Pelvic Floor Therapy

Overview

Pelvic floor physical therapy targets the muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis referred to collectively as the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for several important functions including supporting the organs of the lower abdomen such as the bladder, urethra, uterus, and rectum. They also play an important role in bladder and bowel control, regulating intra-abdominal pressure and sexual function. Pelvic floor therapists are trained in specialized techniques to help address dysfunction of these muscles such as overactivity, weakness, and pain. Our pelvic floor therapists treat patients of all genders and all ages.

What conditions can a pelvic floor therapist treat?

Pelvic floor therapists can treat various conditions including:

Pelvic Health

• Urinary leakage
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Urinary retention
• Urinary frequency and urgency
• Pelvic muscle spasms
• Overactive and painful bladder
• Painful intercourse
• Coccyx pain
• Digestive disorders and constipation
• Chronic urinary tract or yeast infections
• Changes related to menopause
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Fecal incontinence
• Pain associated with endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and IC
• Pudendal neuralgia
• Inability to wear tampons or receive a pelvic exam

Pregnancy and Postpartum

• Diastasis recti, or separation of the abdominal muscles
• Hip and low back pain
• Labor and delivery preparation
• Painful intercourse
• Return to exercise postpartum
• Sciatica
• C-Section recovery
• Perineal scar pain
• Pain from clogged milk ducts and mastitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and “mommy’s thumb”

Male Pelvic Health

• Urinary leakage
• Urinary frequency and urgency
• Pre and post prostatectomy
• Pudendal neuralgia
• Nutcracker syndrome
• Erectile dysfunction
• Chronic pelvic, penile, and testicular pain
• Digestive disorders and constipation
• Pain or pressure in the rectum
• Weak urinary stream

Gender Affirming Care

• Pain and decreased mobility due to tucking and binding
• Pre and post mastectomy
• Pre and post gender affirming bottom surgery
• Changes relating to hormone replacement therapy

FAQs

 

Do I need a referral for pelvic floor therapy? Will my insurance cover it? 

You do not need a referral to receive pelvic floor therapy unless your insurance requires it. Insurance covers pelvic floor therapy, just like regular physical therapy. 

 

How will my therapist treat my condition?

Much like general physical therapy, your therapist will help you improve the strength, endurance, and coordination of your muscles. Treatment sessions will include individualized exercise and education, and your therapist may also choose to use techniques such as stretching or soft tissue mobilization. The pelvic floor muscles work together with the muscles of the hip and abdomen, which your therapist may also give you exercises to address. Our pelvic floor therapists treat the pelvic floor holistically by taking a complete history and assessing the whole body, not just your pelvic floor muscles. 

 

How will my therapist assess my pelvic floor muscles? 

Pelvic floor therapists are trained to assess pelvic floor function with internal and external examination techniques. Your therapist may test for things like muscle strength, endurance, and coordination. Exam techniques are primarily done using manual palpation, and your therapist will walk you through the details of tests they perform during your session.  

 

Do I have to have an internal pelvic floor muscle exam? 

Not every patient will require internal examination. You may choose not to undergo any exam or treatment technique, and your therapist will discuss what tests they think are most appropriate at your visit. You have the choice of whether you want to receive an internal examination. It is not required to receive pelvic floor therapy. 

 

Will the therapy appointment be painful?

While your therapist may test you to find out what causes your pain at your initial evaluation, pelvic floor therapy should only be minimally painful at most. Your therapist will monitor any symptoms you may have throughout the session, and you may end any activity if it becomes too uncomfortable. Our goal is to get you out of pain and back to the activities you love! 

 

Where will I be treated? 

At Rise Physical Therapy, our pelvic floor patients are examined and treated in a private room. Your therapist may also use our gym space for activities such as hip and core strengthening exercises or weightlifting or running form evaluations. 

 

I am an athlete and want to get back to my sport after injury or having a baby. How can pelvic floor therapy help?

The pelvic floor is critical in athletic performance because of its role in supporting the abdominal organs especially during impact activities such as running and jumping, as well as its function in core stability, efficient breathing mechanics, and optimal movement of the lumbopelvic hip complex. Training the strength, endurance, and coordination of these muscles can help reduce leaking urine, improve nagging back or hip pain, and help better stabilize your body during athletic movements.

 

Can pelvic floor therapy help with labor and delivery? 

Absolutely! Our pelvic floor therapists can teach you proper techniques for the pushing phase, different laboring positions based on your stage of labor, and ways to assist baby with correct positioning in the pelvis. We can also teach you management of pain without medication during labor and delivery. We can facilitate postpartum recovery by providing you with a personalized plan for returning to the activities you love postpartum.  

 

I’m having a c-section. Can pelvic floor therapy still help me? 

YES! We are firm believers that every patient should receive pelvic floor physical therapy after a c-section. We can teach you techniques to reduce pain following a c-section and rehabilitate your abdominal muscles. The c-section incision can often lead to the formation of scar tissue which can become painful over time. Scar mobilization and massage can reduce adhesions and improve tissue flexibility. Our pelvic floor therapists can provide emotional support, education, and guidance on self-care practices, which can positively impact a person’s overall well-being.  

 

 

 

Hi, and welcome to Rise Physical Therapy.

Rise exists because we believe there is a demand for honest and ethical therapy that truly makes a difference in people's lives. After years of working in healthcare, we realized that the industry had lost it's focus on the patient. So we decided to start our own clinic and focus on providing our patients the very best in one-on-one physical therapy. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Thanks for swinging by the site, and we hope to see you soon.