Identifying and Managing Pelvic Organ Prolapse
June is pelvic organ prolapse awareness month, so let’s talk about what this is! A pelvic organ prolapse refers to the position of reproductive and other organs within the pelvic bowl. These organs are the uterus, bladder, rectum and vaginal wall tissue. When we think of a prolapse most of the time we think of something “falling out” of the vagina, however a lesser grade prolapse just means the organ is sitting lower within the pelvis. Often a prolapse can be managed conservatively with pelvic floor therapy instead of going right to surgery.
Common prolapse symptoms
Symptoms often include heaviness or bulging sensation into the vaginal canal, the need to splint or press on the perineum to fully empty your bladder/ bowel, or general looseness in the pelvic region during exercise.
Prolapses can occur due to prolonged years of straining with constipation, being pregnant, having multiple pregnancies, forceps and vacuum assisted delivery, prolonged periods of pushing (more than 1 hour) during labor, and poor pressure management during exercise.
How does pelvic floor therapy help manage a prolapse?
During your first assessment we will assess the pelvic floor externally and internally to check for tension, strength, and the ability to relax. We will observe the perineum and vaginal opening when you bear down to assess the degree and type of prolapse. We can also perform these in a variety of positions to match your triggers for symptoms.
For example if you note the prolapse feeling when walking, we can perform the assessment in standing to check what the pelvic floor is doing.
Pelvic floor therapy provides specific strength exercises to help alleviate pelvic pressure as well. Happy Healing! 🙂
We offer:
- Free Pelvic Floor Screens
- 1:1 visits
- Therapeutic Massage
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
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Written by Dr. Bria Stark