Knowra Pelvic floor dysfunction Pelvic floor dysfunction Pelvic floor dysfunction is impaired strength, relaxation, or coordination of the muscles and connective tissues that support pelvic organs and help control urination, bowel movements, and sexual function.
Pelvic floor muscles : A group of muscles forming the base of the pelvis and supporting pelvic organs. Their strength, relaxation, and coordination are impaired in pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pelvic floor physical therapy : Specialized physical therapy that assesses and treats pelvic floor muscle function. It can address weakness, excess tension, pain, and coordination problems.
Pelvic floor : The muscular and connective-tissue base of the pelvis that supports pelvic organs and contributes to continence. Its anatomy provides the foundation for understanding muscle and support disorders.
Stress urinary incontinence : Urine leakage during physical effort, coughing, sneezing, or other increases in abdominal pressure. It is a symptom-defined disorder that may involve pelvic floor weakness but is not synonymous with dysfunction.
Pelvic floor muscle training : A structured program of exercises to improve pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, or control. Research continues to define which training methods help particular dysfunction patterns.
Hypertonic pelvic floor : A pelvic floor that remains overly tense or cannot relax normally. Excessive resting tension can cause pain and difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel.
Biofeedback : A technique that provides real-time information about physiological activity to help a person change it. Pelvic muscle activity can be monitored to train relaxation or coordinated contraction.
Pelvic organs : Organs within the pelvis, including the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs. Their support and function can be affected when pelvic floor tissues do not work normally.
Overactive bladder : A symptom syndrome marked by urinary urgency, often with frequency and nighttime urination, with or without leakage. Urgency may overlap, but overactive bladder is not itself a pelvic muscle diagnosis.
Myofascial release : Manual techniques intended to reduce restrictions and tenderness in muscles and connective tissues. Its role and effectiveness for pelvic pain related to muscle tension remain under study.
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