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Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that impacts the muscles in the pelvic region, making it difficult for individuals to control these muscles. The pelvic floor muscles support organs such as the bladder, intestines, and, in women, the uterus.
Proper functioning of these muscles is essential for everyday activities like urination, bowel movements, and sexual function.
In this blog, we will discuss shockwave therapy as a noninvasive treatment option for pelvic floor dysfunction and its effectiveness.
Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Several factors can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction:
- Childbirth: Labor and delivery can strain or damage pelvic muscles.
- Aging: Muscle weakening naturally occurs as we age.
- Injury or trauma: Accidents or surgeries in the pelvic region can impact muscle functionality.
- Obesity: Excess weight can put additional strain on pelvic muscles.
- Prostate surgery: In men, pelvic floor dysfunction can occur after prostate surgery.
- Chronic constipation: Straining during bowel movements can weaken pelvic muscles over time.
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction presents itself in different ways. The most common symptoms include:
- Urinary incontinence: Leaking urine due to a lack of control over the pelvic muscles.
- Difficulty urinating: Weak pelvic muscles may make it challenging to start or stop urination.
- Painful intercourse: Pelvic pain during sexual activity is a significant symptom of muscle dysfunction.
- Pelvic pain: Persistent discomfort in the pelvic region that can worsen with activities like sitting or standing.
Several treatment options are available for pelvic floor dysfunction, ranging from conservative methods to more invasive procedures. One of these non-invasive treatments is shockwave therapy.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, particularly low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment method that uses acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow and repair tissue.
This therapy is commonly used in physical therapy and offers a promising treatment option for individuals suffering from various forms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
How Shockwave Therapy Can Help with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Shockwave therapy works by delivering low-intensity acoustic waves to the affected area, which in turn stimulates a series of biological responses in the body. The therapy targets the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues to encourage healing and improved functionality.
When the shockwaves penetrate the tissue, they create microtrauma that prompts the body’s natural healing process. This microtrauma increases the production of growth factors and promotes the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as neovascularization.
Improved blood flow and oxygenation to the treated area accelerate tissue repair and regeneration, which is crucial for maintaining the strength and elasticity of pelvic floor muscles.
Shockwave therapy also helps break down scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed due to injury or surgery. By reducing these barriers, the therapy allows muscles and tissues to heal more effectively and improve their overall function.
The stimulation of nerve endings by the shockwaves can also modulate pain perception, providing relief from pelvic pain syndrome.
When used to treat pelvic floor dysfunction, shockwave therapy:
- improves muscle tone
- increases blood circulation
- provides pain relief
- reduces symptoms of incontinence
- improves ability to control urination and bowel movements
- reduces discomfort during sexual activities
- promotes tissue health and functionality, including sexual function
What to Expect During a Treatment Session
A typical treatment session is straightforward and involves the following steps:
- Consultation: Discuss your symptoms and medical history.
- Application: A gel is applied to the targeted area to enhance shockwave transmission.
- Treatment: Low-intensity shocks are delivered for about 15–20 minutes.
- Post-treatment: You can immediately resume daily activities with minimal to no discomfort.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Non-invasive: No surgery or incisions are required.
- Minimal side effects: Most patients experience few to no side effects.
- Quick recovery: Immediate return to daily activities.
By focusing on improving blood flow and repairing affected tissues, shockwave therapy can offer an effective, non-invasive solution for individuals experiencing the burdensome symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
💡Did you know? Shockwave therapy is also an effective treatment option for erectile dysfunction. It is also used to treat vaginal dryness and laxity.
Read Shockwave Therapy for Vaginal Rejuvenation and Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: What You Need To Know
Pure Body Health: Your Partners in Health
Dr. Scott Maymon and Dr. Sarah Stone, at Pure Body Health, specialize in shockwave therapy and are dedicated to helping patients find relief from pelvic floor dysfunction. Their training and experience ensure that patients receive the highest quality care and personalized treatment plans.
If you or a loved one is struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction, contact Pure Body Health today to schedule a consultation. Take the first step towards improving your quality of life and regaining control of your pelvic health with shockwave therapy.
Call (480) 427-0442 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. If you live in Tempe, stop in and say hello! We are located at 1553 W Todd Drive, Suite 106, Tempe, AZ 85283. We look forward to meeting you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow and tissue repair in targeted areas of the body. It is commonly used in physical therapy and can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including pelvic floor dysfunction.
Yes, shockwave therapy is considered a safe and non-invasive treatment method. While some patients may experience mild discomfort during treatment, most report minimal to no side effects.
Besides pelvic floor dysfunction, shockwave therapy has shown promise in treating erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness and laxity, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, sports injuries, lateral epicondylitis, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal conditions.
The number of treatment sessions required may vary depending on the condition being treated and individual response to the therapy. Generally, a series of 6-12 treatments is recommended for optimal results.
No, there is no downtime after a shockwave therapy session. Patients can immediately resume their daily activities with little to no discomfort.
Side effects of shockwave therapy are minimal and may include mild discomfort, bruising, redness, or swelling in the treated area. These typically resolve within a few days. However, there are generally no adverse effects.
Some patients may experience initial relief from symptoms after just one session, but it can take a few weeks for the full effects of shockwave therapy to be seen. Continued sessions and adherence to recommended lifestyle changes can help maintain and improve results over time.
Shockwave therapy has shown to be highly effective in treating pelvic floor dysfunction and other conditions. Each patient is individually assessed and a custom plan is designed to maximize results.