Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
What is pelvic health physical therapy?
Pelvic health physical therapy is a minimally invasive first-line treatment for addressing issues and enhancing function in the abdominal and pelvic regions, including bowel and bladder concerns and sexual problems, as it relates to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Your pelvic floor therapist will have undergone additional training, and many pelvic floor specialists have specific areas of focus. Don't hesitate to inquire about their special interests when you call to schedule an appointment.
How is pelvic floor therapy different from regular physical therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy primarily addresses issues related to the pelvic floor and abdominal area. While some aspects of the session may resemble traditional physical therapy, there are also significant differences.
To better understand what a pelvic floor treatment session entails, see the information below.
What types of treatments are included in pelvic floor therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy include treatments directed directly to the pelvic floor, such as:
 Internal pelvic floor treatments |  External pelvic floor treatments |
|---|---|
 Biofeedback |  Personalized pelvic floor exercises |
 Bowel and bladder training |  Sexual wellness |
If we only treat the pelvic floor, then we will be missing a big piece of the puzzle that may contribute to your problem. Pelvic floor therapy treatments will also include the following:
 Manual techniques to your organs (Visceral manipulation) |  Nerve mobilization where your therapist may treat you all the way up to your neck, i.e vagus nerve treament |
|---|---|
 Breathing exercises |  Posture correction |
 Exercises so that you can return to sport and activities |  Home exercise program |
Most of the time, pelvic floor dysfunction requires a holistic approach, and your pelvic floor therapist may include the following in your treatment plan:
 Education so that you can understand your problem |  Pain education and treatment techniques |
|---|---|
 Retraining functional activities |  Nutrition suggestions |
 Wellness education |
I think I need pelvic floor physical therapy, but I am not sure.
How can I find out?
Many pelvic floor therapists are available to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to give them a call.
The Cozean Pelvic Dysfunction Screening Tool can also be used as a quick screening tool to determine whether you may have pelvic floor dysfunction and whether you may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy.
(Click on the image to enlarge the pictures.)
 If you checked three or more factors, please consider a PT consultation. |  I sometimes have pelvic pain (in genitals, perineum, pubic or bladder area, or pain with urination) that exceeds a '3' on a 1-10 pain scale, with 10 being the worst pain imaginable. |
|---|---|
 I can remember falling onto my tailbone, lower back, or buttocks (even in childhood) |  I sometimes experience one or more of the following urinary symptoms: * Accidental loss of urine. * Feeling unable to completely empty my bladder. * Having to void within a few minutes of a previous void. * Pain or burning with urination. * Difficulty starting or frequent stopping/starting of urine stream. |
 I often or occasionally have to get up to urinate two or more times a night. |  I sometimes have a feeling of increased pelvic pressure or the sensation of my pelvis organs slipping down or falling out. |
 I have a history of pain in my lower back, hip, groin, or tailbone or have had sciatica. |  I sometimes experience one or more of the following bowel symptoms: * Loss of bowel control * Feeling unable to completely empty my bowels * Straining or pain with a bowel movement * Difficulty initiating a bowel movement |
 I sometimes experience pain or discomfort with sexual activity or intercourse. | Sexual activity increases one or more of my other symptoms. |
 Prolonged sitting increases my symptoms. |
“The natural healing force within each of us
is the greatest force in getting well.”
― Hippocrates
