How to Repair the Pelvic Floor Muscles

Sep 01, 2020 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
How to Repair the Pelvic Floor Muscles: 1. Surgical treatment—commonly used for patients with severe symptoms, such as advanced uterine prolapse or anterior/posterior vaginal wall prolapse; 2. Physical therapy—primarily involving pelvic floor muscle exercises to enhance muscle tone; 3. Pharmacological treatment—Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes pelvic floor dysfunction largely to “sinking of the middle Qi.” Herbal medicines that tonify the spleen and augment Qi may serve as an adjunctive therapeutic approach.

The pelvic floor muscles refer to a group of muscles that form a supportive “sling” or “hammock” closing the pelvic outlet. This muscular sling tightly supports and suspends vital organs—including the urethra, bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum—maintaining them in their normal anatomical positions to ensure proper physiological function. When the elasticity of this “sling” declines and its supportive strength weakens, the suspended organs may descend from their normal positions, leading to functional impairments such as urinary or fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

How to Rehabilitate the Pelvic Floor Muscles

1. Surgical Treatment

Surgery is typically reserved for patients with severe symptoms—for example, advanced uterine prolapse or marked anterior/posterior vaginal wall bulging. It aims to restore normal anatomical positioning and functional integrity of the affected organs.

2. Physical Therapy

This primarily involves targeted pelvic floor muscle exercises to enhance muscular tone and strength. Commonly recommended exercises include Kegel (anal sphincter contraction) exercises and deep squats. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture may also facilitate pelvic floor muscle recovery.

3. Pharmacological Treatment

According to TCM theory, pelvic floor dysfunction often stems from “sinking of the middle Qi.” Herbal remedies that tonify the spleen and boost Qi may serve as adjunctive therapy. Patients should maintain a light, balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, ensure regular bowel movements, and avoid prolonged increases in intra-abdominal pressure. During childbirth, women should exert effort evenly and consistently; postpartum, pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation should be prioritized.

Key Considerations for Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation

1. Postpartum women must learn to correctly contract their pelvic floor muscles.

2. Since collagen levels decline in women with pelvic floor dysfunction, new mothers may benefit from increased dietary protein intake.

3. Avoid overexertion; refrain from lifting heavy objects or mopping floors.

4. Maintain regular, soft bowel movements; chronic constipation elevates intra-abdominal pressure and contributes to pelvic floor dysfunction.

5. Patients should remain calm and cooperative, actively participating in prescribed pelvic floor muscle training under medical guidance.

6. Pelvic floor rehabilitation must progress gradually: during the first six weeks postpartum, only gentle exercises are recommended; after six to eight weeks, most forms of exercise may be safely resumed.

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