Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized type of therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the pelvic region.
These muscles are crucial in supporting the bladder, rectum, and internal pelvic floor organs. They are also critical as they aid in controlling bowel and bladder function.
Pelvic floor physical therapy aims to improve the strength, coordination, and function of these muscles to alleviate symptoms such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction and constipation, to name a few.
If you live with urinary dysfunction, painful intercourse, or pain in the pelvic area, pelvic floor physical therapy may be able to help.
It can be used to treat many disruptive, uncomfortable, or painful conditions involving the pelvic floor.
Pre- and postpartum changes may also be addressed in pelvic floor physical therapy.
Benefits of pelvic floor physical therapy may include the following:
- Improving pelvic floor muscle strength for return to sport/fitness
- Ability to get through the day without urinary (or fecal) leakage
- Alleviation of pain, allowing for pain-free intimacy
- Pain-free pelvic exams at your doctor
- Supporting fertility
To start pelvic floor physical therapy, request a referral from your provider. Northside Hospital offers this service at multiple locations.
Learn more about rehabilitation services at Northside.
