Are you experiencing pelvic pain?
Physical Therapy may be the solution!
Are you experiencing pain in your intimate areas? Have you struggled with incontinence? For some, it can be challenging to talk about these types of struggles. At Elliott Physical Therapy, we are musculoskeletal experts and work with people experiencing difficulties in all body regions.
Pelvic pain is no laughing matter. The pelvic area is a vital part of the body that serves many functions, particularly for women. Pelvic pain can occur at any time during your menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, after giving birth, or as a result of an underlying condition.
Pelvic conditions can affect all genders causing painful intercourse, difficult or painful urination, and even infertility. Prostatitis, postpartum pelvic pain, pain after abdominal surgery, dyspareunia, and endometriosis are some of our physical therapists’ most common pelvic conditions.
Dealing with pelvic pain alone can be very confusing and frightening, but fortunately, it can be addressed and often completely resolved through pelvic floor rehabilitation at Elliott Physical Therapy.
If you or a loved one suffers from pelvic pain or conditions affecting your normal functioning, pelvic floor therapy may be beneficial. Our Pelvic Floor PTs are based in Dorchester and Hanover currently, and they specialize in treating of the conditions listed below. For more information, please get in touch with our Dorchester or Hanover locations today!
What is the goal of pelvic floor therapy?
Our highly trained team uses the most advanced strategies to help alleviate the pain and restore normal function of the bowel and urinary systems. We also work with people experiencing pain during sex and experiencing dysfunction in sexual performance.
The pelvic floor is a term used to describe the region located in the bottom aspect of the pelvis. The pelvic floor is a complex system that works with the structures and systems in the pelvic cavity and the body. Everyone has a pelvic floor, and learning how to resolve issues can significantly impact your overall well-being.
The pelvic floor is supported by several muscles that also provide several essential functions, including supporting the organs found in the pelvis, bladder and bowel control, and sexual function. Impairments in muscle function can lead to pain and dysfunction.
The ability to contract the pelvic floor correctly can be affected by several factors, including:
- Weakened bladder muscles resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, and aging
- Physical damage to your pelvic floor muscles from childbirth or surgery
- Damage to the nerves from health problems like diabetes and multiple sclerosis
- Enlarged prostate
- Types of cancer
- Certain medications
- Trauma (physical, psychological/emotional)
Strong pelvic floor muscles are essential in activities where an extra force is added to the abdomen and pelvic floor (i.e., coughing, laughing, sneezing, and lifting). When these muscles are weak or not working as they should, pelvic floor dysfunction may occur.
Some common pelvic conditions that Elliott Physical Therapy can treat are as follows:
- Overactive bladder muscles
- Damaged bladder nerves (due to diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s)
- Damaged pelvic floor nerves (due to childbirth, injury, or surgery)
- Tight and/or weak pelvic floor muscles
- Bloating and abdominal pressure
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Blockage from an enlarged prostate
- Prostatitis
Pelvic floor therapy focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and restoring the functions of the systems in the pelvis. When the muscles in the pelvic area become tight or weak, it can have a negative impact on your daily life because this region supports the core of your body and is an essential part of everyday movement.
One of our licensed Pelvic Floor PTs will review your medical history and thoroughly examine the type of treatment you require. Depending on your condition, this may include targeted stretches, specific muscle activation, and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy may be used to relax tense muscles and free up restrictions impairing function.
At Elliott Physical Therapy, our team works with all types of problems affecting the pelvic region regardless of gender. Request an appointment with one of our specialists so we can help you find relief!
Pelvic Floor PT Works!
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.
For more information, Contact us.
Pelvic pain treatment options
Our therapists at Elliott Physical Therapy tailor our programs to the individual using research-backed, comprehensive treatment programs. We will conduct a thorough history and physical examination to identify all the possible factors contributing to your condition.
Evaluating the strength of the pelvic floor muscles includes assessing your ability to willfully contract your muscles and also identifying your ability to generate power and sustain a contraction (endurance). It is also essential to test your contraction speed and your ability to relax on command.
Your Elliott Physical Therapy pelvic floor specialist may use several different treatment methods to relieve pelvic pain and restore your function, depending on your specific condition. We will use this information to develop an individualized program focusing on helping you resolve your pain and restore your function. Our pelvic floor treatments include:
- Soft tissue mobilization and massage of internal and external pelvic musculature to relieve muscle tension and provide pain relief
- Pelvic floor muscle retraining to restore normal strength and endurance
- Increasing endurance of the core strength and stability in hip muscles
- Neuro-retraining (i.e., incorporating pelvic floor muscle activation during simulated daily activities)
- Electrical stimulation modalities for pain relief and to restore normal neuromuscular activation of the pelvic floor muscles and nerves
- Bladder training (i.e., gradually holding urine for longer and longer periods)
- Relaxation techniques and diaphragmatic breathing exercises
Our team will educate you on home exercises and simple movements that you can build into your everyday activities. We believe teaching you strategies to manage and improve your pelvic health is the key to lasting results.
What steps Should I Take?
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is important and can help men and women of all ages. At Elliott Physical Therapy, our physical therapists can help with incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction, whether your condition results from reconstruction surgery, abdominal surgery, prostate cancer treatments, pregnancy, or childbirth. No matter what it is, we most likely treat it.
We want you to be able to live your life comfortably at Elliott Physical Therapy. Contact our clinic in Dorchester or Hanover today and request an appointment with one of our pelvic floor specialists!
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!
