Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and why I’m a believer!
#happypelvis
Have you ever found yourself talking to friends about leaking urine when you cough or sneeze. Painful intercourse or just pelvic discomfort in general. As women, we are led to believe that these symptoms are normal. Especially after having kids, going through menopause, blah blah blah. Well guess what ladies; just because everyone is complaining about the same things it doesn't mean it is normal. Just because it is common, it definitely is NOT NORMAL!
Well today I wanted to make you informed on a group of specialists that are dedicated to helping you with various symptoms and more!! They are called Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists.
But what is your pelvic floor? Well, your pelvic floor is a component of your core musculature and its healthy function is important to your overall well being. The pelvic floor is made up muscles, ligaments, tissues and nerves. These structures support the pelvic organs, control bladder and bowel function and help in maintaining sexual function. When any of these structures are not functioning properly the entire body can be affected and may not move the way it should, causing a negative impact on your health.
These specialists are my go-to for patients and I believe I have been able to avoid taking patients to surgery and have helped some of my patients end their chronic pain or chronic symptoms because of the therapies they can provide.
In Europe, the standard of care for every postpartum mom is to receive pelvic floor strengthening therapy after she delivers a baby. They have the right answer! Hopefully one day we can make that happen here.
So ladies, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms please consider evaluation.
•Stress incontinence
• Urge incontinence
• Urinary frequency
• Urgency
• Interstitial cystitis
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Overactive bladder
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Fecal incontinence
• Chronic constipation
• Rectal pain
• Pelvic floor relaxation or prolapse
• Painful intercourse
On your first visit, your therapist will discuss your symptoms with you and perform a thorough movement evaluation which will include your back, hips, pelvis and other structures. Your therapist may also conduct an external and/or internal exam with your permission. It is similar to an exam that we perform in my office except it does not include the speculum or stirrups. After the initial visit, you and your therapist will come up with a treatment plan that will include your goals, functional status and physical needs. You can expect to be seen 1 to 2 times a week and the treatment can last up to 6 to 8 weeks with therapy that you will continue at home. After the initial therapy you may go periodically over time to continue to assess your progress.
Please visit these websites to find a specialist near you:
https://pelvicguru.com/directory/
https://www.womenshealthapta.org/patients/
New year, new you ladies!
Xoxo,
Dr. E