What does a pelvic health physical therapist do?
What does a pelvic health physical therapist do?
A pelvic health physical therapist is a specific kind of physical therapist that provides interventions to help relieve the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and help the pelvic floor muscles work appropriately. You may also know this type of therapy as pelvic floor physical therapy.
So why is there a specialty dedicated to the pelvic floor muscles?
Everyone has a pelvic floor! It’s made up of the muscles that support the urinary and reproductive tracts. They are similar to every other muscle in the body which means they can become weak, lengthened, tense, strong or tight.
Weakness in the muscles can be a common cause of incontinence, and tension can lead to pelvic pain. When the muscles in the pelvic floor are not performing adequately, the condition is called pelvic floor dysfunction.
Your deep abdominal and back muscles collaborate with your pelvic floor muscles and the diaphragm to provide stability and support to your trunk and spine. These muscles also assist in managing the internal pressure within your abdomen to cope with the downward force exerted during lifting or movement, like during physical activity or daily tasks.
What is a pelvic floor physical therapist?
Physical therapists are experts in the components of movement, especially muscles and joints. Some therapists have additional training and are educated on pelvic floor muscle health and they can help you inside of pelvic floor therapy.
Your health care provider may refer you to a pelvic floor physical therapist to address pelvic floor function and to come up with a treatment plan to address your pelvic region (but also, your whole body! Your pelvic floor is part of the entire system that is your body, it's much more than just a "pelvic floor" disorder.
What does a pelvic health appointment look like?
The initial step involves meeting with a pelvic health physical therapist for a consultation! During this session, you will have a personalized, one-on-one experience where the therapist will go over your medical history, symptoms, and objectives, as well as conduct a physical examination. This examination may involve evaluations of your hips, spine, pelvic girdle, and pelvic floor muscles. Your comfort and confidentiality are always top priorities during this process. Following the consultation, the pelvic PT will collaborate with you to develop a tailored plan and explore various treatment options to address your pelvic health concerns. Sessions may incorporate exercises, stretches, manual therapy, biofeedback therapy, and training to strengthen or relax your pelvic floor muscles.
After the consultation, the pelvic PT will work with you to create an individualized plan and discuss treatment options to address your pelvic health needs. Sessions could include exercises, stretches, manual therapy, biofeedback therapy, and training to strengthen or relax your pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic PTs are part of your healthcare team and help guide you through interventions both in session and at home. The quantity of sessions required will differ, with each one tailored to cater to your specific needs and symptoms.
Your pelvic floor plays a crucial role in everyday activities. Both men and women should feel comfortable discussing any issues with their medical professionals, as pelvic floor dysfunction is more prevalent than many realize. The pelvic floor should be considered as another body part that needs care and attention. Just as people wouldn't think twice about getting treatment for shoulder or knee pain, the same attitude should be adopted for the pelvic floor!
Where can you find pelvic floor physical therapy?
At Samson Strength and Performance Physical Therapy, we offer pelvic health physical therapy and would love to work with you. So if you have concerns about your pelvic floor, whether it is leaking, pain, heaviness, fullness, or a diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence, pelvic muscle tightness/weakness, pelvic pain, or any other pelvic floor condition, please reach out to us to schedule today. We’re conveniently located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Next on your reading list: