Are there any new treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction? Relief is always on your mind if you’re living with pelvic floor dysfunction. Pain, incontinence, constipation, and sexual dysfunction make living with pelvic floor dysfunction a challenge for millions of people. However, many people give up hope for relief after having their pain dismissed time after time by doctors. You may have been told there’s no way to undo pelvic floor dysfunction. You may have been told that your only hope for recovering from pelvic floor dysfunction is surgery. At Denver Chiropractic, we’re here to tell you that you do have options for getting your life back. We’ve seen many of our patients have success with chiropractic therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction. In addition to offering traditional therapies, our office also proudly offers shockwave therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction in Denver. We’re excited to help you learn more about what this treatment could mean for your life.
Shockwave Therapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Here’s What Every Chiropractor Wishes You Knew
There’s a large body of research supporting the use of shockwave therapy to treat symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. One of the most troubling symptoms of this disorder is urinary incontinence. Bladder issues are extremely common among people suffering with pelvic floor disorders. Symptoms can include painful urination, a constant need to urinate, and leakage. A 2020 study on the therapeutic effects of low intensity extracorporeal low energy shockwave therapy (LiESWT) on stress urinary incontinence found that this treatment meaningfully reduced bladder leakage.
While embarrassing leakage is one of the most troubling symptoms that sufferers of pelvic floor dysfunction must manage, it’s far from the only symptom. In fact, pain is often the most debilitating aspect of living with this condition. Many people with pelvic disorders are unable to work, exercise, sleep, perform manual labor, sit for long periods, or have sexual intercourse without experiencing intense, debilitating pain. A 2020 study looking at low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic pelvic pain syndrome reveals a potential avenue for relief. According to the study’s findings, all patients who received a four-week course of shockwave treatment experienced significant reductions in pain. Researchers in this particular study also cited shockwave therapy as a treatment option that is both convenient and free of side effects.
Why Is Shockwave Therapy Effective for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
The scientific community is constantly learning more about the relationship between shockwave therapy and healing. Shockwave therapy is a treatment that’s been used for pain relief throughout the body for decades. This targeted treatment helps to stimulate blood flow and circulation in areas of tissue that are injured or scarred. Once circulation is stimulated, a regenerative process that is caused by the formation of new blood cells takes place. However, shockwave therapy doesn’t just help to promote scar healing and cellular regeneration. It also provides immediate pain relief for many patients. That’s because shockwave therapy has an analgesic effect that allows it to dull nerve pain. In some studies, shockwave therapy has even been found to help reduce muscle spasticity. Anyone who is suffering from pelvic spasms can appreciate just how significant getting relief can be for a person’s quality of life.
Can Shockwave Therapy Alone Treat Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
There’s no magic formula for treating pelvic floor dysfunction. This is a complicated health issue that can be caused by a number of different factors. While pelvic floor dysfunction is incredibly common in women who have been pregnant, the truth is that any person of any age can suffer from this condition. Some risk factors for developing pelvic floor dysfunction include being in accident, going through a bad fall, having pelvic surgery, being obese, and growing older. There’s even some evidence to suggest that pelvic pain may sometimes be caused by heredity factors.
The fact that pelvic pain encompasses so many different parts of the lower body also makes treatment difficult. The pelvic organs that are often affected by dysfunction include the bladder, the rectum, the uterus and vagina (in women), and the prostate (in men). It’s also common for sufferers of this condition to experience pain in the lower back. When a chiropractor develops a treatment plan for pelvic pain, the pelvic region is viewed in connection with the rest of the body. Creating balance and alignment to take the pressure off of the pelvic is crucial. In addition, chiropractors also focus on exercises and stretches that help to strengthen the pelvic floor. While shockwave therapy can play an important role in speeding up healing, it shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as an isolated treatment that can treat every aspect of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Get Chiropractic Treatment for Pelvic Floor Disorders in Denver, Colorado
At Denver Chiropractic, we see patients struggling with the pain, discomfort, and embarrassment of pelvic floor dysfunction every single day. We know how powerful finding the right treatment can be for building the courage to live your life without fear again. That’s why we’re committed to taking time to understand the root causes of your symptoms to help you design a custom plan for healing pelvic floor dysfunction. It’s very possible that shockwave therapy may play a role in getting you back to feeling like yourself again. Led by Dr. Trent Artichoker, Denver Chiropractic is a respected practice specializing in whole-body care. Contact us today to book a consultation.