Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can be helpful for a variety of issues related to the musculoskeletal system of the pelvic region. Some reasons that you might be a candidate for pelvic floor physical therapy include:
- Urinary Incontinence
- Difficulty controlling urination may present as leakage with exercise, sneezing, coughing, or other activities.
- You may also experience increased urgency or frequency, which can also be addressed by pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Pelvic Pain
- Pain in the pelvic region can be a symptom of many conditions, such as endometriosis or PCOS.
- Some people also experience pain with intercourse, or the use of menstrual products.
- Constipation
- Chronic constipation or difficulty with bowel movements may also be a symptom related to pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Prolapse
- Prolapse is a condition where pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum descend, pushing into the vaginal or rectal walls.
- Pregnancy or Postpartum Issues
- There are many changes related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, such as pelvic floor muscle weakness or pain, that can be addressed in pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Painful intercourse, decreased sexual desire, or other sexual health concerns may also make you an excellent candidate for evaluation by a pelvic floor physical therapist.
- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
- Pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial during recovery from pelvic surgeries such as a pelvic organ prolapse repair, hysterectomy, or prostatectomy.
- In addition, your pelvic floor physical therapist can help you optimize your recovery following gender affirming surgeries.
- Chronic Pain Conditions
- In conditions such as fibromyalgia or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, pelvic floor physical therapy may be able to assist you with reducing pelvic pain symptoms.
- Prevention and Education
- Learning how to properly engage and relax your pelvic floor muscles for activities of daily living is incredibly valuable, and your pelvic floor physical therapist can provide you with this education!
The pelvic floor and pelvic girdle muscles are an integral part of our deep core system. They plan crucial roles in bladder, bowel, and sexual function, as well as our overall movement. Oftentimes, symptoms such as leaking with coughs or sneezes are considered normal. While this is a common symptom, it is actually an indication of pelvic floor dysfunction. It is important to seek out a pelvic floor physical therapist for evaluation and treatment if you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will provide skilled hands-on therapy, exercises specific to your needs, and education to address the underlying cause of your symptoms, help you understand your body, and restore your pelvic health.
Now, let’s answer a few commonly asked questions about pelvic floor physical therapy!
What happens in the evaluation?
In the evaluation with your physical therapist, they will first take a detailed history of your symptoms. Then, the evaluation may include aspects such as a movement analysis, joint assessment, peripheral nerve assessment, neuromuscular system testing, an analysis of connective tissue or fascial restrictions, as well as the possibility of an external and/or internal pelvic floor assessment. During all aspects of the evaluation, your physical therapist will ensure that they have your informed consent.
Tell me more about the external and internal pelvic floor assessment…
If you and your physical therapist determine it is appropriate to perform an external and internal pelvic floor examination, your physical therapist will first ensure you are informed of the examination process, and the involved anatomy. Then they will leave the room to allow you privacy to change and drape yourself from the waist down with provided clean sheets. Upon returning to the room, your physical therapist will don clean gloves and will perform the assessment. It is important to note that you can ask your physical therapist to stop at any point throughout the examination if you feel uncomfortable or do not want to continue. The external portion of the assessment includes assessing skin and tissue health, palpating for changes in muscle tone or tenderness, and observing muscle activity during things such as a pelvic floor contraction or bearing down. During the internal portion of the assessment, your physical therapist can assess for changes in tone and tenderness of muscle and connective tissue, grade strength, endurance and motor coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, and assess the muscles during activities that change intra-abdominal pressure. After the assessment is complete, your physical therapist will communicate their findings with you, establish goals, and determine the best plan for you and your needs.
What happens at my follow-up visits?
Your follow-up visits will be very specific to you, and may include a variety of elements such as hands-on care that you cannot provide for yourself, and exercises tailored to your needs. Your physical therapist will establish a home exercise program for you to complete independently to help you reach your goals as well. The frequency that you will be seen at can vary depending on factors such as the severity and chronicity of your symptoms. In our clinic we often see patients every other week for 7-10 visits, but this varies for each patient.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us today! We are here to support you on your journey to living a life unlimited!
In Health,
