Tell me about the pelvic floor-

  • The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a sling-like structure (the floor of the pelvis). It supports the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum.

  • Everyone!!

    • Support (for internal organs)

    • Sphincteric control (urethra, vagina, and anus)

    • Sexual function (relaxes for penetration and contracts for orgasm)

    • Stability (fixes the trunk with extremity movements)

    • Sump Pump (for the circulatory system to get lymphatic fluid from the legs back to the heart)

  • Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine), fecal incontinence (leakage of stool), pelvic organ prolapse (when the pelvic organs bulge into the vagina/rectum), painful intercourse, chronic pelvic pain, frequent urination, double voiding/incomplete voiding of urine, low back/hip pain, constipation, pain with voiding (bowel and/or bladder)

  • If you are experiencing any problems listed in the previous drop-down, if you are pregnant/post-partum, or if you want to learn more about your core/pelvic floor in the interest of being proactive. If you're unsure whether it's right for you, drop me a line. :)

    • Assess the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles

    • Teach you exercises to strengthen and/or relax your pelvic floor muscles

    • Perform manual techniques to relieve any adverse tension through pelvic floor (externally and/or internally) as well as surrounding areas such as back, hips, and abdomen

    • Provide biofeedback to help improve pelvic floor function and understanding

    • Offer advice on lifestyle changes to manage pelvic floor problems

    • Address any underlying contributing factors, such as posture or core weakness

  • Pelvic floor physical therapy should not be painful or scary. Given the nature of pelvic floor physical therapy, we will always talk through the reasoning for different techniques as well as what to expect. You have complete control over what we do/don't do- internal treatment will never be performed without enthusiastic consent and understanding. Your therapist will work with you to ensure that the exercises and treatments are comfortable.

  • The length of pelvic floor physical therapy varies depending on the individual and the severity of the problem.

    Many people see improvement and feel comfortable managing symptoms within a few weeks or months.

    Relevant to pregnancy- see next drop down.

  • Congrats!!

    In the absence of symptoms, it is beneficial to start around 20 weeks and to come approximately once a month.

    That said- it is never too early or too late.

    If you are experiencing pain/dysfunction, it is best to start as soon as possible as we are able to mitigate a lot of the musculoskeletal conditions that tend to occur with pregnancy.

    Any questions- drop me a line. :)

  • Yes, pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve sexual function. Assessing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction can help with pain, sensation, ability to/quality of orgasm, and overall sexual satisfaction.