Meet the Experts

Louise Gleason, PT

Physical Therapist with the Center for Women & Infants at South Miami Hospital

Videos

Treating Pelvic Floor Disorders

Louise Gleason, PT, Physical Therapist with the Center for Women and Infants at South Miami Hospital, says there are some medications that can be effective in treating pelvic floor disorders. She points out exercise is important to improve function through healthy movement. She also recommends doing the Kegel exercise for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

Anatomy of the Female Pelvic Floor

Louise Gleason, PT, Physical Therapist with the Center for Women and Infants at South Miami Hospital, explains the pelvic floor has four main functions. The first one is the sphincter, which is the closure around the urethra, the vagina and the anus. The second one is the support; it helps the muscles contract and lifts the bladder, the vagina and the anus. The third one is sexual, and the last one is stabilization, which is very important because the pelvic floor is a critical part of the core muscles.

Relaxation for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Louise Gleason, PT, Physical Therapist with the Center for Women and Infants at South Miami Hospital, explains for some women, Kegel exercises are difficult because of damages from childbirth or surgery. She says if there is damage to the nerves in the pelvis, it can lead to problems contracting muscles. She points out relaxation is very important, because it quiets the nervous system, and that allows you to relax all the muscles in your core and abdomen. It lets you identify the pelvic floor muscles more easily.

Pelvic Floor Disorder: Symptoms

Urinary issues, constipation or bowel strains, lower back pain, discomfort during sexual intercourse, pressure, and muscle spasms in pelvis are some symptoms of pelvic floor disorders. Louise Gleason, PT, Physical Therapist with the Center for Women and Infants at South Miami Hospital, says other symptoms are overactive bladder, incontinence, retention, and pain in the genitals and rectum during sexual intercourse. She points out women should have regular checkups and say if they have an issue with urinary frequency or leakage.

Causes of Incontinence

Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, aging, urinary tract infection, stool build-up, being overweight, nerve damage, and overactive bladder are common causes of incontinence in women. Louise Gleason, PT, Physical Therapist with the Center for Women and Infants at South Miami Hospital, says changes in hormones associated with pregnancy also affect the integrity of the connective layers. She points out even if you deliver with a C-section, there is some compromise to that area. She explains behavioral modification and exercises can resolve the issue of incontinence.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions expressed in the programs on this channel and website are intended to address specific questions asked or situations described in each particular program, are for educational purposes only, and are not designed to constitute advice or recommendations as to any disease, ailment, or physical condition. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in these programs without seeking the advice of your personal physician or a qualified medical provider. If you have any questions about the information or opinions expressed, please contact your doctor or other medical professional.

A service of

in partnership with

A service of South Florida PBS

in partnership with