Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor muscle tone can change for many reasons. Pregnancy and childbirth, genetics, the aging process or chronic constipation are some of the most common causes, and it can affect men, women and children. This may result in the muscles becoming too stretched and loose, weakened, or too tight and restricted. Both decreased and increased muscle tone can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary incontinence and pelvic pain associated with such issues as endometriosis or pelvic organ prolapse are very common. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.

Today, a wide variety of treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction exist to help you get back to living the life you want. Many of these treatments are available through a physical therapist. Our physical therapists can coordinate your treatment and work with your physician to ensure your success.

What is Your Pelvic Floor & Why is Physical Therapy So Important?

Pelvic Floor Conditions We Treat

Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction in Adults and Children

Pelvic organ prolapse
Urinary incontinence
Urinary retention
Bedwetting
Pain with urination or defection
Fecal incontinence
Encopresis

Constipation
Straining with bowel movements
Dyssynergic defecation
Proctaligia Fugax
Erectile dysfunction
Secondary anorgasmia

Conditions Resulting in Pelvic Pain

Low back pain
Nerve Entrapment Syndrome
Abdominal pain
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Levator Spasm / Levator Ani Syndrome
Scar tissue sensitivity
Endometriosis
Interstitial Cystitis

IBS
Vulvodynia / Vestibulodynia
Tailbone pain
Prostatitis
Vaginal, rectal pain
Testicular pain
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)

Pre-and Post-Surgical Rehab for Pelvic Surgeries

Repair of vaginal wall
Repair pelvic organ prolapse
Surgery to repair hernia
Surgery to repair diastasis recti
Prostatectomy
Hysterectomy
Surgeries involving Gastro-intestinal system

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Secondary to Oncology Treatments

Pelvic Health Therapy: What to Expect

Goals of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy with WakeMed Rehab

Improved quality of life
Reduced pain

A higher understanding of the body
Improved control over symptoms

Pelvic health therapy involves physical methods of strengthening and or relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor to help improve core stability and control over urination, bowel movements and sexual function.

During your pelvic health therapy evaluation, patients can expect one-on-one time with their physical therapist in a private therapy room. We strive to provide patients with a comfortable, quiet and supportive environment to share their stories.

Pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms are very common, and we appreciate patients seeking our professional help to resolve their symptoms and improve their quality of life. We will listen to and discuss your symptoms regarding onset, triggers, duration, frequency, intensity, impact on your life and daily activities, and what you expect to gain from therapy.

We will discuss the role of musculoskeletal and neurological systems relevant to your symptoms using educational material including pictures, handouts and 3D anatomy models. With your consent, we will complete an assessment of the pelvic girdle muscles, joints and sensory functions and then discuss a treatment plan to address your specific symptoms.

Therapy sessions may include exercises designed to address the presenting symptoms, manual therapy as indicated, pain management techniques, education and strategies to improve pelvic health related to specific patient symptoms. Your therapist may also use biofeedback technology to improve your awareness and control of your pelvic floor muscles.