Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy FAQ's

Thanks to social media, the general public's awareness of pelvic health has grown exponentially in recent years. However, I find many people are still nervous about attending pelvic floor physical therapy. So on today's blog I will be answering my most commonly asked questions about attending in-person pelvic floor PT!

1. What is Pelvic Floor PT?

Pelvic Floor PT or pelvic floor rehabilitation is a non-surgical approach to rehabilitation of dysfunctions of the pelvis that contribute to bowel, bladder, sexual health and pain complaints. We may use strengthening, muscle retraining, manual therapy, or other modalities to help you.

2. What conditions do pelvic floor PT’s treat?

We treat bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction as well as pain in the bladder, pelvic floor, pelvis or back. Some specific conditions/symptoms that we see frequently include, but are not limited to: pregnancy, pelvic girdle pain, pubalgia, SIJ dysfunction, endometriosis, vaginismus, diastasis recti, stress incontinence, urgency incontinence, interstistial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) ect

3. What should I wear to my appointment?

You want to be as comfortable as possible. Shorts are often helpful for our movement screens and external tests

4. Will I have to undress for my appointment?

If you are comfortable with a pelvic floor muscle assessment you will undress from the waist down and will be provided with a sheet as a drape. This is only one aspect of our evaluation and so if you are not ready for this, that is ok!

5. Will I have to put my feet in stirrups like at the Doctor?

No. We use a soft PT table and have sheets over the table in a calm, quiet and private environment

6. Will pelvic floor PT hurt?

Pelvic PT should never hurt. There may be times during your assessment or treatment that we may identify painful or tender muscles or structures but it should never be a matter of “toughing it out” or “just do what you have to” this can actually be counter productive to our progress as you may increased tension in the pelvic floor muscles and increase symptoms. We will always keep our lines of communication open

7. What if I am on my period?

This is no problem for us as long as it is no problem for you. If you have a heavy flow, it is the first day of your cycle or you are more tender during this time we can modify our assessment. You may also use a menstrual cup (we have some disposable ones you are free to try )

8. When should I not attend pelvic floor PT?

If you have not had a pelvic exam or your annual check-up in the past year or since these new symptoms have occurred. If you have a current infection, less than 6 weeks post-operative or post partum (and do not have your doctors approval)

9. Can I have pelvic floor PT while pregnant?

Pregnancy is not a total contraindication to internal pelvic floor PT. However, the involvement of your OB in your plan of care is critical. This being said there are many things we can do to help manage any symptoms you may be have in pregnancy and to prepare for childbirth and the post partum period without internal assessment/treatment

10. How soon after my baby is born can I start pelvic floor PT?

In general, we will wait 6 weeks to assess the pelvic floor muscles internally. But we may begin gentle rehabilitation as soon as you have stopped bleeding and your birth provider is ok with you beginning some gentle pelvic floor and core exercise.

Starting January 2021 Hayley will be available for both in person and virtual one on one appointments