What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (and How Can I Benefit)??

The Humble Beginnings of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy has gained a lot of traction over the last few years though it is not necessarily a new concept.  Dr. Arnold Kegel kicked off what I like to call the “Kegel Craze” in the 1940s.  This directly addressed women’s pelvic floor concerns by strengthening the muscles.  

As time went on, Kegels were often prescribed by gynecologists and highlighted in women’s magazines as a way to stop urinary leakage, pelvic pain and pelvic organ prolapse.  

While pelvic floor strengthening may be necessary for some, it can exacerbate issues in others.  So how do I know if I need Kegels?  Enter the Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist.

What is a PF Physical Therapist?

A Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist is a PT trained in addressing the musculature of the pelvic floor both externally and internally.  We treat a myriad of conditions such as pelvic pain, pain with sex, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, lower back pain, urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapse and diastasis recti to name a few.  

In order to treat these conditions, we at Empower Women’s Health assess the entire body from head to toe because the cause of the pain is not always where the pain is felt. It could be the way you’re walking, exercising, carrying your child or breathing that could be the underlying cause of your pelvic floor issues (more on these topics in a later blog).  

But I’m getting ahead of myself…

What to Expect at Your First Visit 

We kick off your first visit by taking a thorough history, asking all the right questions and questions you may not even know would be pertinent!  This is followed by a complete external exam looking for biomechanical anomalies that could be contributing to your pelvic floor dysfunction.  And last but not least, a complete internal exam is performed with the patient’s permission.  This can be performed in the clinic or within the comfort of your own home.

Before you get the shivers thinking about your last gynecological exam, a pelvic floor exam by a physical therapist is much less intense.  The therapist will insert 1 or 2 fingers into the vagina to assess the muscles of the pelvic floor.  We are looking for pain, trigger points and assessing your strength.  Nothing is done without first getting your permission!

When you break it down, this muscle group is just like any other muscle group in the body.  While these muscles serve a very different purpose, they can still get tight and weak, limiting their ability to do their job effectively.  Remember, the job of the pelvic floor is to support the organs of the pelvic floor (uterus, bladder and rectum) as well as allow for sexual, bladder and bowel function.  That’s a lot to ask for so it’s no wonder we can develop problems here!

Support & Consistency- A Winning Combination

Just like any exercise program, consistency is key!  These pelvic floor problems were not created overnight, nor will they be abated that quickly either.  You will see changes as you gain strength and flexibility.

Unlike typical exercise programs, pelvic floor exercises are often subtle, and require frequent adjustments to be sure that you are performing them in the correct manner at the desired level of intensity.  

At Empower Women’s Health, we focus on all of these aspects to make sure you are making progress safely and correctly!  We only see 1 patient per hour to ensure that each patient gets the attention they deserve.  We look forward to se

eing you on your first visit!  

Positive Vibes for a Happy Pelvis

~Danielle~