Why is my PT asking me for this information?
If you’ve ever gone to physical therapy, you may have had the experience where the first session is mainly the physical therapist asking you many questions. Some of these questions may seem irrelevant. Physical therapists however use all the information provided to get a full comprehensive picture of your body’s function from a medical standpoint.
For example in pelvic health we ask about bladder function, bowel function, and sexual function because these are three major functions of the pelvic organs and muscles. We may ask about sleep hygiene because this is the time you’re body heals. We also ask about medications and/or vitamins you may take.
Why is my PT asking me about the medication that I am taking?
As many of us know, medications have side effects, some are obvious, some are not, and some may show up in some individuals and not others. We broke down information about some of the most commonly seen pharmaceuticals that we see in our pelvic health physical therapy practice, to let you know why it is so important for you to tell your physical therapist, any and all drugs that you are currently taking.
Psychiatric Based Medications
- XANAX: can lead to constipation, difficulty urinating, joint pain, difficulty with sexual experience
- LEXAPRO: sexual dysfunction (trouble ejaculating, erectile dysfunction, lowered libido, trouble orgasming), diarrhea
- PROZAC: sexual dysfunction (trouble ejaculating, erectile dysfunction, lowered libido, trouble orgasming)
- AMBIEN: diarrhea
- ADDERALL: sexual dysfunction, muscle weakness
Vitamins
- VITAMIN D: too much can lead to constipation
Thyroid medication
- LEVOTHYROXINE: menstrual changes, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
Pain-Relieving Medication
- ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN, NAPROXEN: stomach indigestion, kidney dysfunction
Opioids
(prescription medication for moderate to severe pain)
- CODEINE: constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting
- HYDROCODONE/VICODIN: stomach pain, back pain, urinary dysfunction (painful or frequent urination), bowel dysfunction (constipation)
- HYDROMORPHONE/DILAUDID: bowel dysfunction (constipation, bloody, black, or tarry stool), decreased urination, severe stomach pain, cramping, or vomiting.
- MEPERIDINE/DEMEROL: urinary dysfunction decreased urinary frequency, decreased urine volume, difficulty passing urine (dribbling), pain with urination, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea
- MORPHINE: decreased urination, severe nausea, severe vomiting, severe constipation
- OXYCODONE/OXYCONTIN: bowel dysfunction (change in stool color and consistency), dark urine, abdominal pain, vomiting
- PROPOXYPHONE: constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
These are only some of the side effects that these medications can cause in relation to pelvic health. Many individuals report similar symptoms for pelvic floor dysfunction. Once your PT knows what medications you’re on, they can work with you to see if your symptoms are due to your medication, or for other reasons. That way you can then speak to your prescribing physician to make adjustments as needed.
