Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles or connective tissues of the pelvic are not coordinating the way that they should. Our pelvic physical therapist has specialized training in assessing pelvic floor dysfunction, and is located at Holzer Gallipolis.

Conditions that Pelvic Physical Therapy Can Help

Pelvic floor rehabilitation includes treatment for men, women, and children who may suffer with issues that cause:

• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency and frequency
• Fecal incontinence
• Constipation
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Diastasis recti
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pelvic pain including:
  • Vaginismus
  • Endometriosis
  • Vulvodynia
  • Dyspareunia
  • Pudendal neuralgia
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Chronic prostatitis
  • Myofascial pelvic pain syndrome

The pelvic physical therapist will provide a thorough history and physical examination to establish an individualized treatment plan of care addressing the dysfunction. All visits are in a private treatment room and last up to 60 minutes.

Treatment may include:

• Education
• ROM and strengthening
• Postural reeducation
• Behavior modification
• Breathing techniques
• Core stabilization
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Electrical stimulation
• Ultrasound

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pelvic floor therapy?

It is a specialized area of physical therapy addressing pelvic floor dysfunction with strategies and exercises aimed at restoring proper coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.

What does pelvic floor dysfunction result in?

This results in not only urinary incontinence or accident loss of urine, but also fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, chronic constipation, and urinary frequency/urgency.

Who can get pelvic floor dysfunction?

Men and women can be diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction. 

Are pregnancy and childbirth the only contributing factors to urinary incontinence?

No! Other reasons can be constipation, high impact activities, obesity, and improper lifting.

What can positively influence pelvic floor functions?

Posture and breathing can be positive influences! A qualified pelvic therapist can evaluate you to determine the ideal alignment and strategies recommended to promote proper coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.

What can prevent dysfunction?

Education on lifting strategies, a healthy lifestyle, and exercise can help prevent dysfunction. Prevention is key!

What are early symptoms that may point to pelvic issues?

Flatulence, constipation, straining or pain when having a bowel movement, accidental loss of urine or feces, pain with urinating, difficulty emptying the bladder, or a frequent need to urinate. A patient may also experience pain in the tailbone, genitals, perineum, pubic or bladder region, and with sitting. People who feel immense pelvic pain may have tension of the muscles surrounding the pelvis and experience nerve irritation. In addition, pelvic floor dysfunction may cause pelvic pressure or the sensation of something falling out of the pelvic region.