What Does Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Treat?

I've never been a fan of sharing the laundry list of pelvic health symptoms that we can treat simply because I'm the kind of person that sees a list and suddenly identifies with whatever diagnosis is at the bottom of it. Having self awareness about this "medical student syndrome" allowed me to get through PT school with just a few new aches and pains that eventually went away. 

My worry is that in sharing a list, the reader may become hyperaware of mild symptoms, which CAN make them worse. But the benefit is that the reader also then knows 1) that they are not alone in experiencing these complaints and 2) where they can find treatment. 

So, continue reading to learn a little more about what pelvic health physical therapy can help with. But, do so with the knowledge that experiencing of few of the following symptoms is normal, and if you don't find them bothersome then they might not be a problem at all. But if you do, let's talk.

What is Pelvic Health PT?

Pelvic health physical therapy examines and treats multiple systems including the urinary tract, digestion, sexual function, and musculoskeletal system. We use a combination of hands-on care, therepeutic exercise, and lifestyle guidance for treatment of the following:

Bladder/ Urinary System

• Incontinence (ie. leaking of urine at any unintended time)
• Pain with urination
• Burning with urination
• A slow urine stream
• Fast urine stream
• Difficulty getting a full void
• Needing to change positions (ie. lean forward or stand) to get a full void,
• Needing to push to get urine out
• Having to pee again within minutes of going
• A need to rush to the bathroom to pee
• Dribbling urine in underwear after going pee
• Waking more than one time per night to pee

Digestion/ Bowel Health:

• Constipation (going less than every 3 days)
• A need to strain with bowel movements
• Difficulty having a full void of bowel movement
• A feeling of incomplete emptying after having a bowel movement
• Unintentional leaking of stool
• Unintentional passing of gas
• A sense of urgency to get to the bathroom for a bowel movement
• Pain with bowel movement
• Hemorrhoids
• Fissures
• A sense of heaviness or pressure in the rectum/ anus

Sexual Function/ Reproductive Health:

• Pain with receiving a pelvic exam
• A lack of lubrication or dry feeling within the vagina
• Discomfort or pain with insertion of menstrual products
• Pain with intercourse or penetration
• Pain with any sexual touch
• Pain anywhere in the pelvic region
• Inability to retain a tampon or other menstrual product
• A sense of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic or vaginal region
• A sense of looseness or laxity in the vagina
• Vaginal flatulence or release of air

Musculoskeletal System:

• Any ache or pain from head to toe can be related to the pelvic floor. This is especially the case if you've recently been pregnant or if you experience anything on the above lists. 

Wellness & Prevention:

• Birth preparation (check out the Birth Body Program here!)
• Postpartum recovery (check out the Boss Build Up here!)
• Strength & fitness
• Body health across the lifespan

 If you'd like more information or support in any of the above areas, please don't hesitate to reach out!