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Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a speciality area of physical therapy that evaluates, assesses and treats the pelvic floor muscles and regions around it. The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles attaching to the bottom of the pelvis, like a supportive hammock. In many cases, dysfunction in the bladder, bowel, or pelvis occur because of imbalances in the pelvic floor or surrounding structures. The pelvic floor muscles are part of a core unit, and the core is utilized in all functional movements. We identify how functional daily movements and repetitive stress on this structure may affect your symptoms. Here at Durham Women’s Clinic we approach therapy with a holistic view, recognizing the emotional, mental, and physical components of your care.

What to expect on your first visit?

Every pelvic floor evaluation and treatment is a 45 minute, one-on-one session with your physical therapist.  A detailed history will be taken by a therapist trained to understand the sensitive and personal nature of topics discussed. The therapist will address your concerns and answer questions throughout your private, one on one session.  We’ll help you identify and adapt conditions that may contribute to pain and dysfunctional symptoms, such as: bladder and bowel habits, postures and movements, food and fluid intake, past and current physical injuries, illnesses and surgical procedures.

Depending on your diagnosis, your therapist may perform an internal assessment.  This examination is brief and gentle, and provides invaluable information for your therapist to create the best course of treatment. The patient always has the option to have an external examination and it is priority that the patient feels comfortable and has full understanding and consent for any internal examination.

Pelvic floor therapy is commonly used to treat (but not limited to):

  • Hip pain/impingement/labral injuries

  • Abdominal pain/inguinal pain

  • Pre partum care/strengthening/treatment

  • Post partum care/strengthening/treatment

  • Pelvic organ prolapse

  • Rectal prolapse

  • Scar conditions, healing and restriction

  • Manual lymphatic techniques/education

  • Pre and post op breast care

  • Back pain

  • Postural techniques/body mechanics

  • Gender affirming surgery rehabilitation

  • Hernia pre and post op care

  • Urinary incontinence, urgency, frequency

  • Bowel incontinence, urgency, frequency

  • Bladder pain/Interstitial cystitis

  • Vulvodynia

  • Vaginal atrophy/dryness

  • Constipation (defecatory dysfunction)

  • Hemorrhoids/Anal fissures

  • Rectal pain

  • Coccydynia

  • Vaginismus

  • Pelvic pain/perineal pain

  • Sexual dysfunction/dyspareunia

  • Pubic symphysis pain

  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain