A hysterectomy can be a major life changing event, whether it was undergone due to chronic pain, endometriosis, cancer, or by choice. While surgical options have changed over time with less invasive procedures available, recovery can still feel daunting.
In all the talk around pre- and post-operative preparation, one major component is often overlooked – pelvic floor physical therapy.
The disruption to the pelvic floor following surgery cannot be ignored. By improving the strength and function of the pelvic floor, the body is better prepared to heal and the patient better prepared to return to normal activity.
What is the pelvic floor?
Pelvic floor physical therapy can play a valuable role in healing and improving quality of life after a hysterectomy. In order to understand why, it is important to understand what the pelvic floor is and how it affects the body.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissue at the base of the pelvis. It supports pelvic organs and plays an important role in bladder control, sexual function, and core stability. When functioning properly, the pelvic floor contracts and relaxes in coordination with other core muscles allowing normal, pain-free movement. When the pelvic floor is weakened or overactive, it can lead to a variety of complaints including incontinence, pain or core instability, organ prolapse, and pain during intercourse to name a few.
How does a hysterectomy affect the pelvic floor?
A hysterectomy involved the surgical removal of the uterus; in some cases additional organs like the cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes may be removed as well. For many patients, a hysterectomy is life changing in very positive ways, however that doesn’t mean that recovery always goes easy or as expected.
It likely comes as no surprise that this surgical intervention affects the pelvic floor. As the uterus helps support surrounding organs and structures, removing it affects everything around it. This can cause strain on the organs themselves, or the muscles of the pelvic floor. Scarring and other tissue changes from surgical incisions can affect muscle mobility and nerve function, leading to tension or weakness within the pelvic floor.
How does pelvic floor physical therapy support the body after a hysterectomy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles and connective tissue of the pelvis, performed by a licensed physical therapy with training in pelvic health.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial to patients recovering from a hysterectomy in many ways. With ongoing therapeutic support, patients often experience:
- Improved bladder and bowel control
- Reduced pain and discomfort
- Prevention or management of pelvic organ prolapse
- Improved sexual function
When the muscles and connective tissue of the pelvic floor are well balanced – not holding tension, but not weak – the entire body benefits. Pelvic floor physical therapy following a hysterectomy supports healthy bladder and bowel function and supports the core, meaning patients experience less pain and are less at risk for common complications like organ prolapse.
Many patients find that their post-operative healing is smoother, with less complications, when in treatment with a pelvic floor physical therapist.
Many healthcare professionals recommend waiting 6-8 weeks following a hysterectomy to begin pelvic floor physical therapy, once tissues have begun healing. Some patients may benefit from physical therapy before their surgery in order to better prepare the pelvic floor and core muscles. Consult with your doctor or surgeon to find out what may be best for you.
If you’re recovering from or preparing for a hysterectomy in the Long Island area and want to learn more, contact Dr. D’Antoni at Body Restoration Physical Therapy. Conveniently located in Roslyn Heights, Dr. D’Antoni is experienced in treating pelvic floor dysfunction and other sexual health issues. Contact Body Restoration Physical Therapy today to get started!