What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Everyone has a pelvic floor, which is made up of muscles that support the urinary and reproductive systems. This group of muscles also controls your bowel and bladder and attach to your tail bone and public bone. If these muscles are not working in coordination with one another, this can be known as pelvic floor dysfunction. This is normally due to the muscles either being too tight or too weak.
Common pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms:
- Incontinence (leakage of urine or bowels)
- Discomfort with intercourse or tampon/menstrual cup insertion
- Constipation
- Increased urination
- Pelvic pressure and heaviness
- Any pelvic and pubic bone pain
- Low back pain and sciatica
Pelvic floor dysfunction can be a debilitating and painful condition, and you DO NOT have to live with this. Come see our experienced pelvic floor therapist today for an assessment and treatment to begin your healing journey.
FAQs About Pelvic Floor Therapy
Question 1: What can I expect in my first session?
The assessment will start off with a thorough history of your symptoms and overall health history. This may include questions about sexual function, bladder, bowel, low back, hip and tailbone symptoms. Once your therapist has gathered all information, the physical assessment will begin. This may include an assessment of your low back, SI joints, and a pelvic floor assessment. This pelvic floor assessment may involve an internal treatment, which your therapist will discuss in detail with you before, giving you the opportunity to consent to. Once the exam has been completed, your therapist will provide you with an individualized home exercise program to address your specific dysfunction.
Question 2: Is an internal exam required?
While it is preferred, it is not required in all cases. Think about seeing a physiotherapist for a shoulder injury without taking off your jacket…it makes it far easier for the therapist to diagnose and treat if they can see and feel the problem area! However, we do understand that some individuals may be uncomfortable with this, and treatment can be completed without internal work if necessary. In these cases, a variety of orthopedic tests and techniques may be used, combined with appropriate exercises and education.
Question 3: Can I see a pelvic floor therapist if I am not pregnant?
YES-as mentioned above, there are many conditions that individuals experience whether pregnant or not.
Question 4: Will this be covered by insurance?
Yes-this is physiotherapy treatment and will be covered under any physiotherapy insurance you may have.