Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common, but not commonly discussed, issue affecting older adults. PFD can cause symptoms such as bladder leakage or urinary urgency and even lead to pelvic organ prolapse. Urinary incontinence becomes more common with age, and studies show many women over 65 experience some degree of urine leakage.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Torrance
Torrance Memorial’s pelvic floor program offers nonsurgical care for pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders. Physical therapy may include manual therapy, pelvic floor muscle training, relaxation techniques, biofeedback and other personalized treatment methods to help decrease pain and improve bladder control.
A doctor’s referral is required. Many insurance carriers require pre-authorization for outpatient physical therapy.
Torrance Memorial Rehabilitation at South Bay Ortho
23560 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite 103
Torrance, CA 90505
Call 310-784-2366 for more information.
Elaine Deemer, DO, a Torrance Memorial Physician Network geriatrician, encourages anyone experiencing pelvic floor symptoms to talk with their doctor. Lifestyle changes, medication review, pelvic floor exercises and physical therapy can often help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Dr. Deemer provides answers to common questions below.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, urethra, uterus, rectum and anus. Keeping the pelvic floor healthy may involve pelvic floor exercises, weight management, treating constipation, limiting bladder irritants such as caffeine or alcohol, avoiding tobacco and seeing a doctor if symptoms such as leakage, urgency, pelvic pressure or pain occur.
What causes conditions related to pelvic floor dysfunction, such as incontinence and organ prolapse?
These conditions can be related to abnormal contraction and relaxation of muscles, loss of pelvic support, or a combination of both. For example, many women, particularly those who have had vaginal deliveries, suffer from urinary stress incontinence. In previous decades, postpartum education on PFD was nonexistent or barely emerging, so many women did not know they needed pelvic floor therapy.
What are some early symptoms?
Early signs of PFD can include leakage with coughing or laughing, urinary urgency and frequency, pelvic pressure or heaviness, pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
What types of treatments are available for PFD?
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific needs. As a geriatrician, I review medications first because some can contribute to incontinence, and adjusting prescriptions is an easy first step. A multimodal approach is most beneficial, starting with lifestyle modification and conservative (nonsurgical) management. In certain cases, further diagnostic testing and treatments, or even surgery, are necessary.
What are nonsurgical options for treatment?
Non-surgical options consist of lifestyle improvements such as losing weight if needed, drinking water in smaller volumes, treating constipation, limiting the consumption of caffeine, alcohol and sugar, and avoiding tobacco-containing products. If the patient is experiencing persistent symptoms and it is appropriate for the patient, I usually refer to physical therapy for pelvic floor muscle training.
What is a simple exercise people can do to support their pelvic floor health?
Pelvic floor exercises, often called Kegels, are a great way to support your pelvic floor health. You can do a Kegel by imagining you are trying to stop the flow of urine or hold in gas. You should feel a “lift and squeeze” sensation around your bottom. Hold the squeeze for a few seconds, then relax fully. It is recommended you follow a daily Kegel regimen, which consists of three sets of at least eight squeezes. Because some pelvic floor problems involve muscle tightness rather than weakness, a doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist can help determine which exercises are right for you.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can feel uncomfortable to talk about, but bringing it up with your doctor is an important first step. With the right evaluation and treatment plan, many people can improve bladder control, reduce pelvic discomfort and better manage symptoms without surgery.
Elaine Deemer, DO, MS, is an Internal Medicine physician with fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine from UCLA. She completed her residency at Kern Medical Center and earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Liberty University, a Master of Science in Anatomy and Pathology from Drexel University, and a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience from UC San Diego.
Dr. Deemer has authored and presented research on dementia screening, rare clinical cases, and geriatric care at national and regional conferences. She has also led quality improvement projects to enhance dementia screening in safety-net hospitals and delivered public health lectures on fall prevention.
She practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network, 3400 Lomita Blvd., Suite 104, in Torrance. She can be reached at 310-784-8000.
