How to Treat Hypertonic Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction

Hypertonic pelvic muscle dysfunction is a common condition that afflicts both men and women. Women who have experienced difficult labor are particularly vulnerable. Fortunately, the condition is easily treatable with a variety of non-surgical treatments.

Relaxation Provides Tremendous Relief for Hypertonic Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction

Hypertonic pelvic muscle dysfunction is a disorder where the muscles of the pelvic floor are unable to relax properly, causing several uncomfortable symptoms, including constipation, lower back pain, and incontinence. Because the condition is one that solely involves muscles, relaxation is extremely beneficial in treating the condition. There are a variety of simple relaxation techniques that can help relieve hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, many of which do not cost a lot of money or require specialized medical therapy.

Getting relief from hypertonic pelvic muscles can be as simple as getting a good night's sleep every day. The number of hours spent sleeping as well as the quality of sleep is important to relax the pelvic floor muscles. In order to achieve this, most people ideally need at least eight hours of sleep a day. Additionally, to get the best quality sleep, the use of electronic devices and consumption of caffeine and alcohol should be avoided within two hours of bedtime. Sleep and wake-up times should be consistent from day to day. Finally, the bedroom should be a calm, inviting place to sleep, with little light and soothing music in the background.

Another effective relaxation technique for hypertonic pelvic muscles is deep breathing. When people are stressed, they tend to take rapid, shallow breaths. To relax, it is helpful to breathe deeply from the diaphragm. Breathing from the diaphragm provides an optimal amount of oxygen to the body, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure.

One very pleasant relaxation technique is aromatherapy. Scents such as chamomile, bergamot, and lavender are used widely to promote relaxation. Essential oils containing these oils can be placed in a diffuser to effortlessly relax muscles.

These methods are only a few of a multitude of ways to help relax hypertonic pelvic muscles.

Physical Therapy for Hypertonic Pelvic Muscles

Some people suffering from hypertonic pelvic muscles may need to get physical therapy. Biofeedback is a common physical therapy that uses sensors to monitor the pelvic floor muscles. The physical therapist uses the feedback obtained from the sensors to instruct the patient. Multiple muscles in the lower back and pelvis, in addition to the pelvic floor muscles, are worked in physical therapy to train the patient over time how to relax the muscles in their pelvic floor.

Progressive relaxation is one method a physical therapist may use to teach patients how to relax their pelvic floor muscles. Progressive relaxation combines guided imagery and deep breathing to promote muscle relaxation. Guided imagery involves the use of vivid storytelling or spoken words to help patients visualize positive, relaxing images. This, along with the specific exercises the physical therapist recommends, promotes healing relaxation of the muscles in the pelvic floor.

Physical therapists also guide patients through a variety of stretches to relax the pelvic floor muscles. These stretches include many that are performed in yoga, such as child's pose. Increasing fitness activity, in general, should help increase endurance and stamina when it comes to your pelvic floor muscles. It is important to start out slow and gradually increase the level of activity when easing back into your fitness routine after giving birth.

Medications for Hypertonic Pelvic Muscles

Medications may also be beneficial in treating hypertonic pelvic muscles. One of the most frequent symptoms of hypertonic pelvic muscle dysfunction is constipation. Stool softeners can be taken to hasten the return to healthy bowel function. MiraLAX, Colace, and Senna are popular brands of stool softeners available at most pharmacies. It is important to address constipation in patients suffering from hypertonic pelvic muscles because it can lead to increased tightness in those muscles.

Abdominal and lower back pain is also a common symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pain in these areas can cause patients to tighten the muscles in their pelvic floor. Over-the-counter pain medications can help ease the pain. Abdominal and lower back pain, like constipation, can also worsen hypertonic pelvic muscle dysfunction. In fact, internal cystitis, a condition that causes bladder pain, is often thought to be one of the causes of the hypertonic pelvic disorder. Additionally, the medications used to treat internal cystitis often cause constipation, which further contributes to tight pelvic muscles.

Hypertonic pelvic muscle disorder usually worsens if left untreated so people suffering from symptoms of the disorder should get treatment right away. Fortunately, the condition is easily treated with simple, non-surgical methods.