Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a condition that affects some people with chronic health issues. A lack of exercise, injury, or other factors may cause a person with substance use disorder (SUD) to develop problems controlling their pelvic muscles. Driftwood Recovery ensures clients can access pain management, nutritional coaching, low-stress exercises, and other services to support overall health and wellness.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD)
PFD is a condition that causes people to experience a range of symptoms and side effects impacting pelvic floor health. Studies have shown that PFD “involves the abnormal activity or function of the pelvic floor musculature [. . .]. The disordered function corresponds to either increase activity (hypertonicity) or diminished activity (hypotonicity) or inappropriate coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.” Driftwood Recovery addresses PFD and other health issues through in-house treatments and referrals to outside professional services. Clients learn to develop healthier routines to reduce the risk of future PFD-related health issues.
The Role of the Pelvic Floor Muscles
The pelvic floor muscles are critical in ensuring that vital organs remain supported, in place, and healthy. Individuals with chronic health conditions may experience weakness or damage to pelvic floor muscles, impacting various body systems and functions.
Pelvic floor muscles do the following:
- Impact posture
- Hold the bladder, rectum, and uterus in place
- Control urinary or fecal continence
- Support healthy sexual function
The pelvic floor also ensures healthy blood flow. In addition, the area has many nerves that may affect multiple body functions. Any health issues affecting the pelvic floor may affect the nerves or blood flow.
Common Types of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
A few of the most common types of pelvic floor dysfunction include the following:
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Pelvic floor prolapse
- Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- Chronic generalized pelvic pain
- Overactive bladder
Some people may experience multiple pelvic floor issues affecting their quality of life. The experts at Driftwood Recovery ensure that clients have access to essential support services to address PFD and other co-occurring health issues.
Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor is affected by many different health factors. Physical activity often plays the most critical role in avoiding or treating pelvic floor dysfunction. The muscles require regular exercise to remain healthy and functional. Kegels and other exercises strengthen the pelvic floor and keep the muscles healthy.
Some of the most common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Surgery (e.g., hysterectomy)
- Chronic cough
- Constipation
- Aging and menopause
- Neurological conditions
Chronic abuse of certain substances has the potential to cause constipation and other risk factors. Addressing the root cause of PFD is an integral part of treating the condition to avoid flare-ups or a relapse of symptoms.
The Impact of PFD on Quality of Life
Pelvic floor dysfunction may cause people to feel a wide range of emotions, including embarrassment, shame, or guilt about incontinence and other issues. Some individuals may isolate themselves and avoid social situations out of fear that they may experience an episode of incontinence or other side effects of PFD. Many individuals with co-occurring SUD and PFD benefit from therapy to help them reframe their thoughts and feelings about their disorder.
Pelvic floor dysfunction impacts a person’s quality of life and may make it difficult for some people to attend to personal or professional responsibilities. Treatment often involves physical therapy, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes. Over time, clients generally report an improvement in their quality of life.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
Driftwood Recovery treats co-occurring health issues, including pelvic floor dysfunction, using an integrative approach to care. The clinical team utilizes comprehensive assessments and other tools to determine the best treatment options and ensure clients have all the information they need to make educated decisions about their care.
Outside services and resources may be necessary for some individuals. The clinical team may refer clients to urogynecology experts or other medical services, depending on the exact nature of the pelvic floor dysfunction. Clinicians treat clients with respect, dignity, and confidentiality to ensure they feel comfortable and receive the best care to address their condition.
Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Clients with PFD may need to train their pelvic muscles through physical therapy and regular exercises. According to MedlinePlus, “Pelvic floor muscle training exercises can help strengthen the muscles under the uterus, bladder, and bowel (large intestine).” The exercises “can help both men and women who have problems with urine leakage or bowel control.” Physical therapy for PFD can be done anywhere and anytime, making it easy for clients to continue participating in rehabilitation programs while learning to strengthen their pelvic floor.
Finding Relief and Improving Your Quality of Life
Clients often feel relieved after participating in physical therapy and other forms of treatment. Addressing the causes of pelvic floor dysfunction helps clients avoid future preventable health issues. Rehabilitation programs at Driftwood Recovery give clients the tools and information to treat the symptoms, manage the side effects, and avoid complications.
Reducing chronic pain and emotional distress caused by PFD can improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and treatment services. The experts at Driftwood Recovery use various therapeutic modalities and resources to assist clients in navigating recovery while learning to manage chronic health issues like PFD.
Pelvic floor dysfunction may affect some individuals with substance use disorder. Driftwood Recovery offers pain management and other services to support client health and safety during rehabilitation. To learn more about our programs and how we address co-occurring health issues during treatment, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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