PFT with electic probe???

[icsonja]

I am starting biofeedback and pelvic floor therapy this week.they are going to try a electic probe thing, I am not sure about it and wonder if anyone else has tried this and how it did for them?
I am hoping to get enough relief to be able to at least cut back on the pain meds, but since it is a 8 week course I will try to be patient!!
Sonja

[tigger_gal]

I went to pt for pfd, and I was told I had no pelvic muscle control.. My therapy was a total nightmare, but my therapist was.... well lets not go there.. anywho I have never heard of that, but please keep us posted..

[ChrissySunshine]

Hi Sonja, I went for PFT with the electric probe thingie. For me, it was not successful, but I wonder about the knowledge of the PT that was performing it.

The first visit they inserted a probe into my rectum (cause I had my period...they could not do the vaginal probe when I had my period), put electrodes on my lower belly and told me to "Kegal". This measured my pelvic floor strength (for me, I was unable to "hold" the contraction), and I was sent home to do specific sets of Kegals.

The following visits were scheduled weekly for 5 weeks (hence, I had to miss ANOTHER week due to my period!).

All the other visits were the same....I would go into a bathroom, empty my bladder (as best I could), then lay on a table. A vaginal probe was inserted deep into my vagina and then was "turned on" to a pulse that I could feel, but that wouldn't hurt (if it hurt, she turned it down). The PT would just hold the proble there for 15 minutes I think, then send me on my way. This was also termed "biofeedback", but I'm not sure where that word actually comes in....like I said, I just laid there with the PT holding the probe in my vagina, feeling the "pulsing".

I hope this isn't too graphic, but I wanted to let you know what was involved for me. I've heard some people have had some success with it (hopefully someone will come along and post), but unfortunately, it didn't help me. Good Luck with it though, and keep us posted!

[armslee]

Morning gals.....

My therapy has been focused up until now on relaxation, kegels for strengthening and biofeedback. However I must say that the biofeedback I have done has never included an "internal probe", rather electrodes are placed on my abdomen and outside of my rectum area. From that point I do the kegels and try to make my pelvic floor relax to a certain degree that they deem acceptable.

My "internal" work is just beginning but my therapist is going to use her finger and vaginal dialators.

The "electric probe" sounds kinda kinky, :lmao:

[icsonja]

Thanks for all the info, yeah it does sound kinky, but after all the other stuff I have tried.......:loco:
I think I will try to be open minded and give this a chance, who knows it just might help.
But if the PT seems no good, they will hear from me. I am unfortunately an old hand at this stuff and I guess I dont suffer fools much anymore, know what I mean?
I will post after my treatment on Tuesday!
Sonja

[Sher E]

I'm with Armslee... I've had the Biofeedback but was not anything inserted just attached close to the anus and on my lower tummy. My kegals are good. And since we are trying to relax my muscles, kegals aren't the thing to do for me.

My therapist does trigger point release in the vagina, rectum (not a fav of mine ..yuk) and massages my lower pelvis and tailbone butt cheek areas.

She's great.

[tialia]

I had biofeedback with "the probe". I have to say, it wasn't that bad AND intercourse wasn't painful after that. Before, it was so painful I didn't even do it. I PM'd you the details because it's too hard to type it all out but you can all me if you like.

Therese

[icsonja]

Well the first "probe" treatment is done and a second one for Friday. It was two probes one anal and one vaginal, and they pulsed the stimulation, I also had no pelvic floor miscle tone and could not even do a Kegel anymore.
So we are trying to relax the Detrusor muscle which never goes out of spam, they told me expect ten weeks now since things are pretty messed up in there (big suprise). I was sore and achy afterward, but not ready to give it up any pain relief would be welcome.
Sonja

[sami4]

I have not had this yet, but sure would try it. My PFT has been manual and it has really helped me as the PT identifies the bad areas inside the vagina and then shows me movements to cause this muscle spasm to relax as I am using other muscles. I think the electric thing may not help you identify and understand where your problem is, but I think the idea is interesting and I would try it.
Sammie

[momw/ic]

I did this type of PT about 4 years ago and it really worked for me. In fact, I am thinking I need to start back because my PFD is really acting up again.

It worked so well for me that my doc wrote me a script for my own machine and insurance paid for it! So, when I feel like I need to do a 6-8 week round of therapy I can now just pull out my machine and do it myself. I really like the freedom it gives me in my own care and it also allows me to start right away when I need it rather than having exams and appointments etc...

It does take several sessions before you start to see a difference and it is one of those things that you have to keep going back to. It doesn't cure the problem in most people - just manages it. I hope it works for you!

[icsonja]

Thanks for the encouraging words!! My Dr has also said that if this does help, even a little that they will get me a home unit and I can do as you did and use it as needed. I am not thinking that this will cure my PFD, but even a little relief and it will be worth it. One step at atime, even if they are baby steps, as long as it is forward!!
Sonja

[Sunflower2]

I have jus started going to my therapy for PFD this month. I have been doing this electric probe thing and some stretch technics. As for electric probe thing for me, my PT just put it around my hip area to relax my muscle, that's where most my problems are. It's not that bad at all. In fact, I have done this same thing when I used to see my chiropractor for my back pain. I have done Kegal before, but it was unsuccessful at that time. I talk to my PT about it and she said that Kegal can be very helpful when people try at the right time. She explained it to me why the reason Kegal wasn't working for me at that time because I wasn't using right muscle to work with and doing the opposite thing for my treatment. Does it make sense to you??? The reason most of us here has PFD is switch which my PT calls it for bladder muscle is on/off at the wrong timing. That's why we have frequency/urgency/painful intercourse problems. I do totally agree with this. I know that my muscle is contracting when is NOT supposed to. I know this bladder training can be a long way to go, but I am determined to TAKE CONTROL THIS!!!! I am so tired of BEING CONTROLED BY IT!!!! I hope this therapy be a good help for you:hi:

[littlebear]

Hi Sher E,

I'm wondering who you go to for your therapy (I live in the Los Angeles area too and am interested)?

Best wishes, littlebear

[icsonja]

Sunflower one of the things my PT has been teaching me is how to use my muscles to do a proper kegal, I have been using my abdominal muscles to contract not the ones I need to use. They are very hard for me to do the right way, since I have poor muscle control in my pelvis and the cintracting/spasms of IC play against us, but it is helping, just one step at a time!!

[ICB]

Ladies:

The reasons that some therapists use electrodes vs. a probe is because the probe is more expensive for the patient; or the patient may have vulvodynia and may feel more pain when using the probe initially.

It is said that the probe may be more accurate in reading the muscle contraction and relaxation. I've only used the electrodes, but the therapy has worked wonders for me.

For very comprehensive information on PFD therapy and associated pelvic floor problems visit www.roadtoslainte.blogspot.com.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes to all, ICB