The body and mind work in tandem, and the two require balance for optimal wellbeing. In the fast-paced modern world, stress has become a leading factor in causing and exacerbating many health concerns, including pelvic floor dysfunction.
Lifestyle changes, mindfulness practices, and hands-on treatments like physical therapy and complementary therapies can help balance the body and support optimal health. This can make a notable difference in how you move, feel, and perform in your daily life.
Stress can hurt, from the jaw to the pelvic floor
Stress isn’t just in your head – it can affect the entire physical body. From headaches and neck pain to pelvic floor dysfunction, stress can lead to increased tension in the body which manifests in very real and uncomfortable ways.
Many people hold tension in the neck or shoulders. Some clench their jaw or tighten their large muscle groups. In many cases, these tendencies are paired with a tendency to unconsciously tense the pelvic floor as well.
This can lead to seemingly unrelated symptoms. An individual may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, or even be damaging their teeth, and also have back and hip pain, bladder discomfort or dysfunction, and other pelvic complaints. Stress may account for both, and both can be treated by an experienced practitioner.
Injuries, illness, and childbirth
Injuries, illness, and childbirth can also lead to a variety of painful and embarrassing complaints, including those related to the pelvic floor. The pain, shame, and hopelessness that may come with some of these complaints can then cause more stress, resulting in a chronic pain cycle.
In most cases, the complaints associated with vaginal childbirth or c-section, abdominal surgeries, or injuries to the pelvis and trunk can be treated and improved with pelvic floor physical therapy. Symptoms like pain and weakness, sexual dysfunction, and incontinence can be addressed via hands-on therapy and at-home exercises to keep the pelvic floor functioning as it should.
Comprehensive healing from the inside out
In many cases, lifestyle changes can be helpful in addressing both the root cause and the symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction and stress-related complaints. It can be difficult to begin and maintain these changes without guidance.
Not only can pelvic floor physical therapy help address the physical discomfort an individual is experiencing, a physical therapist can also create a plan for exercise, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes. From teaching deep breathing techniques to designing a custom exercise routine that addresses needs and abilities, a physical therapist acts as a guide in achieving optimal wellbeing.
There are other holistic therapies which many patients find helpful, when completed alongside physical therapy.
Complementary therapies for optimal health
In addition to physical therapy, patients may want to consider complementary holistic treatments like reiki or acupuncture.
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique based on the principle that energy flows through the body and affects the physical, mental, and emotional states. A reiki practitioner channels this energy to address energetic blockages; this can promote relaxation and healing, and decrease stress and anxiety.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. Acupuncture is known to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and encourage healing.
Both of these techniques use the energy of the body to stimulate blood flow, decrease pain, and improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Both reiki and acupuncture acknowledge the strong connection between body and mind, and seek to balance them.
For those struggling with pain and stress, reiki or acupuncture can be a valuable partner alongside physical therapy for strengthening the body and balancing the mind.
While there may be skepticism as to the effectiveness of holistic therapies like reiki and acupuncture, numerous studies have shown them to be useful in pain management and stress reduction. Patients struggling with pain, stress, and anxiety may find these to be helpful supports in their healing journey.
Seeking help for pelvic floor dysfunction
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a simple, accessible, and effective way to improve pelvic floor dysfunction. An experienced therapist will not only provide hands-on guidance to soothe or strengthen muscles, connection tissue, and joints as needed, but also guide the patient in stress-reduction techniques and customized exercise routines.
Pelvic floor physical therapy, along with other complementary therapies can enhance physical and mental wellbeing, and promote healing and overall improvement of the body.
For pelvic floor physical therapy in Long Island, New York, contact Body Restoration Physical Therapy. Conveniently located in Roslyn Heights, Body Restoration Physical Therapy offers safe and effective physical therapy for all bodies.