What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and do I need it?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a general term used to describe treatments primarily of incontinence, but may also include any pain of the low back, pelvis area or hips and any dysfunction dealing with pre or post childbirth, bowel or bladder or sexual dysfunction, or post-surgical pain and dysfunction in men or women.

Physical therapists who treat the pelvic floor have advanced training in identification and treatment of the muscles, soft tissues and organ systems that support bowel, bladder and sexual function. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a broad term used to describe conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, fecal or urinary incontinence, and chronic pelvic pain. Millions of Americans are suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, but for most it goes unidentified and untreated. Problems can occur when the muscles of your pelvic floor become weak, tight, or painful. Pain in this area can happen with an impairment of the sacroiliac joint, low back, coccyx or hip joint. Physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts and are trained to treat the body as a whole. We are experts at differentiating musculoskeletal pain from that of other origin.

Physical therapists who specialize in treating disorders of the pelvic floor for BOTH men and women will first have a consultation to evaluate both your function and pain. Some common diagnoses that may be helped by physical therapy include:

Leaking urine or stool with any daily activities, including exercise
urinary urge, frequency or constipation
vaginal, vulvar or episiotomy pain after baby
pelvic organ prolapse
painful sex
pain with sitting
abdomen, spine or tailbone pain
pain after surgical procedures like C-sections, hysterectomy or prostate
sexual dysfunction like painful intercourse
painful bladder syndromes like interstitial cystitis

Many therapists who go into pelvic health have realized that this type of specialized work is vitally important to people all over suffering from pain and other symptoms that do not get discussed openly. It is also extremely rewarding, challenging and empowering profession. Call us for your evaluation today 305-595-9425.

For more information: American Physical Therapy Women’s Health PT locator http://www.womenshealthapta.org/pt-locator/