Pelvic Health PT Can Address the Following Concerns for Adult Patients

  • Bowel and/or bladder incontinence (leakage) during the day or at night (sleeping). Can be related to physical activity, specific movement patterns, without warning, or with pressure changes (coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, etc). Leakage can be mild to severe.

  • Pain anywhere in the pelvis including but not limited to the vulva, penis, scrotum, rectum, anus, vaginal canal, uterus, bladder, urethra, ovaries and associated connective tissues and muscles. Pain can originate from a multitude of culprits and we may need to investigate to figure it out!

  • Including but not limited to pain with sexual activity, lack of or reduced ability to orgasm, decreased sensation, decreased or absent arousal, erectile dysfunction, and pain with orgasm.

  • Pelvic health symptoms in individuals receiving gender affirming care. It can include any kind of pain, dysfunction, or other symptoms that the individual may be experiencing. Can be as a result of medical intervention or otherwise. Gender-affirming care emphasizes respect for an individual's gender identity and focuses on improving their well-being and quality of life. It is personalized, taking into account the person’s unique needs and goals.

  • Bowel and bladder dysfunction related to a neurological diagnosis (MS, Parkinson’s, CP, Diabetes, and Brain/Spinal Cord Injuries, etc). Symptoms can include changes in voiding frequency, leaking/ incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, decreased bowel or bladder sensation, painful voiding.

  • Some people experience pelvic health symptoms post surgery. It can be any pelvic health symptom (incontinence, pain, urgency, etc) and can be from surgeries anywhere in the abdomen, pelvis, spine, hips, groin, chest, or even head and neck. These symptoms can occur directly after surgery or can be more apparent over time. Symptoms are often related to scar tissue, disruption of the soft tissue, change in alignment, or effects on the nerves.

    Pelvic Health PT can be an integral role in success for preparing for pelvic related surgeries/procedures. It can help you get ready for surgery and set you up for success.

    Pelvic Health PT is recommended for pre and post surgeries/procedures including but not limited to: prostatectomy, c-section, reconstructive surgery, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, prolapse repairs, bladder/bowel surgeries, endometriosis excision, vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), implant or sling placements, hemorrhoidectomy, and hernia repair.

  • An overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where a person experiences a frequent and urgent need to urinate, often with little warning. It can cause discomfort and affect daily life, as individuals may feel the need to use the bathroom more often than usual.

    Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain and pressure, often accompanied by frequent urination. It is a condition in which the bladder lining becomes inflamed, leading to symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. While the exact cause of IC is not fully understood, it is considered a complex disorder that may involve inflammation, nerve dysfunction, and changes in the bladder wall.

  • Back and hip pain can be linked to pelvic floor health, as the pelvic floor muscles play an important role in supporting your pelvis, spine, and surrounding areas. When there is dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, it can contribute to pain in the lower back, hips, and pelvis. Pelvic floor health can impact these areas secondary to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (tight or weak), pelvic floor and posture/compensatory movements or positions, nerve involvement, and hormonal or body shape changes (pregnancy, child birth, menopause, gender affirming care, weight gain/loss).

  • Pelvic health PT can help at any point of your journey while trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum. Pelvic health symptoms can change during pregnancy and it can be helpful to address concerns prior to or during pregnancy to prevent them from worsening. Working on muscle tension, strength, pressure management, and breath work can help to prepare for birth as well as be helpful treating whatever symptoms arise during this stage of life. Many experience pelvic health symptoms postpartum and pelvic health PT can be an integral part of returning to the lifestyle and physical activity that you want.

  • During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can affect various aspects of health, including pelvic health. Some common symptoms related to pelvic health during these stages include: vaginal/vulvar dryness or discomfort, urinary symptoms, pelvic organ prolapse, menstrual irregularities, painful sex/intimacy, pelvic pain, decreased arousal, bowel or bladder incontinence, vulvar or vaginal atrophy, osteoporosis. There are many other symptoms that occur during this time outside of the pelvis as well. Pelvic health PT can help to manage some of these symptoms and can assist with feeling your best.

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is the descent / ligamentous laxity of any pelvic organ tissue, encroaching into another space/position. It can range from mild to severe. There are conservative measures for symptom management that can be addressed in pelvic PT. Symptoms usually include pelvic heaviness, discomfort, and changes in bowel/bladder function.

  • Constipation can significantly affect pelvic health at any age and any stage of life. Constipation can contribute to or worsen bladder symptoms, painful sex, gas/flatulence, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, mood and energy, back pain, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence, decreased appetite, and overall malaise.

  • Scar tissue from injury, medical procedures, or surgeries can impact the movement of soft tissue in the direct area of the scar tissue as well as have effects throughout the body. Pain, movement dysfunction, decreased range of motion or strength can be common with scar tissue adhesion/restrictions. It is common to have symptoms outside of the direct area of the scar tissue since the connective tissue in the body is not just localized to one area.

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