PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY

WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY?

Pelvic floor physical therapy and occupational therapy address dysfunction of the pelvic floor, which is a group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that span the bottom of the pelvis.  These muscles actually form the base of what we commonly call the "core" muscles, and are arguably the most important part of our core.

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 These unsung heroes maintain our urinary and bowel continence, support our pelvic organs and provide sexual appreciation. Due to a variety of factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, heavy lifting, high impact sports, obesity, aging, and chronic medical conditions, the pelvic floor may become weak or painful. Conditions such as urinary and/or bowel incontinence, constipation, pelvic and/or lower back pain, painful sex, and pelvic organ prolapse can result from pelvic floor dysfunction.  In young children, pelvic floor dysfunction most commonly results in constipation and bed wetting.

TREATMENT SERVICES

Treatment may include the following:

• Education in bowel, bladder and pelvic floor muscle anatomy and function

• Surface EMG biofeedback 

• Electrical stimulation

• Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation

• Myofascial release, scar tissue management and visceral mobilization techniques

• Pelvic floor exercises including Kegel exercises and Hypopressive exercises

• Muscle strengthening and relaxation training

• Behavioral and dietary modifications

• Bladder retraining

• Autonomic quieting techniques

• Skin care management

• Individualized Home Exercise Program (HEP)

CONDITIONS TREATED

• Constipation

• Urgency and frequency

• Urinary incontinence (enuresis)

• Fecal incontinence (encopresis)

• Recurrent UTIs

• Overactive bladder

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Peri & post menopausal complaints

• Abdominal scars and adhesions 

• Low back pain/ SI pain/ Abdominal pain

• Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation resulting in bulging)

• Prostatectomy pre-hab and rehab

• Endometriosis