Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Services

Pelvic floor physical therapy treats medical conditions related to the pelvic floor, helping ease symptoms like pain and interruptions to your quality of life. Pelvic floor physical therapists are trained experts in the muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis (where a bike seat would go). These muscles have four functions: 

• To provide stability between your hips and spine
• To act as a sphincter, such as stopping your flow of urine
• To aid sexual function
• To support pelvic organs

These muscles are under your voluntary control, and we can teach you how to coordinate them to manage a variety of symptoms including incontinence and pain.

Our staff is able to tackle even what may seem the worst of problems. Disorders and diagnoses we treat include:

• Anal/rectal pain
• Coccyx disorders
• Constipation
• Diastasis recti
• Fecal incontinence
• Interstitial cystitis
• Issues specific to the female athlete
• Lower back/pubic/hip pain
• Overactive bladder
• Painful intercourse/ejaculation
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Post-prostatectomy incontinence
• Post-surgical scar issues
• Pudendal neuralgia
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary retention/frequency
• Vulvodynia/vaginal pain

A thorough history and physical examination will be conducted on the first day, specifically related to the problem you are coming to physical therapy for. For pelvic floor related conditions (e.g., incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain), it is likely that an external and internal pelvic floor muscle examination will be conducted and a speculum will not be used. Based on the results of the examination, your therapist will devise a specific plan of care with you to treat your condition.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Your healthcare providers and physical therapist will develop a personalized plan tailored to your specific condition, health, and schedule. Each therapy session typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes and may include a combination of manual therapy, exercises, electric stimulation, or biofeedback therapy.

Having your period is not a contraindication to what we do. As long as you are comfortable, it is perfectly fine to attend your appointment during your menstrual cycle.

You do not need to have a baby to come to pelvic floor physical therapy. We treat all genders. We work with patients who experience pelvic pain, issues related to urinary leakage, fecal leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, assist with post-prostatectomy recovery, penile pain, testicular pain, post void dribble, support for gender affirming surgeries, issues of constipation, pain with intercourse and coccyx pain.

Although pain with intercourse can be typical, it is not normal. “Just relaxing” is not the answer. We specialize in teaching you tools and strategies to decrease pain with your intimacy practices.

Yes, we work closely with urogynecologists and create an exercise plan to meet your goals. We will teach you how to modify your activities and work toward your goals.

Although pelvic girdle pain is common in pregnancy, it is not normal. Ask your physician for a prescription for pelvic floor physical therapy during your pregnancy. We can discuss labor and delivery positions to reduce pelvic pain and review cesarean recovery tips and tricks.

Although kegels can be helpful for pelvic floor strengthening for some patients, they are not for everyone. You should discuss with your provider if they are appropriate for you. It is also important to understand how to do them correctly because studies show 50% of people are doing them incorrectly.

The most effective treatment is based up your specific pelvic floor condition. Common treatments for women include medications, pelvic floor muscle training (such as Kegel exercises), trigger point injections, biofeedback, and Botox injections.