Pregnancy and childbirth are life-changing in so many ways and require immense sacrifice; your pelvic health should not be one of them. Here’s what you need to know about the pelvic floor, what pelvic floor physical therapy is, what a pelvic floor therapist does, and the symptoms to watch for.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues shaped like a hammock that spans between the tailbone and public bone. It supports the bladder, uterus, vagina, and bowels and works to stabilize your hips, core, and spine. The pelvic floor is responsible for bladder and bowel control and plays a big role in sexual function.
1 in 3 women will suffer from at least one pelvic floor disorder in her life as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, age, trauma, or non-optimal habits. And when it comes to the method of delivery, both vaginal and cesarean births can cause muscle trauma with symptoms such as urinary incontinence, prolapse, and more. Thankfully a pelvic floor physical therapist can help manage or alleviate these disorders entirely.
What is a pelvic floor therapist?
A pelvic floor physical therapist is a licensed physical therapist who has additional training and specializes in rehabilitating and reconditioning the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in addition to the hips, back and core. They are trained to help you safely improve the strength and function of your PFM through exercises that stretch, strengthen, and relax the muscles giving you further control of your body and alleviating pain and discomfort in the process.
Using techniques such as hands-on manipulation that improves mobility, flexibility, and posture, exercises to improve pelvic floor activation and relaxation, as well as biofeedback all to combat incontinence, overactive pelvic floor muscles, and more. A pelvic floor physical therapist provides a unique tailored plan for you that involves internal and external treatments and education to help you feel your best at every stage of life.
Learn more about what to expect from pelvic floor physical therapy postpartum here.
When to seek out a pelvic floor physical therapist?
If you are experiencing symptoms that pertain to any issues related to the pelvic floor muscles, seeking the guidance of a pelvic floor therapist is beneficial. They can evaluate your condition, identify the underlying causes, and develop an individualized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
You should seek the help of a pelvic floor physical therapist If you are suffering from:
- Bladder or bowel urgency/frequency
- Constipation, irritable bowels, leaking stool, straining with bowel movements
- Diastasis recti
- Pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, vagina, rectum - with or without intercourse
- Painful scars along abdomen or pelvis
- Organ prolapse
- Urine leakage
- Weak pelvic floor
- Sexual dysfunction
Pre and Postpartum Care
Pregnancy and childbirth can significantly impact the pelvic floor muscles. Whether you are pregnant or have recently given birth, a pelvic floor therapist can provide guidance and support throughout this journey. They can help prepare your body for labor, educate you on proper pelvic floor exercises, and address any postpartum concerns, such as perineal healing, diastasis recti, or pelvic floor recovery.
Pre and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Pelvic floor therapy is often recommended as part of pre and post-surgical care for pelvic floor-related procedures. Whether you are undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse repair, hysterectomy, or other pelvic surgeries, a pelvic floor therapist can optimize your recovery by improving muscle strength, coordination, and overall function.
Pelvic Pain Conditions
Chronic pelvic pain, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, and other conditions characterized by pelvic pain can benefit from the expertise of a pelvic floor therapist. They can assess the pelvic floor muscles, identify muscle imbalances or trigger points, and implement targeted interventions to alleviate pain and improve function.
How therapeutic exercise can support treatment.
Therapeutic exercise is incredibly beneficial for pelvic floor dysfunction and postpartum healing. More often than not, pelvic floor dysfunction presents concurrently with diastasis recti (abdominal separation), a condition caused when the abdomen stretches sideways during pregnancy, injuring the connective tissue in the process. This leaves the core weak and puts additional pressure on the pelvic floor, resulting in damage.
Thankfully, you can both restore core strength and improve pelvic floor function through targeted deep core exercises. Our clinically proven Core Compressions encourage a healthy activation of the transverse abdominis, prompting a spontaneous co-contraction of several core muscles, including the diaphragm, the rectus abdominis, the lumbar multifidus, and the pelvic floor. The Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell found statistically significant reductions of diastasis recti, back pain, and urinary incontinence for women using the Every Mother program. It is all the more effective when combined with pelvic floor physical therapy.
What Can You Expect as You Get Started with a Pelvic Floor Therapist?
When you begin working with a pelvic floor therapist, you can expect a comprehensive and personalized approach to your care. Here's what you can generally expect:
Initial Evaluation
Your first visit will involve an in-depth evaluation, which may include a detailed medical history, discussion of your symptoms, and a physical examination. The therapist will assess your pelvic floor muscles, their strength, flexibility, and coordination. They may also inquire about lifestyle factors, bladder and bowel habits, and any previous treatments you may have tried.
Individualized Treatment Plan
Based on the evaluation findings, the pelvic floor therapist will create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. The plan may include a combination of pelvic floor exercises, manual therapy techniques, biofeedback, relaxation strategies, and education on lifestyle modifications.
Hands-On Therapy
Pelvic floor therapists often incorporate hands-on techniques to address muscle tension, trigger points, or restrictions in the pelvic floor muscles. These techniques may involve internal or external manual therapy, such as myofascial release, trigger point release, or soft tissue mobilization. The therapist will ensure your comfort and explain each step of the process.
Education and Empowerment
A vital aspect of pelvic floor therapy is education. The therapist will provide you with a clear understanding of your condition, pelvic floor anatomy, and the factors contributing to your symptoms. They will guide you on proper body mechanics, bladder and bowel habits, and strategies for managing symptoms in daily life. You will receive valuable information about self-care techniques, including home exercises and lifestyle modifications that can optimize your pelvic floor health.
Progress Monitoring and Adjustments
Throughout your pelvic floor therapy journey, your therapist will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. They will track improvements in your symptoms, muscle strength, and functional abilities. Regular follow-up visits will allow for ongoing guidance, support, and modification of the treatment plan to ensure optimal results.
Collaboration and Communication
Pelvic floor therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. Open and honest communication is key to your success. Your therapist will actively listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide guidance every step of the way. They will work with you as a team, ensuring that your treatment aligns with your goals and preferences.
Empathy and Support
Pelvic floor therapists understand the sensitive nature of pelvic floor conditions and the impact they can have on your quality of life. They provide a supportive and empathetic environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your symptoms and concerns. They are committed to helping you navigate your pelvic health journey with compassion and understanding.
Remember, each person's experience with pelvic floor therapy may vary based on their unique needs and condition. It's essential to maintain open communication with your therapist, follow their recommendations, and actively participate in your treatment for the best possible outcomes.
Pelvic floor therapists are dedicated professionals who specialize in addressing pelvic floor dysfunction and helping individuals restore their pelvic health and overall well-being. By working collaboratively with a pelvic floor therapist, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and support needed to improve your pelvic floor function, manage your symptoms, and enhance your quality of life.
Learn more about the science behind Every Mother’s workouts and why they are so effective here.
It’s never too late or too early to consider your pelvic floor health. Whether you are experiencing the symptoms above or looking to make a game plan through pregnancy and beyond, a pelvic floor physical therapist can give you the support you need to take command of your pelvic health.
Reviewed by Abby Inman PT, DPT in October 2023.
