What To Expect With Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
You might have heard about Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy via a friend, referred from your doctor, or even on social media. The big question most people have when reaching out, is what exactly is pelvic floor therapy and what should I expect with it? Here at Movement Physio and Wellness, you can expect to meet with a provider who truly cares about you and your goals and wants to get you back to doing the things you love, without embarrassing symptoms like leaks. Read on to learn more about what exactly happens in the exam and treatment!
If you've been considering pelvic floor physical therapy, you may be wondering what actually happens during an appointment. Whether you're experiencing leakage, pelvic pain, constipation, pregnancy-related discomfort, postpartum concerns, or simply want to improve your core and pelvic health, it's normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect. Starting pelvic floor physical therapy can feel intimidating, especially if it is a brand new journey to you. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable, heard, and supported from day one.
First Things First: We Start With A Conversation
We want to understand the whole picture. Not just the symptom that brought you in. Your pelvic floor is the foundation for the most crucial body mechanics. This is where long-term healing starts.
You might discuss:
Bladder or bowel concerns
Pelvic pain or discomfort
Pregnancy or postpartum recovery
Exercise and athletic goals
Core weakness
Back, hip, or tailbone pain
Birth preparation
Return-to-sport or fitness goals
This conversation helps us understand how your symptoms are affecting your daily life. Whether that be making household tasks challenging, a lack of sleep quality, intimacy in your relationships, too many bathroom breaks, recovering from birth, or even reduced confidence and embarrassment. We want to know what success looks like to you.
What About An Internal Examination
During your initial evaluation your provider will ask for consent to perform an internal pelvic floor examination. This examination helps your provider better understand your pelvic floor muscles and how they are functioning. You are always in control of your care and YOU decide together with your therapist if this exam would be beneficial.
If performed, the internal examination allows your provider to assess:
Pelvic floor muscle strength
Coordination and control
Muscle tension
Areas of tenderness or discomfort
Pelvic floor function during movement
There are many ways to evaluate and treat pelvic floor concerns, and your treatment plan will always be tailored to your comfort level.
Who Can Benefit From Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help people who are currently experiencing or have experienced:
Urinary leakage
Urinary urgency or frequency
Pelvic pain
Pain with intercourse
Constipation
Pregnancy-related discomfort
Labor and birth preparation
Postpartum recovery
Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms
Core weakness
Trauma
Low back, hip, or tailbone pain
TMJ (temporomandibular disorder)
You do not need to be pregnant or postpartum to benefit from how pelvic floor physical therapy can help your body heal.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Is About More Than Kegals
Many people assume pelvic floor physical therapy is just doing Kegels, but treatment is often much more comprehensive. With us at Movement Physio and Wellness, you can expect more than Kegels with your treatment sessions. Sometimes for certain conditions, Kegels can make the problems worse!
Depending on your needs, you can expect:
Strength training
Core and pelvic floor coordination
Breathing techniques
Manual therapy
Mobility work
Birth preparation
Exercise guidance
Bladder and bowel habit education
Movement retraining
Our goal is to help you move confidently, reduce symptoms, and get back to the activities you love. Whenever possible, we'll begin treatment on the first visit so you can start feeling better right away.
Are you still not sure if pelvic floor PT is right for you?
→ Book a 30-min FREE phone call with a team member!
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Our advice is to book a FREE 30-min In-Person Consultation at our clinic to meet us and get a feel for our approach! Call us at 720-500-7450 or book online below!
