What can pelvic floor therapy help with?
Treatment of Pelvic floor dysfunction that can be related to overactive or underactive pelvic floor including: Incontinence (Stress/Urge), difficulty with bowel control, constipation, tailbone pain, symptoms related to endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pain during or post-pregnancy, pain with pelvic exams or intercourse, prolapse.
What causes a weak pelvic floor?
May be caused by pregnancy and childbirth, traumatic injury, obesity, nerve damage, pelvic surgery, heavy lifting, and the natural process of aging.
What does treatment involve?
May include a variety of: Education on intra-abdominal pressure management, proper core engagement, pelvic floor activation or relaxation techniques, bladder retraining, soft tissue mobilization, posture education, muscle strengthening, electrical stimulation, dry needling.
Do I need an internal examination?
This may be performed on the first visit or delayed for later visits. An internal examination allows your pelvic floor specialist to assess any scar tissue present, changes in skin integrity, test pelvic floor muscle strength, coordination, endurance, and extensibility which will allow for an individualized treatment plan most appropriate for you.
How do I get in to see a pelvic physical therapist?
A primary care provider, nurse practitioner, or specialist can provide a script or referral for pelvic physical therapy treatment. A referral can be faxed over to our offices at Back to You (248-268-7979) or your provider may give you a paper to bring with you to your appointment.
How often will I need to attend physical therapy for the pelvic floor?
Plan of care will be discussed upon your first evaluation to best suit your needs. Typically visits are 1-2 times a week until achieving patient goals.
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Pelvic Support Problems – https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-support-problems
Mayo Clinic – Urinary Incontinence – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808
Physiopedia – Urinary Incontinence – https://www.physio-pedia.com/Urinary_Incontinence
Pelvic Floor First – Is Posture Important for Incontinence? https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/news/647/is-posture-important-for-continence/
Borello-France, D. F., Downey, P. A., Zyczynski, H. M., & Rause, C. R. (2008). Continence and quality-of-life outcomes 6 months following an intensive pelvic-floor muscle exercise program for female stress urinary incontinence: a randomized trial comparing low- and high-frequency maintenance exercise
McAuley, J. Adrienne PT, DPT, MEd1; Mahoney, Amanda T. PT, DPT2; Austin, Mary M. PT, DPT3. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Rehabilitation Interventions for Urgency Urinary Incontinence, Urinary Urgency, and/or Urinary Frequency in Adult Women. Journal of Women’s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy 47(4):p 217-236, October/December 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000286