Pelvic floor dysfunction is a silent struggle affecting millions, but Tracy Gallagher is determined to break the stigma and bring awareness to this often-overlooked condition. In her role at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, Gallagher has dedicated herself to helping those suffering in silence, driven by a deeply personal reason.
"I became interested in pelvic floor dysfunction because I had family members dealing with incontinence," she says. "I think people sometimes normalize these issues, especially after pregnancy, and they're not aware that help is available. As I delved into pelvic floor therapy, I knew I wanted to assist that population and raise awareness."
The numbers are staggering: over 11 million men, women, and children suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, which encompasses a range of issues, including changes in posture, muscle length, and strength, often leading to pain and discomfort. Athletes, such as runners and gymnasts, are not immune to this condition either.
"Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to control, contract, and relax the muscles of the pelvic floor," explains Gallagher. "This can result in various problems, including chronic constipation, urinary or fecal incontinence, and pain."
The pelvic floor, a complex network of muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments, forms a supportive 'hammock' at the base of the pelvis. It plays a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs, managing pressure, and maintaining stability. However, these muscles can become overactive or underactive due to aging, trauma, and hormonal shifts.
For women, pelvic floor issues often arise when the muscles or tissues in the pelvic area weaken or sustain injuries, typically due to childbirth, obesity, age, or genetics. Pelvic floor dysfunction affects one in four women at some point in their lives, with childbirth being a significant risk factor for incontinence and pelvic floor relapse.
Gallagher highlights the impact of pregnancy on the nerves and muscles, leading to potential weakness or dysfunction, especially with each additional baby. She emphasizes that pelvic floor therapy can provide safe and effective exercises for pregnant women experiencing back and pelvic pain, both during and after delivery.
"Post-partum patients might have pelvic pain or discomfort around their incision site," she notes. "If they had a C-section, we can address that with manual therapy. We also teach exercises to help with urinary incontinence and other issues in that area."
Pelvic floor therapy offers a comprehensive approach to treatment, including exercises for the pelvic floor muscles, breathing exercises, dietary and lifestyle modifications. For instance, a high-fiber diet and increased water intake can alleviate constipation, while weight loss reduces pressure on pelvic organs.
"We employ various manual techniques, breathing activities, exercises, and relaxation positions to help patients relax those muscles and decrease pain," Gallagher explains. "Pelvic floor therapy can even help with lower back pain or pelvic pain that hasn't responded to traditional orthopedic therapies."
The duration of pelvic floor therapy treatment can vary, lasting from a few weeks to several months. Performing therapist-recommended exercises at home accelerates the recovery process. Despite the discomfort that may accompany discussing these issues, seeking help is crucial for a return to a good quality of life.
"Many patients feel embarrassed due to symptoms like incontinence or pain," Gallagher says. "Our goal is to provide them with the comfort level to attend therapy and regain their quality of life."
For more information about pelvic floor therapy, visit OSF HealthCare's website.
In conclusion, Tracy Gallagher's dedication to breaking the stigma surrounding pelvic floor dysfunction is a testament to the power of personal experience and a commitment to helping others. By raising awareness and offering comprehensive treatment options, she is making a significant impact on the lives of those affected by this often-silent struggle.
