PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY CAN HELP

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.

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, menopause 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.

TREATMENT SERVICES

Treatment may include the following:

Education in bowel, bladder and pelvic floor muscle anatomy and function
Surface EMG biofeedback
Biofeedback and/or Neurofeedback for pain, anxiety, trauma
Electrical stimulation
Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation
PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy)
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)

TREATMENT FOR

Constipation
Urgency and frequency
Urinary incontinence
Fecal incontinence
Recurrent UTIs
Overactive bladder
Interstitial Cystitis
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pregnancy preparation
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Postpartum and c-section recovery
Wrist, hand pain due to baby carrying, feeding etc.
Birth trauma recovery
Peri & post menopausal symptoms
Abdominal scars and adhesions
Low back pain/ SI pain/ Abdominal pain
Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation resulting in bulging)
Endometriosis

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PREGNANCY, BIRTH PREP & POSTPARTUM PROGRAMS

Core Functional Wellness offers customized programs to optimize your body for pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester, or postpartum period. Research shows that pelvic floor physical therapy and occupational therapy can reduce your risk of perineal tearing, prolapse and c-section and hasten any diastasis or scar recovery.

Your program may include:

Biofeedback assisted pelvic floor muscle assessment with exercise instruction to optimize your muscles for pregnancy and childbirth.
Biofeedback assisted identification of your optimal birthing positions.
Assessment of core strength and coordination, with development of personalized exercise program for diastasis and incontinence prevention/recovery.
Postural assessment and corrective techniques to reduce lower back pain, reduce prolapse risk and speed diastasis recovery.
Assessment of breathing mechanics with training to reduce shortness of breath and/or feelings of anxiety.
Massage and manual therapeutic techniques for pregnancy and postpartum aches and pains.
Instruction in perineal massage for birth preparation.
Postpartum home visit with nursing/feeding/lifting/carrying biomechanics assessment and wellness screening.
C-section and perineal massage instruction.
Development of home exercise program for safe return to exercise.
Education and techniques for safe return to intimacy.
Biofeedback and neurofeedback treatment for any issues around birth trauma.

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FAQS

Pelvic Floor Therapy

DO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE?

Contact us to receive an estimated cost for services at Core Functional Wellness. We have either in network or out of network relationships with most medical plans. If we are out of network with your insurance we offer courtesy billing for all eligible patients. With courtesy billing, you can be assured of receiving your maximum allowed reimbursement in as timely a manner as possible with zero effort on your part.. Additionally, you may also use your HSA/FSA cards for qualifying therapy services.

I'M UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE IDEA OF AN INTERNAL PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE ASSESSMENT. CAN I GET HELP WITHOUT IT?

While internal assessment enables us to gather the most detailed information in order to develop a targeted treatment plan, we understand that the idea of an internal assessment may be uncomfortable to some clients. We want to eliminate this potential barrier to seeking help and make sure all women feel comfortable coming for treatment. If a client declines internal assessment we use external biofeedback as a screening tool to assess pelvic floor function and assist with developing your treatment plan.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

First we will spend plenty of time talking with you about your experience and symptoms. This will include a detailed medical and social history as it relates to the issue you are seeking help for. We want you to be unhurried and heard!

Then we will assess your posture, walking patterns, breathing patterns, and overall strength in the upper body, lower body and core.

Based on these initial findings we may recommend an internal pelvic floor muscle assessment. This assessment is designed to get a full picture of the strength and coordination of your pelvic muscles, bones, ligaments and fascia. This assessment is conducted vaginally. No speculum or stirrups are used, you are comfortably lying on a treatment table with your legs supported by pillows.

If you are uncomfortable with this portion of the exam for any reason, it can either be deferred to a future visit, or we can do a biofeedback assisted external assessment of the pelvic floor muscles.

After the assessment your therapist will discuss the findings with you in detail along with a recommended treatment plan. Sometimes treatment may take as few as 1-2 visits, while other times your therapist may outline a longer treatment plan usually starting with more frequent visits, then tapering down in frequency as your symptoms improve.

You will leave the appointment with an understanding of WHY you are experiencing your symptoms and a PLAN to move toward resolution.

LOCATION

Core Functional Wellness is located at 543 Encinitas Blvd #114

Encinitas, CA. 92024

Consultations and appointments are available to out of area clients through our online Telehealth services.

ASK OUR BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR PAIN, LEAKING, OR OTHER SYMPTOMS: