What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your pelvic area, you could benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. This type of therapy focuses on muscles that can affect bowel and bladder control, sexual activity and much more.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with:
- Pelvic & abdominal pain
- Pre/post-partum care
- Painful intercourse
- Restore function to core muscles
- Weightlifting pelvic health
- Athlete/runner pelvic health
- Incontinence & bowel Issues
- Scar tissue (from surgery/delivery)
- Prostate Cancer
Your pelvic floor therapist will perform an evaluation of your pelvic floor starting with assessing your posture and pelvic alignment, and then work externally with manual techniques to help release areas of tension that are contributing to your condition.
After discussion in your initial evaluation, your provider may suggest assessing your internal pelvic floor muscles which involves a vaginal or rectal exam. An internal exam offers the provider information on strength and trigger points just like the external muscles. At the end of your treatment, you will be provided with an individualized plan and will be given a home exercise routine to help speed up progress. Typically, you will see your pelvic floor therapist once per week just like you would see a physical therapist weekly for a neck injury.
As part of your therapy, you will be asked to perform prescribed exercises and make certain lifestyle changes. Treatments may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle coordination training
- Abdominal and core strengthening
- Postural awareness and safe body mechanics with daily activities
- Resistance training and/or cardiovascular exercises
- Bladder/ bowel training
- Dietary modifications
- External and/or internal manual stretching
- Electronic biofeedback
Dr. Makenzie Grevelding, PT, DPT, is the Pelvic Floor Specialist at St. Vincent Health Therapy Services.
Call 719-486-7180 for more information or an appointment.
