Pelvic Floor Therapy Moves Into the Spotlight
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The Trend: The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. It plays a key role in continence, sexual function, and core stability, yet pelvic floor dysfunction affects roughly one in three women and one in six men, and many people never receive treatment. Historically, care has lagged because the symptoms like incontinence, pain during sex, and postpartum complications are stigmatized.
What People Are Saying: As more people gain awareness and pelvic floor issues become destigmatized, care is expanding beyond the doctor’s office. Physical therapy clinics are adding specialized services, while many fitness platforms now offer pelvic floor-focused workouts. Startups are also introducing biofeedback devices and gadgets like the Elvie kegel trainer. Evidence doesn’t yet support the efficacy of such devices, but some people find that they help with motivation.
What to Know: Experts caution that not every device or online program is evidence-based, and pelvic floor dysfunction can vary widely from person to person. If you’re experiencing symptoms like incontinence or pelvic pain, pelvic floor physical therapy is still considered the first-line, evidence-backed treatment.
