What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT) is a specialized subset of Physical Therapy that focuses on restoring all functions of the pelvic region. This means that any pelvic pain, bladder/bowel/sexual dysfunction you may be experiencing can be addressed with physical therapy. This is because your pelvic floor region also has muscles, nerves, fascia, bones, etc., just like the rest of the body.
What does the pelvic floor do for me?
The pelvic floor functions to help:
Support your organs (bladder, uterus or prostate, rectum)
Sphincteric control (muscles to lift/squeeze your urethra and anus in order to control elimination)
Sexual function (provides muscle tone for vaginal and rectal canals in addition to muscle contraction during orgasms)
Stabilizer of your posture (aides core stabilization, hence our name Modern Core)
Okay, so what are you looking for?
Your pelvic floor physical therapist will look at your muscles, joints/bones, nerves, and fascia (aka connective tissue). The entire body is connected; therefore, your pelvic floor physical therapist will look at other areas of the body, specifically the pelvic girdle, to see if this influences your symptoms.
The pelvic girdle refers to any muscle or structure that connects onto the pelvis. This region has a direct correlation with your pelvic floor and may contribute to your symptoms. Pelvic girdle includes your abdominal muscles, back muscles, diaphragm, etc.
If you are uncomfortable with your pelvic floor physical therapist assessing your pelvic floor on day 1 (or any session)– that is okay! Your DPT will always follow your lead to ensure you are comfortable while addressing your goals.
This sounds.. different from typical physical therapy…
What can I expect during my initial evaluation/first session with a PFPT?
Discussion about symptoms/goals
Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist (PFPT) at MCHW, you can expect to begin the session by discussing the symptoms that you are experiencing. After your conversation, your pelvic floor physical therapist can explain what they will assess and why.
Assessment
From there, your PFPT will take some objective information/measurements involving the range of motion, strength, motor control, etc. of your pelvic floor. (What objective information they collect is dependent on your conversation and what your symptoms are.) Sometimes an internal evaluation is warranted, which consists of your therapist inserting one digit (finger) into the pelvic cavity to assess your pelvic floor muscle tone, nerve sensitivity, motor control, etc.
Summary and Plan
After the conversation and the objective part of the evaluation, your PFPT will share their physical therapy diagnosis and collaborate with you to solidify a “plan of care.” The plan of care outlines the frequency of visits, duration of the visits, what treatment techniques will be provided, and how long overall treatment will be in order to achieve your goals. (IE: It will take one 60 minute session/week over 6-8 weeks including manual therapy treatments, therapeutic exercises, activity modifications, and periodic bladder diary entries in order to stop leaking urine when jumping on the trampoline.)
Your plan of care details are based on evidence-based practices/research that have been previously performed on individuals who went through similar experiences like yourself.
Are you looking to receive Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy? Contact Modern Core Health & Wellness, located in Santa Monica, CA.