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Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor dysfunction often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Our physical therapists offer a wide range of pelvic floor treatments to correct dysfunction for all ages and genders.

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What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

The pelvic floor comprises muscles in the lower abdomen, pelvis, and perineum. These muscles form a sling and assist in supporting organs and help with bladder and bowel control and sexual activity. Unfortunately, statistics show that one out of every five Americans suffers from pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in their life. While it’s commonly found in women, it’s also an issue for men and children.

In pelvic floor physical therapy, a specially trained physical therapist will evaluate and treat any joint dysfunction, muscle tightness, muscle weakness or imbalance, or nerve involvement affecting pelvic floor function.

Is pelvic floor therapy the proper treatment?

Some common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction are trauma, childbirth, low back or SI dysfunction, postural or muscular imbalances, normal aging, or post-surgical treatment. No matter the cause, common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include:

  • Frequent need to urinate or presence of leakage
  • The feeling of not being able to have a complete bowel movement or several bowel movements in a short time
  • Constipation or straining
  • Pain during urination or intercourse
  • Pain in the low back, sacroiliac joint, or coccyx
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Pelvic pain (dyspareunia, vaginismus)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
male physical therapist showing female patient how to use resistance bands

Pelvic therapy FAQs

Am I the only one with this problem?

Not at all. One in seven 18-50 year old women experience chronic pelvic pain at some point in their life.

How is your pelvic floor assessment different from a physician assessment?

Our therapists are specially trained in evaluating the muscles and nerves related to your pelvic floor–often identifying weakness or tightness that can’t be seen on an MRI, CT, or other physician-ordered imaging. Using these evaluation skills, a physical therapist can develop a pelvic floor treatment plan unique to each patient’s needs.

How invasive is the pelvic floor assessment?

In most cases, an internal assessment is not needed. Our pelvic floor physical therapists are specialized in evaluating these muscle groups in many different ways. We will never require you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

Pelvic floor physical therapy benefits

The benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy include:

  • Decrease pain caused by pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Improve pelvic floor muscle control
  • Improve pelvic floor function

What to expect

Your first physical therapy appointment is about creating a personalized treatment plan based on your health history, diagnosis, and goals. Here’s what you can expect at your first physical therapy appointment:

Your first appointment will last about an hour. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

If applicable, bring your physician referral or prescription, insurance card, paperwork, ID, and co-payment.

At your appointment, we’ll do an initial evaluation and discuss your care plan.

Prepare for your visit

*Services are not available at every location. Visit our Locations page for more details.

Physical therapy insurance & payment options

We work with most major insurance providers. Although coverage will vary from plan to plan, many physical therapy, occupational therapy and speciality therapy programs are covered under insurance. Call now to confirm if your plan is in-network and to learn about our self-pay options.

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