Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation(PMR)

What is Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation?

Pelvic floor dysfunction, also known as incontinence, can be evaluated and treated using conservative techniques. MedCentral's physical therapists are specially trained to provide Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation (PMR) in treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.

PMR involves treatment techniques to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, as well as EMG-assisted biofeedback. No intrusive or uncomfortable devices are used during evaluation and treatment. Unlike surgery, which is irreversible, biofeedback has no side effects  and no complications. The strengthening of pelvic floor muscles is coupled with other treatment techniques, such as changing lifestyle habits, retaining the bladder to function within its normal capacity and relaxing overactive or tight muscles.

Females with conditions of incontinence, such as irritable bowel syndrome, voiding dysfunction, urinary retention, post partum weakness and failed bladder surgery could benefit from PMR, at MedCentral.

Talk with your physician about this treatment option and obtain a prescription for treatment. Medicare and many private insurance carriers cover this treatment.


Causes of Incontinence

Incontinence is a symptom of a disorder, not a disease itself. It can occur for many reasons....loss of muscle control, childbirth, bladder infection, side effects from medication, spinal injury, prostate or other surgery, obesity, nervous system disorders (such as MS) and diabetes.


Five Types of Incontinence

• Stress incontinence is the result of a suden increase in intra-abdominal pressure that causes urine to be pushed out of the bladder. If you leak small amounts of urine when you sneeze, cough, bend, laugh, or lift heavy objects, you could have stress incontinence.
• Urge incontinence occurs most often in the elderly and those who have the urge to urinate but cannot "hold it" until they reach the toilet.
• Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder is constantly full, causing small amounts of urine to be released frequently.
• Reflex incontinence is the loss of bladder control due to impaired nerve function.
• Fecal incontinence is impaired muscle control that results in the loss of bowel contents or the staining of undergarments
• Stress and urge incontinence account for over 90% of all cases. Fortunately, both can be successfully treated without drugs or surgery. 

Pelvic Floor Treatment-Additional Information

Studies show that pelvic floor disorders are exceedingly common in women in the U.S. And, though these disorders are prevalent, women don't always bring them up with their doctors. Some women are embarrassed and some think they're a normal part of aging.

At MedCentral Shelby we have therapists trained to treat pelvic floor problems, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic floor pain. Treatment utilizes biofeedback and electric stimulation (ES) to treat muscle imbalance. The application of ES to the pelvic floor muscles is used to help with bladder or bowel control.  ES helps build muscle awareness, strength and endurance. The focus of treatment is using  pelvic floor strengthening. Treatment usually starts with an evaluation of the lower back and pelvic floor. Patients are then usually  seen once a week as needed to progress their exercise program.

Home program is important to ensure progress. Treatment includes biofeedback. ES, manual therapy, transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (RENS), ultrasound, ice/heat, exercise and dilators.
Referral is usually made through a physician and treatments usually last 2-3 months.

Are you a candidate for PMR?

Complete this screening questionnaire. If you have checked 5 or more, you should consider PMR. Present this form to your physician and ask for a prescription for Outpatient Physical Therapy.

• Do you have trouble with your bladder?
• Do you have trouble holding your urine?
• Do you lose urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh?
• Do you lose urine when you walk, bend or lift?
• Do you have dificulty getting to the toilet in time?
• Can you get to the bathroom, but then lose uring?
• Do you get up more than two times a night to urinate?
• Do you feel like you have to urinate frequently?
• Do you feel like you have diarrhea?
• Do you use laxatives regularly?
• Do you strain when having a bowel movement?
• Do you have pain in your baldder or pelvis?
• Are these problems interfering with your life?

For more information, call the Wellness Complex (419) 526-8667



Last updated January 30, 2013