Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

You may have heard of physical therapy for knee, ankle and shoulder problems, however, you may not have heard of pelvic floor physical therapy. The Methodist Sexual Health & Wellness Center in Omaha, NE, has clinicians experienced in the specialized field of pelvic floor function therapy in men and women.

The pelvic floor is a hammock of muscles which support the pelvic organs, provide bowel and bladder continenece and has a critical role in sexual function. Strong muscles in the pelvic floor improve genital arousal and orgasm ability and strength.

Some women with sexual problems may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy treatments including:

  • Education about a women's unique anatomy and physiology
  • Cognitive-Behavioral: with the use of vaginal dilators
  • Exercise-breathing and posture correction ensures correct use of the pelvic muscles
  • Manual techniques, stretching, soft tissue and joint mobilizations
  • Heat, ice, biofeedback or electrical stimulation

Vaginal Dilators

Vaginal dilators are helpful for restoring normal vaginal width and length by progressively stretching the vagina. They are also helpful in retraining your pelvic floor muscles and vagina to work properly.

Kegel Exercises

This exercise strengthens the pelvic floor muscles which helps during pregnancy, pelvic prolapse and orgasm ability. Biofeedback training to help you gain control over contracting and lengthening your pelvic floor muscles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do women with stronger pelvic floor muscles experience better sex? Do they feel more pleasure during sexual activity and have more orgasms?

A: The evidence suggests they do!  The pelvic floor is a large hammock of muscles stretching from side to side across the floor of the pelvis in both women and men. It is attached to the pubic bone in front, and to the tail end of the spine behind. The openings from the bladder, the bowels and, for women, the vagina, all pass through the pelvic floor.

Q: How is sexual pleasure improved by strengthening the pelvic floor?

A: The pelvic floor muscles are directly responsible for the amount of sensation a woman feels during intercourse.

Strong, firm muscles have more nerve endings, which leads to more sensation during sex. Exercise improves circulation, and this is particularly important for the smaller muscles of the pelvic floor. Many women report they are able to reach orgasm more easily, and that their orgasms are more powerful, after a pelvic floor exercise program.

Learn more about specialty physical therapy services from Methodist Health System.

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