Procedures

Pelvic Floor Muscle Relaxation (PFMR) is a non-surgical treatment. It helps to rehabilitate the muscles of the pelvis. This then will help the patient with bladder and bowel control. The muscles of the pelvic floor in the body support the bladder, rectum, uterus, and ovaries. With aging and after childbirth particularly, these muscles become weaker and/or dysfunctional. Many women suffer chronically with problems like pelvic pain, stress or urge incontinence and/or chronic constipation due to these dysfunctional muscles. Some men who have had surgery for prostate cancer experience difficulty with urinary control, and these muscles are crucial to regaining urinary control. PFMR allows these patients to identify these muscles and begin a strengthening regimen.

Indications

• Stress Incontinence
• Inability of patient to identify and use their muscles of the pelvic floor
• Weakened pelvic floor muscles

Procedure

After your physician determines that PRMR may be a benefit for you, you will return for an initial evaluation with our nurse practitioner, who specializes in rehabilitation techniques. This evaluation will involve reviewing your history and testing the muscles for particular weakness. The evaluation will last about an hour. Your areas of strength and weakness are identified by a special sensor connected to a computerized system. An individualized rehabilitation plan is then created specifically for you. Most patients will require five to seven sessions, lasting about 30 minutes each. Additionally, the patient must practice at home, in order to obtain their goals. Up to 70% of patients can become dry by utilizing these exercises.

Advantages

• Quick and efficient office treatment
• Treatment for incontinence not requiring ongoing medication or surgery
• Emphasis on the body’s natural systems