PELVIC HEALTH
PELVIC HEALTH PROGRAM
If you find yourself struggling with pelvic floor issues but you aren't sure if physiotherapy is the right treatment for you - hopefully this section provides you with some insight on what services we provide and how we can help!
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Pelvic Floor Therapists:
Candis Moore
Julie Medwid
Candis and Julie both have Masters degrees in Physical Therapy and have taken numerous pelvic health courses for both female and male conditions. There are a variety of conditions that physical therapy can help with - if you have further questions please feel free to contact us.
We provide a FREE 15 minute consult with our therapists to ask questions and see if we are the right fit for your care. Call to book your free consult (phone/video).
WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Pelvic Floor physical therapists take extensive training on the anatomy and physiology of the pelvis and internal organs in order to better provide therapies for issues like incontinence or pain, postpartum care etc. Pelvic floor therapy is assessing and treating pelvic floor issues to help our patients return to normal function.
Myths:
It is NOT normal to pee your pants/leak after having a baby.
It is NOT normal to have pain with sex.
It is NOT normal to pee when you cough/sneeze.
It is NOT just for those who have given birth.
It is NOT just for women. (Urinary incontinence, frequency, urgency and Erectile dysfunction happen in men too!)
Many of these happen - it is very common for it to happen. That does NOT mean that it is NORMAL.
We are here to help!
HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY (PT) HELP?
Pelvic health therapists have advanced training to identify pelvic floor issues and treat accordingly. Our therapists work together with gynecologists and other medical professionals to provide a treatment plan to alleviate your pain/symptoms or refer you to another professional as needed.
As physical therapists, we are specifically trained for creating the appropriate exercise and training programs for the pelvic floor (which are muscles)! The pelvic floor can be injured too - just like your knee or ankle!
Whether you are pregnant, postpartum, having pain, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, incontinence/leaking, or other pelvic floor conditions - ask us how we can help you!
WHO SHOULD BE REFERRED TO A PELVIC HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
Anyone who is experiencing:
- Urinary incontinence
- Bladder urgency/frequency
- Constipation
- Pelvic pain
- Painful sex
- Tailbone pain
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Pregnancy related issues
- Postpartum recovery
*There are many other reasons why someone may be referred to a pelvic floor therapist. If you are unsure, ask us or consult your health care provider.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR PELVIC HEALTH VISIT
The big question: Do I have to take my pants off? The answer is no. If you are uncomfortable - you absolutely do not have to do an internal assessment.
A pelvic health physical therapist has specialized training to examine and evaluate the pelvic muscles (internal and external). We will take a detailed history of your current condition, stress levels, activity and lifestyle, and even ask you questions about your eating, drinking and bathroom habits.
Other things we assess are: your posture, breathing, strength and motion in your hips, spine and abdominal muscles. The muscles surrounding your pelvis (both inside and out) can be evaluated to determine if there are any weaknesses, tightness or altered movement patterns.
The internal portion of the assessment, as mentioned previously, can be skipped if you are not comfortable. However, this assessment can provide the therapist with a huge amount of information about your pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organs and allow the therapist to provide an even more specific treatment plan and exercise program to alleviate your symptoms!
Many times, the internal portion of the pelvic floor exam is not performed on the initial visit. There is still a lot of treatment and therapy to be provided without doing the internal assessment.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO GO FOR THERAPY?
Your PT will discuss a treatment plan with you that will include the frequency of visits and duration of the sessions planned out. With pelvic floor, most treatments require the patient to work on their treatment plan at home - therefore not requiring as many visits or they may be spread out further to allow training time at home between therapy sessions. Ask your therapist in your Free consult what they feel you will require for treatment.
Recommended treatments may include techniques to reduce urinary urgency and frequency, retraining the pelvic floor muscles to work correctly, education in bladder irritants, dietary/fluid modification, exercises that assist with pelvic floor function and behavioral / stress management strategies and more.