Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy, often referred to as ‘pelvic physical therapy,’ is a unique field of physical therapy. Physical therapists with specialized training can use pelvic floor treatments to help reduce or eliminate pain and other symptoms associated with several types of conditions. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Pelvic pain
• Urinary incontinence
• Overactive bladder syndrome/urinary frequency
• Pain related to endometriosis
• Pregnancy-related conditions such as pubic symphysis pain and/or low back pain

Some of our physical therapists at Bay State Physical Therapy may treat male-related conditions such as post-op prostatectomy care. Chronic pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and pain after abdominal surgery are just a few of the problems that can be treated with this type of therapy.

What is Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation?

Pelvic floor rehabilitation focuses on strengthening or stretching the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Muscles in the pelvic area sometimes become tight or weak, leading to a variety of painful or debilitating ailments that can affect your daily life. Our physical therapists will provide a musculoskeletal examination as well as gather medical history to determine what specific type of treatment you will need. Depending upon your physical therapists training and your comfort, the evaluation may include an internal muscle assessment. Your physical therapist will provide more details about what each examination will consist and thoroughly discuss each area of care prior to proceeding.

Depending on your examination findings, your physical therapist will prescribe strengthening and coordination exercises or stretching and relaxation techniques. Each patient is treated with an individualized program to promote reduction of symptoms and will be instructed in exercises to perform at home in between your clinic sessions. Aside from treating pain and incontinence, pelvic floor physical therapists also provide care to patients who are pregnant to assist with birthing preparation. It is common to see women in their postpartum period, regardless of vaginal or cesarean birth, so that patients will be confident with returning to an exercise program or to reduce pain with child-care tasks.

What Techniques are Used?

There are several techniques your physical therapists may use during a pelvic floor treatment session. The type of exercises and methods your physical therapist uses will depend on the treatment plan created to address your condition.

Postural Exercises – These types of exercises specifically improve posture and muscles impacting posture. Large therapy balls or medicine balls may be incorporated into your exercise routine.
Myofascial Exercises – Myofascial pain can result from trigger points located all over the body. Myofascial exercises will target the pelvic floor muscles and the connecting fascia. This may include internal stretching, abdominal massage, hip mobility and other joint mobilizations. Stretches, massages, and bouts of light exercise may all be part of the treatment prescribed by your physical therapist.
Diaphragmatic Breathing – Deep breathing exercises can help relax muscles in the pelvic area. Deep breaths allow your diaphragm to slowly contract and expand. This, in turn, causes muscles in the pelvic floor to drop and lengthen.
Relaxation Techniques – There are several techniques your physical therapist can use to help you relax. A few include guided imagery and biofeedback. Once relaxed, it will make it easier for your physical therapist to massage and stretch your muscles. In some cases, your pelvic floor PT may recommend a pelvic wand or pelvic dilator to assist in an at home stretching program. We can help you decide which, if either, would be indicated for your treatment, and instruction in the clinic is provided!

What Conditions Can Pelvic Physical Therapy Treat?

Pelvic floor rehabilitation can be beneficial for those suffering from several types of conditions. Pelvic dysfunction often includes several of the following:

• Postpartum Conditions – Some new mothers may experience strained muscles and connective tissue damage in the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor rehabilitation can strengthen these tissues and muscles and reduce any associated pain.
• Constipation – Through pelvic floor rehab your muscles in the pelvic and anal area can be loosened and relaxed. This will often help relieve or eliminate constipation.
• Endometriosis – Bones, ligaments, muscles, and nerves in the pelvic region can all be affected by the progression of endometriosis. Pelvic therapy can help lessen pain and bloating associated with endometriosis while also strengthening pelvic floor muscles.
• Urinary Frequency or Leakage – A physical therapy program will deal with the root causes of urinary problems. You will strengthen the muscles under your bladder instead of solely treating symptoms.
• Pain after Abdominal Surgery – Pelvic floor therapy can be effective in reducing pain after several types of surgeries. Treatment can help break up scar tissue, regain range of motion, and improve strength.
• Prostatectomy – Some of our pelvic floor PTs also treat men, specifically those who have undergone a prostatectomy and may be experiencing ongoing urinary incontinence. It is common for patients to be seen before surgery (pre-operative) to improve pelvic floor strength, endurance, and coordination prior to surgery procedure. We will ensure that your plan of care is coordinated with your surgeon to promote optimal outcomes.

These are just a few of the many conditions pelvic floor rehabilitation can relieve or eliminate. Painful intercourse and infertility problems may also be improved with pelvic therapy.

Start Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Today

Your health and comfort are essential to your ability to enjoy an active lifestyle. Our physical therapists at Bay State Physical Therapy can help you find relief from a variety of conditions related to pelvic floor diagnoses. Your care will be personalized to your unique symptoms and comfort, to promote a return to optimal health. Our physical therapists will assist you with several forms of exercise and massage to reduce pain, lessen symptoms, and potentially heal your condition. The goal of physical therapy is to provide relief from your pelvic symptoms, improve flexibility, relieve pain, and increase your overall functionality. 

View the Bay State Physical Therapy location list below that provide pelvic floor physical therapy services to find a location near you.