Male pelvic health still carries a stigma. Raising awareness about men’s pelvic health is crucial, as it addresses unique challenges and the need for targeted treatment for men. Men’s needs are often overlooked, leading to a lack of understanding and treatments specifically tailored for men. Thus, Pelvis NYC was born out of necessity. When Dr. Adam Gvili, founder of Pelvis NYC – a male pelvic floor therapist, experienced pelvic floor dysfunction and did not get all the help he deserved, he decided to treat men’s pelvic floor as a male.
Male pelvic floor therapists are specially trained to focus on male health concerns, providing the specialized care and attention that men deserve. They can also help address specific issues such as male pelvic pain and pelvic floor issues, which can impact everyday activities and require specialized treatment.
Pelvic Health
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder and sexual organs. The pelvic floor muscle function is crucial for supporting these organs and maintaining their proper function. It is also part of the core muscles, which work together to provide stability and support for the pelvis and lower back.
Additionally, pelvic floor muscle function is essential for maintaining bowel and bladder control, helping to prevent incontinence. The pelvic floor plays a key role in supporting organ function and overall pelvic health. These muscles can become weak or damaged due to many factors. As a result, men may experience problems with urinary or bowel incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or pain in the pelvis or lower back.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Male pelvic floor therapists are an essential part of pelvic health because they can provide care specifically tailored for male patients. Pelvic health therapy is a specialized approach for men, addressing a wide range of pelvic floor dysfunctions and restoring function, control, and confidence. The male pelvis is different from the female pelvis, so it’s important to have someone who understands the male anatomy. Male pelvic floor therapists specialize in treating male-specific conditions, such as erectile dysfunction.
During the first visit, the therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including a review of your health history and medical history. This initial consultation helps identify underlying causes and allows the therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at addressing your specific pelvic health concerns and restoring balance.
They can help men to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, which can improve urinary control and sexual function. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can help improve bladder control, prevent incontinence, and potentially enhance sexual performance and pleasure.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Dysfunction of the pelvic floor occurs when there is difficulty coordinating the pelvic floor muscles, resulting in issues like urinary or bowel incontinence, difficulty emptying, urinary frequency, chronic pain, hip pain, and other related problems. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can also be a significant concern, and male pelvic floor therapists can help treat this condition through daily routine exercises, education, and building helpful habits.
Male pelvic floor therapists can provide education and support to men who are dealing with prostate issues, have undergone radical prostatectomy, or are experiencing other chronic health conditions. It is important to note that without proper assessment and individualized treatment, some exercises may make symptoms worse, such as increasing bladder urgency or pelvic pain. By working with a male pelvic floor therapist, men can take steps to improve their overall health and well-being.
Common Conditions and Treatment
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a highly effective approach for addressing a wide range of male pelvic health conditions. Many men experience pelvic floor dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, or urinary incontinence at some point in their lives, and these issues can have a significant impact on daily activities and overall well-being. With the expertise of physical therapists specializing in pelvic health physical therapy, men can receive personalized treatment plans designed to target their specific symptoms and needs.
Some of the most common conditions treated with pelvic floor physical therapy include:
- Erectile dysfunction: The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in erectile function. Weakness or poor coordination in these muscles can contribute to erectile dysfunction, but targeted exercises and manual therapy can help restore strength and improve sexual health.
- Chronic pelvic pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region can be debilitating and affect quality of life. Pelvic floor physical therapy addresses muscle tightness, connective tissue restrictions, and nervous system imbalances to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Urinary incontinence: Issues with bladder control, often following prostate surgery or due to pelvic floor muscle weakness, are common in men. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve bladder control and reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence.
- Bowel dysfunction: The pelvic floor muscles are also essential for healthy bowel movements. Problems such as constipation or fecal incontinence can be managed through pelvic floor physical therapy, which focuses on strengthening and coordinating the pelvic floor muscles for better bowel control.
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and may include:
- Targeted exercises: Customized exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, helping to restore normal function and reduce symptoms.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release to address muscle tightness and improve tissue mobility in the pelvic region.
- Education: Guidance on understanding your condition, managing symptoms, and adopting healthy habits for long-term pelvic health, including proper techniques for bowel and bladder habits.
- Behavioral modifications: Recommendations for lifestyle changes, such as avoiding heavy lifting, minimizing prolonged sitting, and improving posture, to support pelvic health and prevent symptoms from getting worse.
By addressing the underlying causes of male pelvic health issues and providing a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan, pelvic floor physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve bladder and bowel control, and enhance sexual function. If you are experiencing symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, or other male pelvic health conditions, consulting with a healthcare provider or a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health can help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Male pelvic floor therapists undergo special training to assess and treat pelvic floor dysfunction, making them highly skilled pelvic floor physical therapists. They can provide customized exercises and treatments to help improve the strength and function of the pelvic muscles. These treatments can include exercises to strengthen, relax, and stretch the pelvic floor muscles, addressing specific issues such as bladder control, incontinence, constipation, erectile dysfunction, and chronic pain. Therefore, men can enjoy improved bladder control, better sexual performance, and reduced pain.
Why Choose Us?
Dr. Adam Gvili is a physical therapist specializing in male health concerns who wants to end the gap in who should treat men. Since no one wants to go next with male genitalia, he specializes in male health concerns. He offers treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, and pain. He is also a certified Pilates instructor, which allows him to offer tailored Pilates programs to his patients. His unique combination of skills and experience makes him uniquely qualified to treat men’s pelvic floor problems.
Our clinic is a thriving one to makes every client feel at home as we help them improve their symptoms. For a consultation with Dr. Adam Gvili, contact Pelvis NYC today to schedule an appointment with a medical professional who listens to you, identifies the root of your symptoms, and designs the best treatment plan.
Related blog: Confessions of a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist.