The pelvic floor is a sling of skeletal muscle that spans from the pubic bone to the tailbone, forming the base of the pelvis. The pelvic floor has several functions including bowel and bladder regulation, pelvic organ support, stabilization and sexual function.

Just like any of the skeletal muscle tissue in the body, the pelvic floor can become dysfunctional and may be weak or tight. Pelvic floor dysfunction may cause a variety of symptoms including, but not limited to: urinary incontinence, urinary urgency/frequency, urinary hesitancy/incomplete bladder emptying, pain with voiding, chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fecal incontinence, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic girdle pain, pain associated with endometriosis, nerve pain (including pudendal neuralgia), vulvodynia, vaginismus, lower abdominal pain, testicular pain, rectal pain and tailbone (coccyx) pain. Pelvic floor dysfunction can develop insidiously or may result from trauma (e.g. childbirth, surgery or injury).

Pelvic floor physical therapy will assess the function of the pelvic floor muscle - how it contracts, relaxes and coordinates with your other muscles (e.g. breathing, bracing and bearing down). Pelvic floor physical therapy will help to restore appropriate length, neuromuscular control and function of the pelvic floor muscle in order to eliminate symptoms.

Pelvic floor physical therapy will address the entire body, as pelvic floor dysfunction rarely occurs exclusively. It’s likely that another part of the body is contributing to and perpetuating pelvic floor dysfunction. For instance, pelvic floor dysfunction is often associated with low back pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy may be the missing link if you are dealing with persistent lumbopelvic or hip pain. For example, pelvic floor physical therapy is often indicated in the rehabilitation of hip labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement, as pelvic floor dysfunction is frequently a contributing factor that goes untreated and inhibits full healing.

At Apto Physical Therapy we believe body function and health are dependent upon appropriate nutrition. Your physical therapist will take a functional approach to improving your health by considering how food is affecting the physiology of your body systems.

Functional nutrition is an approach to nutrition that focuses on the relationship between diet and overall health, with an emphasis on addressing the underlying causes of imbalances or health issues. It recognizes that each person is unique, and nutrition plays a pivotal role in optimizing their well-being.

Unlike conventional nutrition, which often focuses on individual nutrients or macronutrients, functional nutrition takes a more comprehensive and holistic view. It considers factors such as genetics, lifestyle, environment, and personal health history to develop personalized nutrition plans.

Your provider will aim to identify and address imbalances within the body that may contribute to health problems. They view the body as an interconnected system, with various organs and systems influencing each other's function. For example, they may consider the impact of gut health on immune function, hormonal balance, and inflammation.

The process of functional nutrition involves a thorough assessment of an individual's health history, current symptoms, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors. This information is used to identify potential root causes of health issues, rather than merely treating symptoms. Functional nutrition practitioners often use tools like detailed questionnaires, laboratory tests, and specialized assessments to gain deeper insights into an individual's unique biochemistry and physiology.

Based on the assessment findings, a personalized nutrition plan is developed. This plan may include specific dietary recommendations, such as emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods and minimizing processed foods, while considering individual dietary preferences and restrictions. It may also involve targeted nutrient supplementation, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and other interventions tailored to the individual's needs.

The goal of functional nutrition is to optimize the body's natural healing mechanisms, support proper nutrient absorption and utilization, and restore balance within the body. By addressing underlying imbalances and deficiencies, functional nutrition aims to promote overall health, prevent chronic diseases, and improve specific health conditions.

It's worth noting that functional nutrition is a complementary approach that can work alongside conventional medical treatments. It does not replace medical interventions but rather seeks to enhance overall health and well-being through a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and its impact on the body's functioning.