Pelvic Floor
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Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Focuses on the Evaluation and Treatment of Conditions Related to the Pelvic Floor Muscles and Associated Structures.
The Big Picture
Pelvic floor physical therapy is for males and females of all ages and aims to address issues such as pelvic pain and dysfunction. This is done by examining and treating the muscles, joints, nerves, and other connective tissue of the pelvis as well as the surrounding regions.
Common Conditions Treated:
- Stress and urge urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence and constipation
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic and perineum pain
- Prenatal and postnatal care
- Recovery following pelvic surgeries
Digging a Little Deeper:
The pelvic floor can become weak, tight, uncoordinated, or painful just like all the other muscles of the body which can lead to a variety of hard to talk about symptoms. People may experience leaking urine or fecal matter, difficulty using the bathroom, pressure in the pelvis, pain with normal daily tasks, and pain or dysfunction during sex.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
If you think of your trunk as a house, your diaphragm is the roof, your abdominal and spinal muscles are the walls, and your pelvic floor is the concrete foundation. The multiple pelvic floor muscles work together to contract and relax to allow for bowel and bladder function as well as be the stable foundation that maintains organ positioning. All of the other parts of the “house” work hand in hand with the pelvic floor though, which is why pelvic floor therapy involves treatment of the whole body.
Conditions Treated with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect individuals of different ages and stages of life. Physical therapy may be beneficial for a variety of pelvic health concerns, including:
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Urge urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
- Constipation
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic and perineal pain
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness
- Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles
- Prenatal pelvic pain
- Postpartum recovery
- Pain or dysfunction during sexual activity
- Recovery following pelvic surgery
- Core weakness associated with pelvic floor dysfunction
- Difficulty coordinating bowel or bladder function
Because similar symptoms can have different causes, your therapist will perform an individualized evaluation before recommending treatment.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Depending on your condition, pelvic floor rehabilitation may help:
- Improve bladder control
- Improve bowel function
- Reduce pelvic pain
- Improve pelvic floor strength
- Relax overactive pelvic floor muscles
- Improve muscle coordination
- Reduce pelvic pressure or discomfort
- Improve core stability
- Support prenatal and postpartum recovery
- Improve confidence during everyday activities
- Help patients better understand and manage their symptoms
Our goal is to help you achieve meaningful improvements that translate into greater comfort and confidence in everyday life.
Pelvic Floor Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment length varies based on your condition, symptoms, goals, and response to therapy. Following your evaluation, your therapist will recommend an individualized plan of care and monitor your progress throughout treatment.
Treatment should be based on your comfort level. Some patients may experience sensitivity when painful or tight tissues are evaluated, but your therapist will communicate with you throughout treatment and modify techniques as needed.
Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial during postpartum recovery, particularly for patients experiencing urinary leakage, pelvic discomfort, core weakness, or difficulty returning to exercise and normal activities.
Yes. Some forms of constipation are associated with difficulty coordinating or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Your therapist can evaluate whether pelvic floor dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment program.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help many patients experiencing stress or urge urinary incontinence by addressing muscle strength, coordination, breathing, movement, and bladder habits.
No. An internal examination may provide useful information in some cases, but it is performed only when clinically appropriate and with your consent. Your therapist will explain your options and answer any questions before proceeding.
No. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect both women and men. Treatment is individualized based on each patient’s symptoms, anatomy, medical history, and goals.