a filling bladder. Additional symptoms may include feeling a bulge in or outside the vagina, feeling that the bladder is not empty after urinating or having a bowel movement and pain or discomfort with intercourse.
Treatment
In most cases, these conditions and symptoms are treatable. Your urogynecologist will map out a specific plan of treatment, often times with a physical therapist, unique to your individual condition. They will perform a complete evaluation and may provide biofeedback, electro-stimulation and other management strategies.
Biofeedback Treatment
Physical therapists may take several approaches to biofeedback. During the procedure, your electrical activity in the muscle is recorded and displayed. The therapist can then provide feedback in order to help you improve muscle coordination.
When used in conjunction with Kegel exercises, biofeedback techniques help you gain awareness and control of your pelvic muscles. Biofeedback may be used to evaluate if the right muscles are being activated and measure the amount of muscle activity.
Kegel exercises help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor that surround and support the vagina, bladder and rectum. Kegel exercises are an important part of your treatment in urinary incontinence. This pelvic muscle exercise involves contracting (tightening) the ring of muscle around your rectum, without tightening the muscles of your legs, buttocks or abdomen. They are a simple, non-invasive way to improve your symptoms of incontinence caused by activity, post-surgery, post-childbirth or menopause.