Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
What is Pelvic Floor PT?
Pelvic Floor muscles make up the base of your core muscle and play a role in posture, toileting, sexual health and beyond. Like any other muscle group in the body, the pelvic floor muscles can be weakened, too tight of strained (to name a few) and contribute to difficulties that might include sensations of pressure, pain, pain with intercourse, incontinence, constipation and more. During a pelvic floor assessment and treatment, and with the patient's consent, the therapist will assess the integrity of the pelvic floor muscles intravaginally, intrarectally or externally. Following assessment, treatment will include exercises, manual therapy and activity modification. The internal work is merely a portion of the treatment - the pelvic floor works with the rest of the body.
Is Pelvic Floor PT for Me?
Pelvic health is relevant to anyone with a pelvic floor (so, yes, everyone). Sometimes the muscles need to build endurance, learn how to coordinate better or merely be taught to relax. If you're curious whether pelvic health is important for you, then, the answer is probably yes. Common diagnosis treated include: incontinence, Interstitial Cystitis, endometriosis, painful penetration, pelvic pain, prolapse, diastasis recti, pelvic congestion syndrome, post hysterectomy surgery. Physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum (vaginal or Caesarean births) are also indicated for treatment.
What Can I Expect for Treatment?
The first appointment will include a movement assessment, an assessment of breathing and abdominal mechanics and an internal assessment (if indicated and with consent). Treatment will begin during the first session. Generally, patients will return on a weekly basis for the first handful of sessions. As improvements are made, generally, biweekly appointments will continue until goals have been met. Treatment is client-centered and client-driven. Dr. Kathleen and Dr. Christine will work with individual's time and financial needs.
Pelvic Health Treatments
Pelvic Health Evaluation
60 minute initial evaluation for pelvic floor visits will include a thorough review of your health history, evaluation of your daily habits, internal assessment of your pelvic floor, and personalized manual therapy.
Pelvic Health Follow Up
45 minute follow-up visit for pelvic health will include personalized manual therapy, exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, home exercises and education.
Pelvic Health Annual
During this 1:1 hour appointment, we will assess the pelvic floor and abdominal muscle strength, mobility and coordination as a preventive treatment. Patients will leave with take home exercises, self care techniques and other great tools to assist in their daily pelvic health maintenance.