What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Many people have heard of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, but what is it? It seems to be this new, hot buzzword that is sweeping through and blowing up Instagram reels. If you haven't familiarized yourself with what Pelvic Floor PT is and if it is right for you, then keep reading. This article will help you find out.
*Refine specializes in women’s health which is whom this article is addressing.
What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
In a nutshell, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy helps women be able to comfortably do all of the important things that no one wants to talk about: defecate, urinate, birth a child, and have sex. Yes, it is mind blowing that if you are having a problem in any of those areas (even if it is “minor”) there is treatment and yes, you can seek help.
What does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy entail?
1. Initial Evaluation
First, a lengthy subjective history will be taken. Be prepared to answer questions involving your bowel/bladder habits, sexual health, previous pain/injury, and your individual goals. Next, a thorough physical assessment will be performed through movement analysis, muscle strength testing and general flexibility. Depending on the individual, an internal assessment may be extremely valuable to effectively treat your condition. This is a single finger intravaginal examination to assess and treat muscles and ligaments of the internal hip and pelvic floor. Like anywhere else in your body, the pelvic floor does not work in isolation and therefore, Pelvic Floor physical therapy should include the assessment of:
Posture
Movement (specifically any movements that are causing problems for you)
Rib cage position
Breathing mechanics
Abdominal tone and coordination
Hip strength and flexibility
Pelvic Floor integrity
Related scar tissue mobility
Ankle/foot posture
2. Follow Ups
After a thorough examination to determine where underlying issues reside, I will write an individual treatment program for you. Follow ups consist of a combination of manual therapy to treat underlying tissue abnormalities and therapeutic exercise to resolve your problem at the root source. You will also receive an individual home exercise program which is basically a prescription for movements you can perform at home to optimize your treatment sessions.
3. Continuation of Care
Our clinic is different from many other physical therapy clinics because we won’t discharge you the moment you seem better. At Refine Physical Therapy, we place a very high value on the relationships that we build with clients as well as the results that our clients achieve AND maintain. This means that our doors are always open for you when you want to see us. We can help you stay accountable for maintaining the results you have achieved as well as tackle any new issues if they come up.
What makes Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy different from Physical Therapy?
To keep it simple, Pelvic Floor specialists go through extra training to be able to assess and treat the pelvic floor internally. That being said, most clinicians that I have met that are “Pelvic PTs” are not just qualified, but are extremely PASSIONATE about helping their clients. Therefore, care from a pelvic specialist can be expected to be of high quality.
Who would benefit from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Are you a woman? Do you have a vagina? Have you had children? Have you found yourself reading this?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Pelvic PT is for you.
Here are more specific indications that you should not wait and schedule an appointment today:
👉Currently Pregnant
👉Postpartum
👉Pelvic Pain
👉Low Back Pain
👉Groin Pain
👉Incontinence/leaking
👉Prolapse
👉Urinary frequency and urgency
👉SI pain (sacroiliac joint pain)
👉Pain with sex
👉Diastasis Recti
👉Abdominal Pain
👉Birth Scars (c-section, episiotomy, perineal)
👉Return to Exercise
👉Constipation
👉General feeling of not having the same strength as prior to children
