What to Expect from Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor.

It is typically performed by a physical therapist who has received specialized training in this area.

Learn more about the physical therapists at Rooted Physical Therapy by visiting our Team page.

Dr. Amanda Thompson is the owner of Rooted Physical Therapy and has been in practice since 2013. She is also a certified birth healing specialist, and has a passion for supporting women and their pelvic health in the perinatal phases.

Dr. Emalee Jones also specializes in women’s health physical therapy.

What To Expect During Pelvic Floor Therapy

At Rooted Physical Therapy, we want to get to the root cause of your pain and discomfort so we spend a significant amount of time talking about your symptoms and history.

During a pelvic floor physical therapy session, several key steps and interventions may occur:

1. Initial Assessment

The first step in pelvic floor physical therapy is a comprehensive assessment. Your physical therapist will take a detailed medical history and discuss your specific symptoms and concerns. This may include questions about pelvic pain, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and any relevant medical conditions or surgeries.

2. Physical Examination

A physical examination is conducted to evaluate the strength, flexibility, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. This may involve both internal and external assessments. For internal assessments, the physical therapist may use a gloved, lubricated finger to assess muscle tone and function.

3. Education

Education is a crucial component of pelvic floor physical therapy. Your therapist will explain the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor muscles, helping you understand how they contribute to various issues such as incontinence, pain, or prolapse.

You will also learn about proper posture, breathing techniques, and strategies to improve muscle coordination that you can continue to implement long after formal pelvic floor therapy is over.

4. Exercise and Rehabilitation

Based on the assessment findings, your physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan often includes exercises and techniques to address specific issues. Common exercises may include:

• Kegel Exercises: These exercises focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Your therapist will teach you how to identify and engage these muscles correctly.

• Biofeedback: Biofeedback devices may be used to provide real-time information on muscle activity, helping you learn to control and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles effectively.

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy, may be used to address muscle tension, adhesions, or tightness in the pelvic area.

• Stretching and Relaxation Techniques: Some individuals may benefit from stretching and relaxation exercises to alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility.

5. Behavioral Strategies

Your therapist may also discuss and implement behavioral strategies to manage pelvic floor issues. This can include strategies for bladder and bowel management, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes that can support your pelvic health.

As a certified health coach, Dr. Amanda Thompson has special training and expertise in giving advice for lifestyle modifications, so you can receive a holistic approach to your health and pelvic floor healing.

6. Home Exercise Program

In addition to in-clinic sessions, your therapist will often provide you with a home exercise program to continue your progress between appointments. Consistency with these exercises is key to achieving the best results.

Typically these home pelvic floor exercises consist of 10-20 minute stretching, deep breathing, and kegel exercises that can be performed in the small pockets of time you have available in your day.

Many pelvic floor patients are busy moms, but even these small shifts in daily movement can have a huge impact in healing your pelvic floor.

7. Progress Monitoring

Throughout your pelvic floor physical therapy journey, your therapist will regularly assess your progress. Adjustments to your treatment plan may be made as needed to address your specific needs and goals.

This allows for flexibility in the programming and making sure you are getting the most out of your exercise routine. The ultimate goal of pelvic floor therapy is to get you back to feeling comfortable and able to complete all of your daily activities of living without discomfort including sex, going to the bathroom, and exercise.

8. Open Communication

Effective communication with your physical therapist is essential. You should feel comfortable discussing any concerns, questions, or changes in your symptoms during your sessions. Your therapist will use this feedback to tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

9. Post-Treatment Care

Once you've achieved your treatment goals, your physical therapist will provide guidance on long-term maintenance and strategies to prevent recurrence of pelvic floor issues. This may include ongoing exercises or lifestyle modifications.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a patient-centered approach that aims to empower individuals to take control of their pelvic health. It is a collaborative process between you and your therapist, focusing on education, exercises, and strategies to improve your quality of life and overall well-being.

It's important to consult with a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist to receive personalized care and guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals.To schedule an initial consultation with one of our physical therapists, please fill out the form on our Contact Page.

What Are The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy, also known as pelvic floor physical therapy or pelvic rehabilitation therapy, offers a wide range of benefits for individuals experiencing pelvic floor issues. These benefits can significantly improve your quality of life and overall well-being. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Improved Pelvic Health

Pelvic floor therapy is designed to address a variety of pelvic health concerns, including pelvic pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. By targeting the root causes of these issues, therapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve pelvic function.

2. Enhanced Muscle Function

The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs, controlling bladder and bowel function, and facilitating sexual function. Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen and optimize the function of these muscles, leading to improved muscle tone and coordination.

3. Pain Relief

Many individuals experience pelvic pain, which can be caused by conditions like endometriosis, vulvodynia, or muscle dysfunction. Pelvic floor therapy incorporates techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain.

4. Reduced Incontinence

Pelvic floor therapy can be highly effective in addressing urinary and fecal incontinence. Through targeted exercises and bladder/bowel training, individuals can regain control over their continence and reduce embarrassing and inconvenient leakage.

5. Improved Sexual Function

Sexual dysfunction, including pain during intercourse, can often be related to pelvic floor issues. Pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate discomfort and improve sexual function by addressing underlying muscle dysfunction and tension.

6. Pregnancy and Postpartum Support

Pregnancy and childbirth can place significant strain on the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor therapy offers guidance and exercises to support pregnant individuals in preparation for childbirth and helps with postpartum recovery, addressing issues such as perineal tears and pelvic floor weakness.

7. Preoperative and Postoperative Care

For individuals undergoing pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomy or surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, preoperative and postoperative pelvic floor therapy can be essential. Preoperative therapy can help optimize pelvic floor function before surgery, while postoperative therapy can aid in the healing process and prevent complications.

8. Education and Self-Empowerment

Pelvic floor therapy involves comprehensive education about pelvic anatomy, function, and self-care. This knowledge empowers individuals to take an active role in their pelvic health and make informed decisions about their well-being.

9. Holistic Approach

Pelvic floor therapy takes a holistic approach to pelvic health, considering the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to pelvic issues. It offers a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's unique needs and goals.

10. Prevention of Future Issues

In addition to addressing current pelvic floor concerns, therapy can help individuals develop strategies to prevent future issues. This includes proper body mechanics, posture, and exercises to maintain pelvic health over time.

Overall, the benefits of pelvic floor therapy extend beyond symptom relief to encompass improved overall quality of life, greater confidence, and enhanced control over one's pelvic health.

If you are experiencing pelvic floor issues, consulting with a qualified pelvic floor therapist can be an important step toward achieving these benefits and regaining your well-being.

Contact the experts at Rooted today for your initial evaluation to see if pelvic floor physical therapy could help alleviate your pain and discomfort.