What to Expect at Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy uses physical techniques to either strengthen, lengthen, relax, or coordinate the muscles of the pelvic floor.
This therapy aims to improve core stability and improve control over urination, bowel movements, and sexual function.
How does it work?
The first step in our practice is a discovery call. This is a 20-30 minute call where we get to know you, what your symptoms are and how they are affecting you. You won’t just get the “what’s your name and birthdate?” You will connect with someone from our team who will listen to your concerns and who CARES about you as a person.
After the discovery call, is an evaluation with your pelvic health physical therapist. You can expect a private, one-on-one setting in which the therapist reviews your medical history, symptoms, goals, and performs a physical exam. The exam may include assessments of your hips, spine, pelvic girdle and internal pelvic floor muscles. Your comfort and privacy are always a priority throughout this process.
The evaluation will include both an external and an internal examination:
External Exam: Your physical therapist will examine your lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints, and the surrounding muscles, such as the rectus abdominis, iliopsoas, and piriformis. They will check for pain, tightness, or tenderness in these areas.
Internal Exam: The therapist will evaluate your pelvic floor muscles for tone, elasticity, pain, and tenderness. This may involve inserting one or two gloved fingers into your vagina and/or rectum to palpate the muscles internally, often using a lubricant to minimize discomfort.
Additionally, the therapist will assess how well you can voluntarily contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles, as well as how these muscles move in coordination with your breathing.
What happens after the initial evaluation?
After the evaluation, the pelvic physical therapist will work with you to create an individualized plan to address your pelvic health needs. Your pelvic PT will also offer guidance on lifestyle changes that can help your condition.
Sessions could include exercises, stretches, manual therapy, biofeedback therapy, and training to strengthen, coordinate, 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 number of sessions needed will vary, and each session is customized to address your needs and symptoms.
To prepare for pelvic floor therapy, you should arrive dressed in comfortable clothes that allow you to move your legs freely without restricting your movement. It is helpful to prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your physical therapist during your exam and evaluation.
In Summary
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction often worsen over time and can significantly affect your quality of life. Beginning pelvic floor physical therapy as soon as possible can help relieve pain and other symptoms, allowing you to regain control and improve quality of life.
At pelvic floor physical therapy you can expect a provider that cares about your day-to-day concerns, pain, and symptoms and will ask detailed questions about your quality of life. You can expect to learn about your body as well as the crucial role the pelvic floor muscles play in the body.
These muscles are often forgotten until an issue arises, but it is important to look at current and subtle compensations that could lead to pelvic floor dysfunction down the road.
If you've been dealing with chronic pain for more than three months or experiencing issues with urination, bowel movements, or sexual intercourse, consult your healthcare provider. They can determine if further testing is necessary to identify any underlying, more serious issues contributing to your symptoms.
Looking for pelvic floor physical therapy in Jacksonville Beach, FL?
If you’re looking for personalized, one-on-one sessions to address your pelvic floor concerns, we provide pelvic health physical therapy services to women in the Jacksonville Beach area.
If you’re looking for providers who will listen to you and help you get to the root cause of your pelvic concerns, we’ve got you. We’re here to help you if you’re experiencing pelvic pain, pelvic heaviness, leaking, or are pregnant/postpartum and want to continue safely working out/running/lifting during your pregnancy and get back to your sport after birth.
Get started today by booking a discovery call.