Pelvic Floor Therapy & Treatment

Some people may think that pelvic pain is just part of getting older, an effect of childbirth or just something you have to get used to. But pelvic pain is not normal for anyone and there are ways to get relief.

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on one of the most essential parts of your body – the pelvic floor. This important group of muscles supports your core, helps control the function of your bladder and bowels and even contributes to sexual health.

By addressing issues such as pelvic pain, incontinence and discomfort, pelvic floor therapy empowers you to lead a more comfortable and fulfilling life. You can place your trust in the exceptional training and experience of the Banner Physical Therapy team, as they work closely with you on your journey to recovery.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is primarily focused on the pelvic floor muscles and the lack of control of these muscles. The pelvic floor supports and controls organs like the bladder, uterus, prostate and rectum.

People who have pelvic floor dysfunction struggle to correctly contract, relax and coordinate their pelvic floor muscles which can cause issues for these organs and muscles in this area of the body. S ymptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are often first described by patients as just simply, pain. This pain can be caused by obesity, childbirth, surgery or traumatic injury to these organs and the pelvic area.

Pelvic floor issues can significantly impact your daily life and overall well-being. These issues might manifest as urinary incontinence, making it challenging to control your bladder. They can also lead to discomfort and pain in the pelvic region, affecting your ability to engage in regular activities comfortably. Additionally, pelvic floor disorders might disrupt sexual function, leading to intimacy concerns.

Conditions commonly associated with pelvic floor dysfunction include:

• Chronic pelvic pain 
• Coccyx/tailbone pain
• Constipation
• Difficulty voiding
• Fecal incontinence / urgency
• Hernia repair
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Low back pain
• Menopause
• Muscle spasm
• Muscle weakness
• Myofascial pain (muscle pain)
• Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Painful bladder syndrome
• Painful periods
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Post-surgical conditions (pelvic surgery)
• Pregnancy / postpartum issues (perineal tears, cesarean section scars)
• Prostatectomy
• Pubic symphysis pain (SPD) 
• Pudendal neuralgia
• Scars / adhesions
• Separation of abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)  
• Sexual dysfunction
• SI joint pain (sacroiliac joint)
• Urinary frequency / urgency
• Urinary incontinence (stress and urge)
• Vaginismus

Addressing these issues through pelvic floor therapy can bring relief, restore your confidence and improve your quality of life.

Who is affected by this?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect a wide range of individuals, regardless of age or gender. While it's more commonly associated with women due to factors like pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, men can also experience pelvic floor issues. People of all ages, from young adults to the elderly, can be affected by pelvic floor dysfunction. It's essential to recognize the signs and seek appropriate care to maintain pelvic health and overall well-being.

What is pelvic floor therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy can assist with strengthening and retraining these muscles to help lessen pain and discomfort. This type of therapy can include both external and internal therapy methods. Your physical therapist will review your treatment options when it comes time to start therapy.

Benefits of pelvic floor therapy

Pelvic floor therapy can bring about a positive transformation in your life. Some of the benefits include:

• Regaining control over incontinence: Dealing with incontinence can be a distressing experience, impacting your confidence and freedom. Pelvic floor therapy addresses both stress and urge incontinence by strengthening and retraining the pelvic floor muscles responsible for bladder control. With the guidance of skilled therapists, you can learn techniques that enhance muscle coordination, reduce leakage episodes and ultimately regain control over your bladder function.
• Supporting postpartum recovery: The postpartum period brings unique challenges, including weakened pelvic floor muscles and discomfort. Pelvic floor therapy provides valuable support during this phase, assisting you in recovering strength, stability and comfort after childbirth. Therapists work with you to create personalized exercises that aid in rebuilding the pelvic muscles, contributing to a smoother recovery and improved overall well-being.
• Relieving pelvic pain: If pelvic discomfort or pain has been affecting your daily life, pelvic floor therapy can be a game-changer. Through a combination of tailored exercises and expert techniques, therapists work alongside you to identify the sources of pain and offer effective strategies to alleviate it. Whether the discomfort is related to muscle tension, injury or other factors, pelvic floor therapy aims to reduce pain and restore your comfort.
• Enhancing quality of life: Ultimately, the benefits of pelvic floor therapy extend beyond addressing specific concerns. By promoting pelvic health, you're actively contributing to an improved quality of life. Whether it's reducing pain, enhancing bladder control or fostering postpartum recovery, pelvic floor therapy empowers you to embrace daily activities with confidence and comfort.

Our skilled pelvic floor therapists are dedicated to understanding your unique needs and crafting individualized treatment plans that cater to your concerns.

What happens in pelvic floor therapy and treatment?

During your first evaluation, your therapist will discuss your symptoms, medical history and medications.

The evaluation will include also include a physical exam to assess muscle strength, coordination and control. The therapist may do special tests to evaluate pain, muscle tension and function. This evaluation may include an internal exam of the pelvic floor muscle. A plan for next steps can be determined, and pelvic floor therapy can begin. 

A typical pelvic floor therapy session is designed to provide you with targeted and personalized care to address your specific concerns. During the session, you'll work closely with a skilled therapist who will guide you through a series of exercises and techniques tailored to your needs. The therapist will begin by assessing your pelvic floor muscles' strength and function, helping to identify any areas that may need improvement. Through a combination of hands-on guidance and instructional exercises, you'll learn how to engage and strengthen these muscles effectively.

The therapist will also provide valuable insights into proper posture, breathing techniques and strategies to incorporate pelvic floor exercises into your daily routine. Throughout the session, your comfort and progress are prioritized, creating a safe and supportive environment for your pelvic health journey. With each session, you'll gain the knowledge and tools to actively participate in your recovery and overall well-being.

What happens after therapy?

After therapy, your physical therapist may prescribe a home exercise plan to continue strengthening these muscles. Discuss next steps with your therapist to ensure you’re on the same page moving forward.

The team at Banner Physical Therapy is here to answer any questions before, during, and after pelvic floor therapy - our team of trained physical therapists is here to help.

About CoreVia Pelvic Health

CoreVia Pelvic Health is a specialized program powered by Banner Physical Therapy. Patients work with specially trained pelvic health clinicians who provide them with the most effective pelvic health therapy available. Ultimately, CoreVia gives patients peace of mind and restores quality  of life.