A Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy center based in New York City.
Experiencing Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?
At Solstice Physiotherapy we successfully treat men suffering from erection issues and erectile dysfunction. Although most common in the older, male population, erection issues and dysfunction also occur in the twenty to thirty year old population. Issues vary by person and age, and treatment varies as well.
the body being unable to summon the amount of blood needed to achieve an erection
neurological and/or muscular dysfunction
irritating masturbation habits
stress, anxiety or depression
medication side effects,especially meds taken for treatment of psychiatric conditions
a physical response to the body changing or slowing down, ie. aging
Plain and simple, when your body can’t do something it used to and you think you should be able to do, it is upsetting. When an individual is suffering from stress, dysfunction is much more challenging to resolve with physical therapy.
What should you do if you have erection issues?
First, see a doctor. If you are not getting an erection and you previously did, it is important to see a medical specialist. They will rule out a serious health condition with blood tests and urine tests, checking for diabetes, heart conditions,hormone levels, etc. An ultrasound test may be ordered to check for blood flow into the vessels, and nerve testing may be ordered to check sensation levels. If test results are negative, physical therapy, injections, surgeries and/or medications are possible treatments.
How can physical therapy help you?
Pelvic-floor physical therapy is often used to treat erectile dysfunction.There is significant evidence that proves it is effective. A properly functioning pelvic floor plays an extremely important role in the ability to get an erection.
Theperineum (external pelvic floor) is important because:
it’s two components, the bulbospongiosis and ischiocavernosus, work together to compress the base of the penis and the deep dorsal vein to hold blood in the penis
the bulbospongiosis aids in emptying the urethra for ejaculation and urination and can intesify orgasmic pleasure during ejaculation
The levator ani(internal pelvic floor) is importantbecause:
with abnormally high pelvic floor muscle tone, the pelvic floor muscles contract more often or more strongly than necessary, or they rest in a state of higher than normal activity
spasm of the pelvic floor muscles can provide compression that restricts the arteries limiting blood flow
The internal and external pelvic floor muscles can be assessed and palpated by an experienced, pelvic floor physical therapist. Treatment may include:
releasing what is hypertonic or “tight” in these regions, internally and externally. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction of the internal muscles can restrict blood flow to penis.
pelvic floor muscle strengthening. Voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles can provide the necessary increase in intracavernosal pressure to establish or maintain penile hardness sufficient for penetration.
pelvic floor muscle training can be beneficial as it can instill awareness of a more relaxed state of muscles
teaching how to self stretch muscles internally and externally
activity modification to avoid extra pressure on the pelvic floor, ie. lifting weights,straining on the toilet
masturbation techniques to take off excessive force on the penis and surrounding structures
manual techniques for the patient to bring more blood into the penis
techniques to improve or decrease sensation on the penis shaft
Pelvic floor physical therapy has been shown to result in significant, functional improvement for people suffering from sexual dysfunction. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact a pelvic floor physical therapist and speak with them about treatment and how they can assist in your recovery. Here, at Solstice Physiotherapy, we can do a 15 minute phone consultation to help guide you in the right direction.
