You may be asking – “What exactly IS Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?”
Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a specialty within physical therapy that focuses on addressing the pelvic floor – the sling of muscles that sit at the bottom of your pelvis – these are the muscles you sit on! Their job is to work with your core, back, and hips to help provide stability. They help to support your pelvic organs and are directly involved with bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
1 in 4 women experience
pelvic floor dysfunction
Elliott Physical Therapy now offers Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy at our Dorchester and Hanover locations. If you are experiencing pelvic pain, sexual health concerns, incontinence, or other pelvic floor symptoms our pelvic health physical therapists will assess your needs and create a plan of care that promotes physical and mental healing and allows you to enjoy life.
Everyone has a pelvic floor. Women and men of all ages can benefit from PFPT!
Commons symptoms and diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction:
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Urinary incontinence
- Waking multiple times in the night to void (nocturia)
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Constipation
- Fecal urgency
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Back pain during pregnancy
- Chronic/ acute pelvic pain (all genders)
- Diastasis recti
- Endometriosis
- Pre/postpartum both vaginal and cesarean section
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Pre/post prostatectomy
If you’re interested to see if PFPT is something YOU might benefit from – fill out the form below or click here to download a PDF screening questionnaire. It might surprise you to see what symptoms PFPT can help treat!
Instructions: Check All That Apply
If you checked 3 or more circles, pelvic floor dysfunction is likely. Our specialists will review your responses and reach out to schedule an in-person consultation if PFPT is recommended.
Evaluations are held within a private treatment room to ensure your comfort. Patients undergo a general orthopedic exam assessing their spine, hips, and muscle function. There is the option of a more in-depth pelvic muscle assessment, which may include an internal examination (vaginally or rectally) if you are comfortable and consent. This is effective at identifying the root cause of your pelvic floor dysfunction.
All treatments are individually tailored to your needs with compassionate and attentive care.
Treatment can include a variety of tools including:
- Strength training
- Education on breathing techniques to reduce pressure
- Education on bladder function and causes of symptoms
- Urge suppression techniques and bladder retraining
- Techniques to improve bowel function
- Stretching and mobility
You do not need to live with pain or symptoms that interfere with your daily life. We will help you get back to feeling like yourself again!
For more information, Contact us in Dorchester or Hanover.
*Nygaard, I. Prevalence of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders in US women. JAMA 300(11), 1311. https://doi.org/10.1001/ jama.300.11.1311 (2008).
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Come in for a Comprehensive Evaluation
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!
