Pelvic Health

As part of our whole body approach to healing, we offer pelvic health services to address issues that affect bladder, bowel and sexual function.  The pelvis is the center of the body, therefore any alignment or structural issues present in the pelvis affect not only the pelvic floor muscles and abdominal organs, but they can also cause symptoms that arise in the hips, back, neck and even the arms and legs.

Many people suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction and related symptoms that may go on for years because of misdiagnosis and in appropriate treatments.  Fortunately, more doctors are aware of pelvic floor dysfunction and are referring their patients to physical therapy sooner.  Because these issues are so personal, many patients with pelvic floor dysfunction may also benefit from psychological services and support groups.  There are many great resources available now.  If you have chronic pain or problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function, try physical therapy.  Physical therapists can be part of your team of specialists that helps you return to complete physical health!

Treatments include:

  • Manual Therapy (hands on techniques that include myofascial release, trigger point release, craniosacral therapy, joint mobilization, visceral manipulation)
  • Therapeutic Exercise (for relaxing tight, painful areas and strengthening weak areas)
  • Correction of Posture/Alignment
  • Body Mechanics and Ergonomic Education
  • Education on Self-Management and Home Programs

Common Conditions that we treat with Pelvic Physical Therapy

Bladder Problems

  • Urinary Frequency/Urgency
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Urinary Retention
  • Pain with Urination
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • Nocturia (night time urge to urinate)

Bowel Problems

  • Bowel urgency
  • Bowel frequency
  • Bowel incontinence
  • Constipation or incomplete bowel emptying
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Rectal pain
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Gas

Sexual Problems

  • Pain with intercourse (Dyspareunia)
  • Pain with OB/GYN exams
  • Testicular pain
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Pain with ejaculation
  • Prostatitis
  • Difficulty reaching orgasm
  • Low libido

Musculoskeletal Problems

  • Neck Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Hip Pain
  • Groin Pain
  • Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia)
  • Sacroiliac joint pain
  • Sciatica
  • Postnatal pain or weakness
  • Lymphedema

Conditions Associated with Pelvic Pain

  • Levator Ani Syndrome
  • Vulvodynia
  • Vaginismus
  • Vulvar Vestibulitis
  • Pudendal Neuralgia
  • Endometriosis
  • Lichens Planus
  • Lichens Sclerosis
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • Anal/Rectal Fissure
  • Urethral Syndrome
  • Prostatitis
  • Prostatodynia
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • Proctalgia Fugax
  • Childbirth (Cesarean section, perineal tears, episiotomy)
  • Surgical scarring (abdominal, colorectal, spinal)