Pelvic Floor Therapy
Helping You Regain Control of Everyday Life
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a subspecialty of physical therapy in which therapists address the muscles, nerves and connective tissue of the pelvic floor, or pelvic diaphragm, to assist patients with a variety of diagnoses and conditions. The pelvic floor is the base to the body’s core and performs many functions throughout one’s day and life. Pelvic floor therapy may be a part of a larger recovery or addressing a dysfunction all on its own. While pelvic floor problems are common, they are not normal problems, and they do not have to be a part of your life.
The Pelvic Health Physical Therapy program offered through Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine services at Aspen Valley Health focuses on treatment of conditions that affect the low back, pelvic floor and the hips. Our rehab experts offer a complete evaluation with an individualized tailored approach, including a biomechanical movement screening, functional strength evaluation and, if appropriate, an internal examination for a complete pelvic floor strength, endurance and coordination assessment. At Aspen Valley Health, we will always create an individualized treatment plan to address each patient’s specific goals.
What to Expect From Pelvic Floor Therapy
When To See A Pelvic Floor Therapist
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic pain
- Hip and back pain
- Pregnancy-related pain
- Post-partum pain & recovery
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Pudendal neuralgia
- Genital pain (vulvodynia)
- Overactive bladder (OAB)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Oncological diagnoses
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Tail bone pain (coccydynia)
- Abdominal and rectal pain
- Diastasis recti
- Prostate dysfunction
Questions To Ask If You Think You Need To See A Pelvic Floor Therapist
- Do you leak with coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise?
- Do you have difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels?
- Do you experience urgency or frequency of urination?
- Do you have pain in the pelvic region, low back or hips?
- Do you experience pain during or after intercourse?
- Do you feel pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area?
Pelvic Floor Symptoms & Conditions
Bladder problems
Bladder dysfunction can significantly impact daily life. Common symptoms that may benefit from pelvic floor therapy include:
- Urinary incontinence (stress, urge or mixed)
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Painful urination
- Overactive bladder (OAB)
- Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
Bowel problems
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect bowel function in many ways. Symptoms may include:
- Fecal incontinence
- Constipation
- Difficulty emptying the bowels
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Rectal pain or pressure
Pelvic pain
Chronic or acute pelvic pain can have many causes and often involves the pelvic floor muscles. Conditions include:
- Vulvodynia (genital pain)
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- Pudendal neuralgia
- Coccydynia (tail bone pain)
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
- Endometriosis-related pain
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles weaken and can no longer support the pelvic organs. Symptoms include:
- Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
- Bulging or protrusion sensation
- Difficulty with bladder or bowel emptying
- Low back pain or discomfort
Sexual dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to sexual health concerns. Symptoms may include:
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Decreased sensation or difficulty with arousal
Pelvic Floor Treatments and Therapies
If you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, your AVH care team will create a treatment plan based on your condition and specific needs. Treatment may include pelvic floor muscle retraining, biofeedback, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, behavioral modifications and patient education. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our Pelvic Health Physical Therapy program, call 970.544.1177.
“Pelvic health therapy is another way to approach patient care with a focus on the pelvis and the roles it plays in our lives, including stability, mobility, continence and sexual functions.”
— Dr. Ellen Barlow, PT, DPT