Pelvic Floor Hypertension: Causes, Signs, and Remedies
Hypertonic pelvic floor syndrome is a medical condition affecting the muscles that support the pelvic organs. These muscles, when in a constant state of contraction, become unable to relax properly, leading to a range of symptoms.
Common Causes
The causes of hypertonic pelvic floor syndrome can vary between individuals. Muscle overactivity or spasms in the pelvic floor muscles, chronic stress, injury, or nerve irritation are some common factors. Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can indirectly affect pelvic floor muscle function, often leading to pelvic floor weakness rather than hypertonicity.
Common Symptoms
People with hypertonic pelvic floor may experience a variety of symptoms. These can include pelvic pain or discomfort, difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, problems with urination, bladder issues, bowel problems, and sexual dysfunction or pain during intercourse.
Treatments
Treatment for hypertonic pelvic floor syndrome primarily aims to reduce excessive muscle tone, improve coordination, and restore normal pelvic floor function. This is achieved through various methods, including pelvic floor physical therapy focusing on relaxation techniques rather than strengthening, breathwork, biofeedback, manual therapy, and exercises designed to reduce muscle tension.
Addressing underlying factors such as nerve irritation or stress is also crucial. In some cases, specialized interventions like trigger point release or medications may be used.
At-Home Exercises
Certain at-home exercises, such as Kegel exercises, squats, glute bridges, butterfly pose, child's pose, and down training, can help reduce symptoms of hypertonic pelvic floor when performed correctly.
Diagnostic Tests
Anorectal manometry is a diagnostic test used for hypertonic pelvic floor. This test measures the pressure within the anus and rectum to help diagnose disorders of the pelvic floor muscles.
Seeking Professional Help
Depending on the individual's symptoms and gender, various healthcare professionals may be referred to for the treatment of hypertonic pelvic floor. These can include a gynecologist, urologist, psychologist, colorectal specialist, gastroenterology specialist, and more.
It's important to note that while this article provides an overview of hypertonic pelvic floor syndrome, individual experiences may vary, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Pelvic floor dysfunction. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20354244
[2] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Pelvic floor disorders. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/pelvic-floor-disorders
[3] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Pelvic floor disorders. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/patients/faqs/pelvic-floor-disorders
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Pelvic floor disorders. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17456-pelvic-floor-disorders
- Hypertonic pelvic floor syndrome, a medical condition affecting the muscles that support the pelvic organs, can result in a range of symptoms like pelvic pain or discomfort, difficulties with urination, bladder issues, bowel problems, and sexual health concerns.
- The science behind pelvic health is steadily progressing, with various health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health professionals offering therapies-and-treatments tailored to individuals dealing with hypertonic pelvic floor syndrome.
- Specifically, treatments may include pelvic floor physical therapy focusing on muscle relaxation rather than strengthening, breathwork, biofeedback, manual therapy, and exercises designed to reduce muscle tension.
- In some cases, it may be necessary to address underlying factors such as nerve irritation or stress, which can be managed through specialized interventions like trigger point release or medications.
- For at-home care, exercises like Kegel exercises, squats, glute bridges, butterfly pose, child's pose, and down training can help alleviate symptoms when executed appropriately.
- If you suspect you might have hypertonic pelvic floor syndrome, it's crucial to consult with healthcare experts like gynecologists, urologists, psychologists, colorectal specialists, and gastroenterology specialists for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
