Pelvic health physical therapy can be an effective treatment when it comes to a variety of conditions specific to the pelvis and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. But what is pelvic floor therapy, and how do you know when you need this kind of treatment?
Pelvic floor therapy is a form of physical therapy designed to strengthen, relax and retrain the muscles that support your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. For many people, it can be life-changing.
If pelvic floor symptoms are interfering with your daily routine, work, exercise or intimacy, now is the time to talk with a provider. Make an appointment with a physical therapy specialist trained in pelvic floor health to get a personalized evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What conditions does pelvic floor therapy treat?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective treatment for a wide range of pelvic health concerns. Specially trained pelvic health physical therapists, like Julia Skelton, PT, DPT, PRPC, and Mary Tepe, PT, DPT, in our Greenville market, work with men and women to address symptoms related to:
- Stress and urge urinary incontinence
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pregnancy and postpartum-related dysfunction
- Diastasis recti
- Tailbone pain
- Constipation
- Fecal incontinence
- Pelvic and genital pain
- Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis
- Painful intercourse, dyspareunia or vaginismus
What can you expect at your first appointment?
You will meet one-on-one with a pelvic floor physical therapist in a private examination room. To understand your symptoms, your therapist will ask questions related to bowel, bladder and sexual function, as well as any pain you may be experiencing.
With your consent, a physical examination may be performed to assess pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility. A medical chaperone can be made available upon request.
By the end of the visit, you and your therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan. Follow-up appointments typically occur one to two times per week for 45 to 60 minutes. Many patients notice symptom changes within four to six weeks, with full courses of care often lasting eight to 12 weeks depending on symptom severity and chronicity.
During follow-up appointments, treatment may include:
- Manual therapy
- Biofeedback
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Electrical stimulation
- Postural retraining
- Body mechanics education/retraining
- Bowel and bladder health education/retraining
These and other appropriate treatments will be customized to your individual needs and goals.
What are the possible outcomes?
Pelvic floor rehabilitation takes time because you are retraining muscles. Progress is not always linear – there may be ups and downs – but physical therapists look for overall improvement in symptom severity, frequency and ease of management
Consistency matters. Attending appointments regularly and completing your home exercise program are key factors in achieving meaningful progress.
Should you avoid any activities during treatment?
You don’t have to avoid any specific activities during therapy. However, it’s important to let your physical therapist know about any new or changing treatments you begin, as these may influence your plan of care.
What lifestyle changes can improve pelvic health?
Exercise recommendations will be individualized, but simple daily habits can support your progress:
- Drink more water and fewer bladder irritants, such as coffee, tea, carbonated beverages and alcohol. Drinking water also keeps you hydrated and helps to avoid constipation.
- Use the restroom every two to four hours: Avoid both “just in case” voiding and prolonged holding.
- Eat fiber: Fiber will help to regulate your stool consistency, keeping it formed but soft enough to pass easily.
- Breathe: Practice diaphragmatic breathing to support pelvic floor mobility and reduce urinary, bowel and pain symptoms.
- Move your body: There are endless benefits to leading an active lifestyle. Maintaining functional strength and independence is incredibly important, especially as you age. Staying active helps you move through life with more ease and confidence.
How to maintain progress after therapy
Before discharge, your therapist will help you develop a maintenance home exercise program tailored to your goals. Physical therapy aims to restore movement and function so you can continue progressing independently after treatment ends.
What if pelvic floor therapy doesn’t help?
Physical therapy can help clarify what is contributing to your symptoms. If additional evaluation or care is needed, your physical therapist will help connect you with the appropriate providers. You remain in control of your care, and your therapist is there to support you in navigating next steps.
Can pelvic floor dysfunction return?
Yes, pelvic floor symptoms can return – especially if home exercises or functional strategies are discontinued. Muscles respond to the demands placed on them. Maintaining your home program, along with healthy sleep and stress management habits, helps prevent recurrence.
How we can help
There are evidence-based, conservative treatment options for every type of pelvic floor dysfunction. If you are experiencing pelvic health concerns, a pelvic floor physical therapist is an excellent place to start your healing journey.
If you are diagnosed with any conditions associated with your pelvic floor muscles or notice symptoms that interfere with your daily life, make an appointment with a pelvic floor therapist to start treatment.
Learn more about the women’s health services we provide at Bon Secours.
