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Pelvic Floor Weakness

Physical Therapy for Women’s Health & Pelvic Floor Concerns

Here are some statistics:

  • 4-35% of women have incontinence
  • 1 in 7 women have pelvic pain
  • 40% of women do Kegels incorrectly, meaning if they “just do their Kegels”, they could actually be making their problems worse.

Conditions we treat:

  • Stress/Urge incontinence (leaking urine/feces)
  • Urinary frequency
  • Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic pain
  • Constipation
  • Low back pain
  • SI (sacroiliac) dysfunction
  • Diastasis recti (splitting of the abdominal muscles)

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are these conditions that physical therapy can actually help?

YES! The organs of your pelvic region are supported by muscles. These muscles can become tight or weak just like any other muscle of your body. The goal of physical therapy is to stretch, strengthen, and balance these muscles and their function. If you are afraid, nervous or at all apprehensive about scheduling an appointment, that is OK! We are here to answer your questions, put you at ease, and help you achieve your goals!

What will my initial evaluation consist of?

Your initial evaluation is 45 minutes long. You will have the opportunity to share what brings you into physical therapy, what your concerns are, and what your goals for physical therapy are.

Your physical therapist may do some or all of the following:

  • Watch you do everyday movements such as walking and squatting down, or any other movement that causes your symptoms.
  • Test the range of motion of your hips, pelvis and spine
  • Test the flexibility of your muscles
  • Test your balance and core strength
  • Perform an internal exam to determine the tightness or laxity or your pelvic floor muscles as well as their strength and endurance
  • Test for internal and external trigger points (tender spots in your muscles that can refer pain to other spots in the body)

Do you have to do an internal assessment?

To assess the smaller muscles of your pelvic floor, an internal assessment provides the most accurate information. You will be able to discuss whether or not this type of assessment would provide useful information with your Physical Therapist at your first session.

What should I wear?

Something that is comfortable and allows for freedom of movement. You do not have to wear “work out” clothes.