• Sphincteric: To prevent urinary and fecal leakage.

• Support: For our internal organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum).

• Stability: For our back and pelvic girdle.

• Sexual: To increase satisfaction in sexual activity.

• Sump pump: Actions to assist the lymphatic system in bringing blood back to the trunk from the legs.

While conducting an internal exam can provide valuable insights into pelvic floor health, it's important to note that we hardly find it necessary or even feasible during initial treatment sessions. The decision to include an internal exam is contingent upon factors such as your pain levels, specific condition, and overall comfort, with the understanding that it is seldom a routine component of the first appointment.

Our collaborative approach aims to establish a treatment plan that aligns with your physical and mental comfort, facilitating muscle relaxation. We've observed that focusing on external aspects of the body and the interconnected tissues and muscles linked to the pelvic floor can significantly ease the transition to internal treatment.

Throughout your time under my care, your comfort remains my top priority. I will transparently outline the assessment and treatment processes, ensuring proper draping as needed, presenting alternative options, and securing your consent before proceeding. Your autonomy is paramount, and you retain the right to withdraw consent at any point.

Research indicates that when pelvic floor muscles are assessed in this comprehensive manner, interventions conducted by a physical therapist yield high success rates. As a result, these interventions should be considered the primary approach for addressing concerns such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain.

While it might feel isolating to experience pelvic pain and related symptoms, pelvic floor dysfunction is more common than you may think – you're not alone. Statistics indicate that one in three women will encounter pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetime, and 50 percent of women over 55 are affected.

For men, the prevalence is also significant. Rebalance Physical Therapy and Wellness reports that 10% of men will experience pelvic pain symptoms, and 50% will face prostate issues. Surprisingly, 97% of men with prostatitis symptoms receive antibiotic treatment despite lacking evidence of infection. Many men without signs of infection can have pelvic floor dysfunction, often successfully treated with physical therapy.

• Obesity

• Post-menopause (Hormonal Changes)

• Over 40 (1 in 3)

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Multiparous: Having had more than one child

• Obstetric trauma (from forceps, suction, tearing)

• Gynecological or urinary surgery

• Chronic Illness

• Medication

• Smoking

• Anxiety

• Chronic straining (constipation or heavy lifting)

• Radical Prostatectomy

• Prostate enlargement

1. Maintain regular bowel habits with soft, easily passable stools.

2. Stay hydrated; aim for pale lemonade-colored urine.

3. Sit on the toilet with knees higher than hips using a stool.

4. Minimize straining during bowel movements and urination.

5. Avoid unnecessary trips to the bathroom for urination.

6. Address a persistent cough.

7. Practice deep abdominal breathing, not shallow chest breathing.

8. Maintain a healthy body mass index.

9. Engage in regular exercise for overall fitness.

10. Specifically target pelvic floor exercises with guidance from a pelvic floor physical therapist for proper form and effectiveness.

Pelvic pain often stems from pelvic floor dysfunction, where muscles are either excessively tight or overly relaxed. Excessive tension in these muscles can lead to pain, bladder and bowel urgency, and frequency, while lax muscles may result in incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Sometimes, a combination of tight and weak muscles is present.

Treatment typically begins by addressing muscle tension, prioritizing relaxation before focusing on strength. Once the muscles achieve a balanced resting tone and can fully relax, strength is reassessed, and targeted exercises may be recommended.

Persistent pain education is crucial in managing pelvic floor dysfunction. Similar to tension headaches in the neck and shoulders, pelvic tension can be exacerbated by anxiety and stress. Understanding our pain system is key to mitigating the threat of ongoing pelvic floor dysfunction and pain.

Pelvic health physical therapy is increasingly recognized as the primary approach in addressing incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain, as supported by literature.

Kegels, a pelvic floor strengthening exercise, aren't universally suitable and are often performed incorrectly due to a lack of awareness about the location and sensation of these muscles during contraction.

Engaging in Kegels may, in some cases, exacerbate or worsen symptoms. The condition of the pelvic floor muscles is often unclear until an internal exam is conducted. Whether Kegels should be incorporated into an exercise routine is contingent upon the results of this examination. It emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches in pelvic health exercises based on individual assessments rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

While our primary emphasis is on pelvic health and associated concerns, we remain committed to ensuring our patients utmost comfort throughout their visit. Whether you're experiencing muscle soreness in your arm, neck, or even your feet, we are delighted to offer comprehensive physical therapy services in addition to addressing your initial pelvic health concerns. Your well-being is our priority, and we're here to assist you in achieving supreme comfort and optimal health.

No, we do not. We have chosen to be private-pay in order to offer tailored treatment plans without the constraints of authorizations, visit limits, clinic standards, or quotas. This means we have the time and flexibility to understand your unique needs, providing a personalized therapeutic approach.

Free from insurance restrictions, we can address multiple body parts or conditions in a single visit, allowing us to collaboratively determine your care plan—how often and for how long you receive treatment. Furthermore, insurance would restrict sessions to just 30 minutes, falling short of our commitment to provide a full hour of dedicated care.

Treating you as an individual, pelvic floor physical therapy becomes an investment in your well-being, offering better outcomes in less time, reducing the risk of future issues, and enhancing your overall quality of life.