What is Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation?
Millions of Americans suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, yet for most, the symptoms go unidentified and untreated. Statistics say that one out of every five Americans suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in their life. Pelvic floor dysfunction is not just a women’s disorder; men and children can be affected as well.
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles in the lower abdomen, pelvis and perineum. These muscles form a sling and assist in supporting the abdominal and pelvic organs, as well as help bladder and bowel control and sexual activity.
A physical therapist, specifically trained to treat pelvic floor dysfunction, will evaluate and treat any joint dysfunction, muscle tightness, muscle weakness or imbalance or nerve involvement affecting the function of the pelvic floor. They are trained to identify and develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient.
Common Diagnoses
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a wide range of problems that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor fail to work properly. Symptoms may include:
- Frequent need to urinate or presence of leakage
- Feeling of being unable to have a complete bowel movement or several bowel movements in a short period of time
- Constipation or straining
- Pain during urination or intercourse
- Pain in your low back, sacroiliac joint or coccyx
- Fecal incontinence
In many cases, the exact cause of pelvic floor dysfunction is unknown but some common causes are:
- Trauma
- Childbirth
- Low back or SI dysfunction
- Postural or muscular imbalance
- Normal aging process
- Post-surgical treatment
Common Conditions We Treat
- Pelvic Pain (Dysparuenia, Vaginismus)
- Urinary Incontinence
- Urinary Frequency & Urgency
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Fecal Incontinence
- Constipation
- Pre-Op/Post-Op Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Disorders
*Services are not available at all locations. Call or click the location page near you for that center’s services.
What to Expect
Every patient has a unique health history, diagnosis and personal goals. When you come for your first appointment, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
We work with most major insurance providers and do our best to help keep the paperwork pain-free. If you’d like to confirm your insurance coverage, please let us know and we can verify when you schedule. If your insurance provider requires a co-pay, we will ask for this payment at each visit. We accept payments by cash, check or credit card.
When to Arrive
On average, a patient’s first visit lasts about an hour. We typically ask patients to arrive 15 minutes early to sign-in, complete paperwork and/or change clothes.
What to Bring
On your first visit, you’ll need to bring your physician referral or prescription (if needed), your insurance card, your primary registration forms, your ID or driver’s license and your co-payment (as applicable). If desired, you may bring a change of clothing.
How it Works
During your first visit, your physical therapist will do an initial evaluation and discuss your plan of care. The therapist uses this information to set goals for your continued treatment. Physical therapy goals may include improved movement, strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as decreased pain. Your subsequent visits will focus on treatment that is based on your diagnosis and individualized goals.