Pelvic Health Physical Therapy: What Should You Expect?

Did you know that the proportion of women who report at least one pelvic floor disorder increases with age? In fact, almost 50% of women 80 or older deal with a pelvic health condition.

Women who experience a pelvic floor condition deal with uncomfortable symptoms, but there are ways to alleviate pain. The best method is by opting for pelvic health physical therapy.

Keep reading to learn what to expect during a visit with a pelvic floor therapist.

What Conditions Does Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Treat?

The condition you have will affect what you experience during pelvic floor therapy. A therapist focuses on pelvic health, but nutritional guidance, massage, and bodywork like yoga aid in combination with this therapy.

Endometriosis and incontinence are the two most frequent types of pelvic floor problems treated with therapy. A therapist can also help address the following issues:

• Bladder and bowel problems
• Prolapse
• Painful intercourse
• Genital skin conditions and vulvar pain
• Vaginismus
• Discomfort in the groin, hips, lower back, and legs

Reform Physiotherapy can help you alleviate symptoms of any of these conditions.

If you have chronic back pain, you might need to see a specialist in that specific area as well.

What to Expect During Pelvic Floor Therapy

Your first visit to pelvic health physical therapy will have a lot to do with your medical history, current lifestyle, and symptoms.

If you feel uncomfortable talking about an intimate part of your body, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that specialists are trained to help people deal with emotional discomfort and pelvic floor problems.

After you’ve told the therapist about your issue, they will evaluate the functioning of your hips, back, and your posture. They’ll list their findings and explain how physical therapy can help you.

Sometimes necessary are internal examinations that determine the flexibility and strength of your pelvic floor muscles.

Biofeedback may also be used in part to assess your condition. In this assessment, your therapist will use a sensor in your vagina or rectum. The sensors will monitor your pelvic muscles at work.

Treatment Options

Once the initial consultation is complete, a physical therapist will give you advice on your pelvic floor disorder. The second appointment provides you with a more detailed treatment plan.

The way your body responds might derail the treatment plan and cause changes to be made. You’ll likely receive internal soft tissues work to complete at home. Lubricants and other tools might assist in recovery as well.

These are common treatment options that a therapist might prescribe you:

• Exercises with tools
• Trigger point massages
• Generalized massage
• Stretching and yoga
• Improving lifestyle and nutrition
• Relaxation techniques

The suggestions you receive will be based on what condition you need to have treated.

Are You Worried About Your Pelvic Health?

If you worry about your pelvic health, opt for pelvic health physical therapy. A visit with a floor therapist can help you diagnose the problem and receive a treatment plan that works.

Once your therapist provides you with treatment advice, and you regularly use it, you should notice your symptoms dissipating.

Take care of your health by visiting a pelvic floor therapist today, and don’t forget to come back for more articles like this.