By Physical Therapist Janelle Trippany, DPT, CLT-LANA, PRPC, Valley Medical Center’s Lifestyle Medicine | Outpatient Therapy Services
What is pelvic floor physical therapy and why is it important?
It’s estimated that one in four people assigned female at birth will have at least one pelvic floor disorder within their lifetime, while an estimated 2 – 16% of people assigned male at birth experience pelvic pain. Pelvic floor dysfunction is linked to depression, social isolation, anxiety and generally reduced quality of life. These conditions affect people’s health, relationships and self-image, but often go undiagnosed—sometimes for years.
Which conditions can be treated with pelvic floor physical therapy?
- During pregnancy and after delivery
- Abdominal separation
- Back, hip and pelvic pain
- Pain after delivery
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Constipation
- Incontinence (urine or stool leaking)
- Tailbone pain
- Overactive bladder
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain and pain with intercourse
- Other
- Abdominal, hip and low back pain that is not improving with traditional physical therapy
In what ways does pelvic floor physical therapy help?
Although these pelvic floor issues are common and often go untreated, help is available. Pelvic floor physical therapists have advanced training and focus on helping people get back to normal function by:
- Improving muscle support around the pelvis
- Getting muscle tone back to normal
- Improving behavior/nutrition habits
- Re-training the way the body moves to allow for best function
What does treatment include?
Rehabilitation for the pelvic floor is more than just strengthening the pelvic muscles. In fact, “kegels” can actually worsen symptoms for many of these diagnoses. Physical therapists use manual therapy—including intravaginal and intrarectal muscle assessment and treatment, biofeedback, behavioral modification and therapeutic exercise to improve patient function and quality of life.
Who are the patients served by Valley’s pelvic floor physical therapy program?
Our team treats all people who are at least 18 years old.
Where is the clinic located?
Our pelvic floor physical therapy program is located within the Lifestyle Medicine department on the first floor of the Talbot Building.
Who can I contact for more information about pelvic floor physical therapy?
If you or your healthcare provider have any questions, please call Janelle Trippany at 425.690.3520. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 425.690.3520.
I have interstitial cystitis, can pelvic floor PT help me?
Hi Leigh, thank you for your question! Below is a response from the physical therapist that wrote the article:
“Yes! Interstitial cystitis can often benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. Treatment would include lifestyle assessment and modification as needed, manual techniques and exercise. If you would like to be evaluated, please ask your provider for a referral to physical therapy.”
Don’t hesitate to let us know if we can answer anything else for you!