Pelvic Floor Therapy FAQ

A pelvic health therapist (Occupational therapist or Physical therapist) can help with assessing and alleviating/managing persistent pain and discomfort in the pelvic floor and musculoskeletal (back, hip, knee pain), as well as developing of a personalized approach and strategy for achieving optimal bowel, bladder and sexual function. 

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a supportive sling at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles are the foundation for organs like the bladder, uterus, prostate and rectum.

The pelvic floor muscles are working 24/7 and have 5 main duties: first they assist in supporting abdominal and pelvic organs. Next they help with stabilization. They work with the core muscles to support and stabilize your hips and trunk allowing you to maintain an upright posture during functional activity.

They help with lymphatic drainage to manage things like bloating. Next they maintain continence, they helping the bladder and rectum to open and close both when you need them to and need them NOT to.

Lastly they help with sexual sensation. Often times when the pelvic floor is overused or underused the result is pain or dysfunction in the areas mentioned above.

This will depend on the complexity of the condition. Some people will see a pelvic floor therapist once or twice to complete the exam and implement a personalized exercise program, receive education on their condition and how to manage it. Others may require more sessions in order to successfully treat the condition.

In internal exam is not a must however it is helpful for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of certain conditions.  Each person is different and the plan that is developed is personalized to meet your needs in whatever way you are comfortable. 

Being pregnant is not a reason to avoid seeing a pelvic floor therapist. In fact there are several benefits to this.

The answer is NO!!!