Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Pelvic Physical Therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy devoted to the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular dysfunction related to the pelvis. 360 degree pelvic rehabilitation physical therapists are trained to identify and address the multiple contributing factors of pelvic floor dysfunction, utilizing an individually designed and specific treatment regimen geared towards each patient's individual needs.
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles and other tissues that form a sling from the pubic bone to the tailbone. They assist in maintaining upright posture, supporting abdominal and pelvic organs, and help to control bladder, bowel and sexual activity.
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a wide range of problems that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor are not functioning normally and are often too tight or weak. There is often related impairments of the abdomen, sacroiliac joint, low back, coccyx and/or hip joint, that accompany this condition, and can contribute to pain and loss of function.
Pelvic floor issues are rarely isolated, and it is common for symptoms to emerge together or for one problem to cause a cascading effect and should be treated comprehensively to resolve the symptoms. Some conditions treated by a 360 degree pelvic rehabilitation physical therapist include:
Women:
- Urinary Incontinence
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Fecal Incontinence
- Constipation
- Urinary Urgency/Frequency
- Voiding Dysfunction
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia
- Vestibulitis/
Vestibulodynia
- Painful Bladder Syndrome/
Interstitial Cystitis
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Chronic Abdominal Pain
- Levator Ani Syndrome
- Coccydynia
- Pregnancy related issues
Men:
- Urinary Incontinence
- Fecal Incontinence
- Constipation
- Urinary Urgency/Frequency
- Chronic Prostatitis (non-bacterial)
- Post-Prostatectomy Urinary/Bowel Dysfunction
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Testicular/Penile Pain
- Coccydynia
Physical Therapy Treatment:
- Postural education and functional training
- Education on dietary irritants and bowel/bladder diaries
- Manual Therapy: soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy, connective tissue manipulation, dry needling, myofascial release
- Movement and Exercise Training
- Relaxation Techniques, breathing, down training, chronic pain education
- Modalities: biofeedback and electrical stimulation