Most people don’t realize how important their pelvic health and wellness are until they start to decline. Once you start feeling pain or losing function, it’s easy to feel isolated. If you can relate, there’s a good chance pelvic rehabilitation can help you. This is a specialty service we offer at our Forever Fit Columbia, Maryland, location. Our pelvic floor physical therapists get to know you and incorporate your input into your personalized treatment plan. They’re great listeners, and they love helping people be more intentional about their pelvic health.
This article discusses the conditions pelvic floor physical therapy can help with. It also outlines some of the approaches PTs at our Columbia location often use to help patients manage pelvic pain or restore function.
Looking for pelvic floor physical therapy in Columbia?
You’ll want to see a specialist in pelvic floor physical therapy that’s close to work or home. You’ll be meeting with them frequently, and some treatments will require you to see your PT in person. We know that pelvic health issues are very personal. Our specialists use accessible language to make talking about these issues easier. Your comfort in the process is their number one priority. Your PT will make sure you fully understand what to expect during treatments, and they’ll always ask for your consent before they begin.
Many women want to know they’ll be seeing a female PT when they make an appointment for pelvic rehabilitation. All of the physical therapists and the physical therapist assistant at our Columbia location are women.
Conditions that pelvic floor physical therapy can help with
The muscles and organs in your core, pelvis and lower back are all interconnected. An imbalance, weakness or disease in one part can affect everything surrounding it. Dysfunction in the pelvic area can result in symptoms such as pain, incontinence and sexual dysfunction. This can happen because of a medical condition, an injury, or the effects of aging or childbirth.
Pelvic rehabilitation can help with the following conditions:
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Urinary incontinence
- Abnormal urination
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Lower back pain
- Prostatitis
- Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
- Preparation for childbirth or rehabilitation after vaginal birth or C-section
Treatments for common pelvic health conditions
Most pelvic rehabilitation treatments are about strengthening the muscles in your pelvic floor and retraining them so they contract and relax properly. Education about your anatomy and how your body works is another important aspect. You may also learn techniques for controlling your bladder and making sure it empties all the way.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect during pelvic rehabilitation treatments:
- Therapeutic exercises — You’ve probably heard of Kegel exercises. Muscle strengthening in your pelvis and core can help improve a wide range of conditions. It can help create more support for your internal organs, reduce pelvic pressure and decrease urinary leakage.
- Biofeedback — Muscle coordination plays an essential role in your bladder and bowel control. When your pelvic floor muscles are not working optimally, it can be difficult to stop and start the flow of urine. A pelvic floor specialist can use biofeedback EMG to show you your muscle contraction on the computer. Being able to see the muscle contraction can help you learn how to use and control them.
- Manual therapy — Some manual treatments may require you to undress below the waist. Your PT will use gentle touch to stretch and massage connective tissue. This will help you release excess tension and realign tissue fibers to restore natural movement. We advise patients to wear warm socks so your feet don’t get cold during treatments.
- Bladder training — Waiting to use the bathroom can be very difficult when your bladder isn’t functioning at its best. Our PTs can teach you techniques for controlling your bladder until you’re able to get to the closest bathroom. There are also techniques to help you completely empty your bladder.
Forever Fit is your Columbia pelvic floor physical therapy center
Many people endure pelvic dysfunction in silence because they don’t know there are therapies that can help. Some never even mention their symptoms to their doctor. The pelvic floor specialists at our Forever Fit Columbia location are dedicated to expanding access to supportive, affirming treatment. Our pelvic floor physical therapists have decades of experience between them. We are passionate about helping women take a more proactive approach to their pelvic health.
After an initial consultation, your pelvic floor specialist will create a personalized treatment plan according to your specific symptoms and medical history that’s designed to:
- Make physical therapy expertise and pelvic health information accessible to you
- Reduce your pain and discomfort, starting at your first visit
- Use your treatment time wisely to create the best results
- Combine evidence-based techniques and adjust them based on what works best for you
Ready to start a conversation about your pelvic health? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.