Pelvic Floor Therapy

Who We Are

Pregnancy, childbirth, chronic coughing, surgery, trauma and aging can cause pelvic floor muscle tension, incoordination and weakness.

At Greater Regional Health, we understand the intimacy of these issues. Our specialty-trained healthcare professionals are devoted to treating conditions in a discreet and comfortable environment, providing comprehensive care in one location. Pelvic treatment can often improve your quality of life.

Its More Than Kegels

Pelvic Floor disorders are common, but you don't have to live with the symptoms. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a broad term that  covers many diagnosis and conditions. The group of muscles in the pelvic area make up the pelvic floor. Similar to a sling, our pelvic muscles support the bladder, uterus in women, and rectum. When the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic area don't work as they should, this can lead to symptoms like:

• Urinary leakage

• Frequent or urgent need to go to the bathroom

• Uncomfortable or impossible intercourse

• Discomfort with routine gynecological exams

• Discomfort with tampon insertion

• Uncomfortable or burning sensation with urination in absence of UTIs

• Pressure "down there" (pelvic prolapse)

• Pelvic, tailbone, low back or hip pain

• Pregnancy-related pain

• Postpartum care

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic Floor physical therapy is a specialty area of physical therapy. A physical therapist with advanced training, will examine, assess, and evaluate your pelvic floor as well as other aspects of your body that may be contributing to your symptoms. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists treat the pelvic floor; but, more importantly, they treat you as a whole person. It may include:

• Exercises to identify and strengthen the pelvic floor

• Exercises to promote relaxation and elongation of pelvic floor musculature

• Biofeedback techniques to improve muscles contraction and relaxation

• Electrical stimulation to improve awareness and strengthen muscles

• External and internal soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release to address muscle imbalances

• Core strengthening exercises

• Joint mobilization

• Relaxation and restorative techniques

• Self-care education and lifestyle changes that can help improve symptoms

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Benefits During Pregnancy and Postpartum Care

• Preparation of pelvic floor muscles for delivery

• Low back pain, hip pain, groin pain during pregnancy or postpartum

• Post partum recovery and return to activities/exercise

• Discomfort at or around c-section incision

• Discomfort with intercourse

• Urinary leakage

• Education on proper positioning for breast feeding and lifting to prevent discomfort

What to Expect During Treatment

A comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation will be performed at the initial appointment. There will be a review of your medical history, diagnosis and other concerns pertinent to care. You will also be given the tools and knowledge to help achieve success.

Therapy session will take place in a private treatment room. Depending on the condition, a physical therapist will examine hip, abdomen, low back, and pelvic floor muscle strength/tone and tenderness. This can be done externally or with a vaginal exam.

A home exercise program will be designed to assist patients in reaching their goals. The duration and frequency of appointments depends on the patient's condition, examination findings, patient's goals, and other factors.

Appointments generally last 45 minutes.