Biofeedback

At CTS we use biofeedback when appropriate as a 'learning tool' to guide our patient’s through a program of uptraining (make stronger) or downtraining (learning to relax) the pelvic floor muscles. It can also be utilized to train coordination of the muscles to work together for functional activities such as urination and defecation without straining.

For the evaluation your therapist will determine with you whether to use an internal probe (rectal or vaginally), or external stick-on sensors placed around the rectal opening. Once the sensors are in place – the Therapist will guide you through some quick contractions, long contractions, and a period of resting. These may be done lying down, sitting, in standing, during functional movements or all of the aforementioned positions. Based on the results of your evaluation, your therapist will design a specific treatment plan appropriate for you.

We use biofeedback because it is a safe, easy and a relatively noninvasive method of testing for and treating pelvic floor dysfunction. The evaluation can be read either from the unit itself – or through a computer software screen which make use of graphs to assist in training through 'feedback'. The basis for biofeedback is learning along with the patient – their biological condition as related to muscle tension and coordination – and bringing awareness to normalizing the resting tone, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles for function.