Common Conditions We Treat
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What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a branch of physical therapy focused on treating a variety of health issues related to the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that support our organs and help control bladder and bowel function. Dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles can contribute to
- leakage with coughing, sneezing, running, jumping OR with a severe sense of urgency
- Increased urge to urinate and/or increased frequency of urination
- Pain with sexual activity or pelvic examinations
- Feelings of the pelvic floor “falling out”
- Bowel dysfunction / constipation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Tailbone pain, rectal/anal pain
- Unresolved back, hip, groin or SI pain
What pelvic floor related conditions do you treat?
Although pelvic floor muscle dysfunction if often thought of a female issue, men often face this issue as well. We at Inspire Physical Therapy and Wellness treat both female and male pelvic floor patients with the following conditions:
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Female Pelvic Floor:
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Male Pelvic Floor:
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What should I expect during my Session?
Our examinations are one-hour in length and start with a review of your medical history, history of your present condition, and thorough musculoskeletal assessment as it often plays a role in pelvic floor dysfunction. We look at posture, breathing, and pelvic alignment. If you are a pelvic floor patient, with consent, we will proceed with an external and internal vaginal and/or rectal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles . During this part of the exam we are looking for strength, endurance, tension, trigger points, and coordination of these muscles. We inform you of everything we will be doing prior to do so and will only proceed at the pace you are comfortable with . Due to the sensitive nature of this area we take a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to making this process as comfortable as possible for you. Together we will develop a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs and goals. Treatment sessions may include myofascial and trigger point release, visceral mobilization, biofeedback, e-stimulation, and Pilates-based rehabilitation. Education on lifestyle and behavioral strategies will also be given to compliment your therapy.
How many sessions will it take to see results?
The number of session required will depend on the chronicity and severity of your condition. A typical course of pelvic floor therapy will usually run for 5-8 sessions with a patient coming in 1x/week for treatment. This is also the case for orthopedic physical therapy, the severity of your injury will determine the length of your treatment plan. Some patients may require less therapy and some may require more. After your initial evaluation, you and your therapist will discuss a treatment plan which will include frequency and the anticipated number of visits.
What should I wear to my session?
Please come dressed in comfortable clothing allowing for easy viewing of the injured area. For instance, if we are evaluating your knee, please come with a pair of shorts. If we will be examining your shoulder or neck, ladies please come with a sports bra or a camisole to allow exposure of the area.