Revitalizing Female Pelvic Health with
Physical Therapy 

Below is a list of other common conditions we are able to treat:

Incontinence

Pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in bladder and bowel control. Incontinence can be caused by weak or overactive pelvic floor muscles. A pelvic health physical therapist can assess and treat pelvic floor dysfunctions. Treatment may include exercises to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles. Lifestyle modifications such as diet and fluid management can also be helpful in managing incontinence. Treatment outcomes can vary depending on the severity and cause of incontinence. It’s important to continue practicing pelvic floor exercises even after symptoms improve to maintain muscle strength. A pelvic health physical therapist can also provide education about proper toileting habits to prevent further damage or worsening of symptoms.

Post Abdominal Surgery

Abdominal surgery can cause restrictions in the abdominal muscles, which can lead to pain, decreased mobility, and difficulty breathing. Pelvic health physical therapy can help to restore normal function and mobility in the abdominal muscles. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises and gentle stretching techniques can be beneficial in aiding recovery after abdominal surgery. Scar tissue from abdominal surgery can cause pain and discomfort, and physical therapy may include soft tissue mobilization and other techniques to reduce scar tissue formation. Deep core strengthening exercises may be used to improve abdominal strength and stability following surgery. Therapy may also involve education on proper postural alignment and body mechanics to prevent further strain on the abdominal muscles.

Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs (such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum) drop down from their normal position. Pelvic floor muscle weakness and damage can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic health physical therapy can help improve pelvic floor muscle strength and provide support to the pelvic organs. A physical therapist will work with you to develop an exercise program that includes pelvic floor muscle exercises and stretches. Health education is an essential part of pelvic health physical therapy, including lifestyle modifications that can help prevent the progression of prolapse. Surgery or use of a pessary may be required in severe cases where physical therapy isn’t effective. Physical therapy can also be helpful as a post-operative treatment to strengthen weakened muscles after surgery. Regular and dedicated exercise is necessary to maintain long-term improvements in pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic Surgery

Pelvic surgery can affect the function and strength of the pelvic floor muscles. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and discomfort following pelvic surgery. Pelvic floor exercises can help to improve pelvic muscle strength and control. Patients may need to avoid certain activities, such as heavy lifting, for a period of time following pelvic surgery. Scar tissue from pelvic surgery can cause pain and discomfort, and physical therapy may include soft tissue mobilization and other techniques to reduce scar tissue formation. Education on proper bowel and bladder movements can help prevent constipation or urinary retention post-surgery. Patients can expect to participate in a customized program of pelvic health therapy and gradually progress to more advanced exercises as they recover from the surgery. Supervised physical therapy can accelerate the healing process by promoting healthy blood flow and re-establishing neural connections between the brain and pelvic floor muscles.

Pregnancy

The pelvic floor muscles undergo significant changes during pregnancy due to increased pressure from the growing uterus and hormonal changes. Pelvic health physical therapy can help pregnant women prepare for childbirth by teaching techniques for relaxing and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic health therapists can also assist with musculoskeletal pain such as low back pain, hip pain, or neck pain during pregnancy. Pelvic floor exercises and other physical therapy techniques can also help improve bladder and bowel control during pregnancy, which can be affected by changes in the pelvic floor. Pelvic health physical therapy can also help women recover after childbirth by addressing issues like pelvic pain, prolapse, and incontinence. Pelvic health physical therapy can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual woman, depending on factors like the stage of pregnancy, the specific issues they are experiencing, and their overall health and fitness level.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can have various causes, including muscle tension, nerve irritation, scar tissue, and inflammation. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be a contributing factor to pelvic pain, and physical therapy can help address this dysfunction. Pelvic health physical therapy for pelvic pain involves a variety of therapeutic techniques, including manual therapy, relaxation exercises, and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Patient education on posture, bowel and bladder management, and pain management is essential to pelvic health physical therapy for pelvic pain.

Bowel Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause various types of bowel disorders, such as constipation, fecal incontinence, and diarrhea. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve bowel function by utilizing exercises and techniques to improve muscle strength and coordination in the pelvic floor muscles. The therapist may also recommend lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and proper fluid intake, to help manage bowel dysfunction. Treatment for bowel dysfunction may take several weeks to months and typically requires regular sessions with a pelvic floor physical therapist. Patients may need to continue with pelvic floor physical therapy exercises even after the completion of treatment to maintain the gains made during therapy.