Pelvic floor physical therapists are health-care professionals trained in the conservative management and rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction; such as incontinence and pelvic pain disorders. Pelvic physical therapists do internal and external pelvic exams, depending in the patients needs and wishes. You can expect a posture evaluation, lower back and hip testing and possibly even a foot evaluation. Pelvic issues can come from many different areas of the body and it is important to find the source of your symptoms and also see if other areas of your body are being affected by your pelvic symptoms.

If pain is the primary reason you come in for physical therapy, we often recommend coming on a weekly basis. If weakness is the issue, it can be enough to return every other week , and sometimes 1x/month. You will then get exercises to progress with for the following month. Have you just had a baby? 1 check-up may be enough, this is to make sure you can contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles correct, evaluate for discomfort from a possible scar/tearing following delivery and be assessed for abdominal muscles separation (Diastasis Recti) as an example.

If you leak urine, gas or feces. If you have painful urination or difficulties emptying your bladder. If you have pain or discomfort during intercourse. If you have excessive and chronic premenstrual symptoms, If you have Chronic pain in the low-back, hip or pelvis. If you have discomfort with genital hygiene or activities such as riding a bike or prolonged sitting or if you feel a heaviness in your pelvis. If you are going to have a Prostatectomy you should learn to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles prior your surgery. If you are having transgender surgery, your physician will send you to a pelvic physical therapist so you learn how to contract and relax these muscles.

Are you tired over embarrassing leaks or uncontrolled flatulence? Do you have difficulties being intimate with your partner for fear of incontinence, do you have pain with Intercourse?

These are sadly very common conditions that we can get at any time of our life, but they are never normal, and there are things you can do. Contact FlowMobilityPT for questions.