What Happens During Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Emily mcelrath pt dpt mtc cidn is an orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapist with a passion for helping women achieve optimal sports performance.

What happens during pelvic floor physical therapy.

Most of the therapists are physical therapists and that is the assumption for this article. While every patient s case is unique we will always try to evaluate the pelvic floor muscle tone and function on evaluation day. She is certified in manual therapy and dry needling. Why see a pelvic floor therapist.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy. Pelvic floor pt s are actually just your everyday orthopedic physical therapists who have taken extensive continuing education courses in order to treat your pelvic floor. Physical and occupational therapists are engaged in this type of therapy. Many people don t know that physical therapists can treat the pelvic floor let alone what a session looks like.

We spent the first 20 minutes talking about my history. And once one does find out what a pelvic floor assessment entails many are intimidated or too embarrassed to see a pelvic health specialist. Many pelvic floor conditions can be managed and healed without surgery. She is an avid runner and crossfitter and has personal experience modifying these activities during pregnancy and postpartum.

These muscles support the pelvic organs assist in bowel and bladder control and contribute to sexual arousal and orgasm. You will be scheduled with a pelvic floor physical therapist a physical therapist that has sought additional training beyond their doctorate in physical therapy to specifically learn more about the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor muscles and how to treat pelvic issues such as incontinence leakage pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a branch of physical therapy and is built upon these same principles. Seeing a physical therapist pt or an occupational therapist ot who is trained as a pelvic floor therapist may help you better understand your symptoms and design a personalized program to help alleviate your pelvic discomfort or pain through retraining and strengthening your muscles.

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialty in physical therapy that focuses on more than the pelvic floor and can include the muscles and fascia in the pelvis hips back and thorax or. Pelvic floor physical therapy involves the pelvic floor muscle group which is responsible for a variety of functions. Physical therapy is a practice of healing that restores function and reduces pain through the use of techniques to improve bony alignment reduce trigger points and improve muscle coordination and strength.