How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help With Recurrent UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can significantly impact a person's pelvic health, particularly in individuals who experience recurrent or chronic UTIs. When UTIs persist or lead to complications, they may contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. In this article we are going to explore the connection between UTIs and how pelvic floor physical therapy can provide valuable treatment options.
A UTI is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, though fungi or viruses can also cause them. UTIs are common and can affect anyone, but they are frequent in women. A lower UTI symptoms may include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, blood in the urine, or pelvic pain. An upper UTI symptoms may include fever and chills, pain in the upper back or side, and nausea and vomiting.
What is the link to the pelvic floor?
UTI-related muscle tension: Recurrent UTIs can cause guarding or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles as a protective response to pain or discomfort.
Chronic inflammation: Persistent infections may lead to inflammation, which can affect the surrounding muscles and tissues, creating pelvic pain or dysfunction.
Bladder habits: Overactive bladder or frequent urination patterns developed due to UTIs may alter the normal coordination of pelvic floor muscles.
What treatment options are offered in Pelvic floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized treatment for restoring balance and function in the pelvic region. Our goal is to figure out the root cause that may be causing the UTIs or UTI like pain? Are cultures actually coming back positive or not? Often we see patients that are getting negative cultures but taking antibiotics regardless. The pelvic floor muscles being tight can mimic similar symptoms to a UTI, even though it may not be an actual infection. Another scenario we often see is the bladder not emptying well from a pelvic organ prolapse or too much muscle tension in the area? Typically we find there is muscle tension and guarding in the pelvic floor muscles and abdomen fascial tightness that we can address with specialized techniques. We also focus on bladder and bowel habits and make sure we are addressing any bad habits that might be influencing. Sometimes in menopause, the lack of estrogen can contribute to UTIs and pelvic pain, therefore a referral or multidisciplinary approach may be needed if hormone support is warranted.
How Pelvic Floor PT Helps With UTI Recovery and Prevention
Relieving pelvic muscle tension: Myofascial release and trigger point therapy can help reduce tightness caused by recurrent UTIs.
Improving bladder control: Therapy addresses overactive bladder symptoms and retrains proper coordination between pelvic muscles and the bladder.
Enhancing blood flow and tissue health: Manual therapy improves circulation, which can aid healing and reduce inflammation post-infection.
Breaking the cycle of pain: Chronic pain from UTIs can lead to a feedback loop where pelvic floor dysfunction perpetuates symptoms. PT helps interrupt this cycle.
Some of the areas we focus on in pelvic health is discussing lifestyle changes to prevent UTIs (e.g., hydration, hygiene habits, hormone support if appropriate, bladder habits). We also highlight exercises for maintaining a healthy pelvic floor and build a home program for patients, perform body work and fascial work to tight structures and muscles, and encourage people to seek early treatment for both UTIs and pelvic floor symptoms to avoid chronic complications. We see frequent UTIs or UTI like symptoms regularly in the clinic and are passionate in teaming up with clients to find the best treatment option and guidance to overcome these symptoms.