The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis. Similar to a sling, our pelvic floor muscles support our pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus in women, prostate in men, and the rectum. Pelvic floor muscles are also important for bladder and bowel function, sexual function, core stabilization, and pelvic blood/lymph circulation.

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Pelvic floor dysfunction may present with symptoms like:

• Frequent urination or an urgent need to go to the bathroom

• Urinary bladder or bowel leakage

• Constipation

• Pain during intercourse

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Tailbone, lower back, or hip pain

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What conditions can pelvic floor physical therapy treat?

• Urinary and fecal incontinence

• Overactive bladder

• Urinary frequency/urgency

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pelvic pain related to conditions such as interstitial cystitis and endometriosis

• Sexual dysfunction and pain

• Pregnancy and postpartum recovery

• Diastasis recti

• Musculoskeletal aches and pains involving the back, hips, SI joint, groin, abdomen, and sometimes limbs.

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Pelvic floor physical therapy is a non-surgical, drug free treatment option. The goals of pelvic floor physical therapy are to gain control of your bladder, decrease pain, increase activity tolerance, reduce or eliminate medication usage for incontinence and pain, and possibly even prevent the need for surgeries.

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What does PFPT look like?

At FlexPlus, pelvic floor physical therapy appointments are 40 minutes long of one-on-one time with a doctor of physical therapy. PFPT takes place in a private room and your comfort is of the utmost concern to us.

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During your first visit, you'll have the opportunity to share your history and concerns. You and your doctor of physical therapy will discuss the exam, answering any questions you may have. Your physical exam may include posture and movement screens, strength and flexibility testing, joint and nerve testing, and internal pelvic floor muscle via the vaginal canal. 

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You may defer or decline any part of the exam at any time.

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Treatments may include:

• Exercises to strengthen and/or lengthen the pelvic floor muscles

• Core strengthening exercises

• Breathing techniques

• Body mechanics

• Movement training

• Biofeedback techniques to improve awareness and strengthen muscles

• Electrical stimulation to improve awareness and strengthen muscles

• Soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to address muscle imbalances

• Joint mobilization

• Relaxation techniques

• Self-care education including diet and lifestyle changes which can help improve symptoms