Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Treatment

specific treatment interventions for the pelvic floor

We are often asked:

  • What is the Pelvic Floor?
  • What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
  • What does treatment entail?

The pelvic floor is a collection of muscles, connective tissues, joints, and nerves that form the base of the body’s trunk or groin. The area supports and includes the bowel, bladder and sexual organs. Dysfunction in this region occurs in all genders and can be caused by trauma, surgery, infection, poor posture, and childbirth.

These issues may lead to an imbalance in the function and anatomy of the pelvic tissues including the following:

  • Muscles may become weak, tight, lax, or go into spasm
  • Connective tissue including fascia and ligaments can tear, become scarred down or overly lax
  • Joints may fuse, lose mobility or become unstable
  • Nerves can become compressed, scarred down or overly stretched
  • Blood flow and lymphatic drainage can be impaired

Physical therapy can improve the strength and mobility of reproductive joints and tissues, resulting in improved blood flow, decreased pain, and an improvement in quality of life. Techniques include manual therapy to break down scar tissue and adhesions, strength training to build up muscle tone, and re-education exercises to restore normal neuromuscular balance.

Pelvic floor physical therapy could provide relief if you experience urinary dysfunction, painful intercourse, pelvic pain or any other pelvic health related condition.

An examination of your medical history and symptoms will be carried out, which may include palpation and observation of the abdomen, pelvis, hips, back, and pelvic floor. You may be asked to balance on one leg, forward or backward bend moving so the therapist can assess body mechanics, posture mal-alignments and muscle imbalances. Consent is asked for during treatment sessions in which the therapist observes or palpates the pelvic floor. The therapist aims to identify any restrictions in your range of motion, trigger points/areas of localized tissue restriction and assess for any referred pain.

Pelvic health physical therapy treatment may involve but not be limited to:

  • Manual therapy
  • Patient education
  • Therapeutic exercises
  • Stretches
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Pilates, Yoga
  • Low Pressure Fitness
  • Neuromuscular Re-education
  • Balance
  • Real-time Ultrasound
  • Electrical stimulation

It is located at the bottom of the pelvic cavity and is made up of a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support vital functions such as bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and stability of the pelvis. The pelvic floor muscles extend from the pubic bone anteriorly to the coccyx/tailbone posteriorly positioned like a hammock.

Our specialized therapists conduct comprehensive assessments, considering the unique needs of each individual. Treatment plans are designed to address a range of conditions, incorporating both internal and external manual therapy techniques. Patient education is paramount, empowering individuals to understand their pelvic health and promoting behavioral and movement changes. We strive to enhance the quality of life by offering personalized care that encompasses exercise regimens for at-home management. Our approach is dedicated to fostering optimal pelvic health and promoting a sense of comfort and confidence in our patients.

All treatment is received after patients are educated and consent is given.

  • Exercises
  • Stretches
  • Manual therapy
  • Biofeedback
  • Electrical stimulation

The number of sessions needed vary, and each session is customized to address your needs and symptoms.

Goals vary patient to patient depending on what each individual is striving for.

Many medical goals include but are not limited to:

  • Pelvic pain relief
  • Reduce bladder dysfunction
  • incontinence
  • incomplete emptying
  • frequency or urgency symptoms
  • Reduce bowel dysfunction
  • constipation
  • incontinence
  • Improve sexual health
  • decrease pain with sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • improve fertility
  • improve erectile dysfunction
  • decrease pain associated with periods (dysmenorrhea)
  • Improve pelvic posture and alignment

The time needed to see benefits from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy varies depending on the person and how chronic the condition is. Most individuals see results within 3 to 4 weeks. It may take several months for more chronic conditions.

There are several things you can do outside of pelvic floor physical therapy to keep the gains achieved during treatment. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Implementing posture and body mechanics tips in everyday life
  • Consistency with home exercise program
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Adequate water intake
  • Maintaining healthy diet
  • Adequate sleep

While an internal examination can be helpful to better understand the pelvic floor muscles this is not a requirement to be seen by a pelvic physical therapist. We want our patients at Body Harmony to feel safe and comfortable, if you would like to defer an internal exam just let your therapist know and they will be able to walk you through alternative external methods of care.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is not inherently awkward or embarrassing. Care is provided by highly skilled healthcare professionals at Body Harmony. We prioritize patient confidentiality and comfort. Our clinic aims to foster a non-judgmental environment which is calm and welcoming. Patients should feel comfortable discussing their concerns and symptoms during these sessions. Our treatment rooms are all private and we welcome all genders, ages and backgrounds.

Engaging in exercises while urinating can gradually weaken your pelvic floor muscles or potentially harm your bladder and kidneys. For women, improperly performing Kegel exercises or applying excessive force may lead to an excessive tightening of vaginal muscles, resulting in discomfort. This is sometimes seen in conditions such as dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse).

At Body Harmony, we encourage individuals to be evaluated by a skilled physical therapist that has been trained properly. We can assess the appropriateness of specific exercises for each individual. Strengthening an already tight muscle may impact pelvic function and lead to further dysfunction.