Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Symptoms & Care

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When these muscles do not work properly, a condition known as pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can develop. PFD occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are either too tight, too weak, or unable to coordinate correctly during everyday activities such as using the bathroom.

Common Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Difficulty starting or completing urination or bowel movements
A sensation of incomplete emptying after using the bathroom
Urinary or bowel leakage
Frequent urges to urinate
Needing to strain or push to pass urine or stool
Intermittent urine flow (starting and stopping)
Chronic constipation
Having to change positions to complete a bowel movement
Pain or discomfort with urination
Persistent lower back pain with no clear cause
Pain or pressure in the pelvic area, genitals, or rectal region

What Can Lead to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Trauma or injury to the pelvic region
Pelvic or abdominal surgery
Age-related changes in muscle strength and control
Excess body weight placing added pressure on pelvic muscles
Pregnancy and childbirth
Repeated straining during bowel movements
Frequent or prolonged bathroom habits

How Physical Therapy Helps Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a key part of treating pelvic floor dysfunction. During an initial evaluation, a physical therapist will take time to understand your symptoms and how they affect daily activities.

Your therapist may:

Assess core muscle strength and endurance
Evaluate posture, breathing, and movement patterns
Observe how the pelvic floor muscles activate and relax during functional tasks
Identify coordination issues contributing to symptoms

Moving Toward Better Pelvic Health

Pelvic floor dysfunction is common and treatable. With proper assessment and guided physical therapy, many individuals experience improved bladder and bowel control, reduced pain, and better overall function. Addressing symptoms early can help prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today!

Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic Therapy, with clinics across Long Island, Queens, and Manhattan are ready to help.

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside: Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

Rockaway Beach - NEW LOCATION: 2-30 Beach 102nd Street, Suite 28, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Tel. (718) 945.9575

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.

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