Millions of Americans are suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, yet for most, the disease goes unidentified and untreated. Statistics say that 1 out of every 5 Americans (of every age) suffer from some type of pelvic floor dysfunction at some time in their life. Over 25 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence alone or involuntary loss of urine. And it is not just a "women's" disorder; men and children can have pelvic floor dysfunction as well.

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a wide range of problems that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor are weak, tight, or there is an impairment of the sacroiliac joint, low back, coccyx and/or hip joint. The tissues surrounding the pelvic organs may have increased or decreased sensitivity and/or irritation resu

lting in pelvic pain. Many times, the underlying cause of pelvic pain is difficult to determine.

These conditions may be due to infections (usually undiagnosed), pregnancy or childbirth, insidious onset, poor posture from chronic low back or SI dysfunction, trauma (e.g. bad fall), or a result of surgery. 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.

Anatomy of the Pelvic Floor

The physical therapists at Beyond Basics are experts in designing PT and rehab regimens to treat pelvic pain and PFD. Patients are referred to us because they have one or more of the following problems:

Disorders of the bladder
IC (Interstitial Cystitis)
Prostatitis
Prostatodynia
Disorders of the bowel
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Feeling of fullness/abdominal pain, pressure, discomfort, and bloating
Sexual Dysfunctions
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
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic congestion
Erectile dysfunction
Lichens sclerosus
Lichens planus
Coccydynia
Post-Surgical: hysterectomy, hernia, laparoscopy, caesarean section, appendectomy, prostatectomy, and episiotomy.