Frequently Asked Questions About Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Have you ever lost control of your bladder during a sneeze?

Or do you feel pain or discomfort during intercourse?

These can all be signs of pelvic floor dysfunction.

And if that’s the case, you’re not alone.

According to the National Institutes of Health, pelvic floor disorders affect about one quarter of women in the United States.

It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to seeking help for pelvic floor disorders.

After all, urinary incontinence and pain during sex can be difficult topics to discuss.

However, a physical therapist can be the best place to start.

At Capitol Physical Therapy, our physical therapy clinic doesn’t shy away from the more difficult topics.

Womens pelvic floor physical therapy is one of them, and our therapists can help with a variety of different pelvic floor concerns or dysfunctions.

You may want to read one of our previous articles to get a bettter understanding of what your pelvic floor is and how a physical therapist can help.

In this article though, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about pelvic floor physical therapy.

What Is Your Pelvic Floor?

Your pelvic floor is a group of tissues and muscles.

They support the organs contained in your pelvis.

Your pelvis holds your bowels, your rectum, your uterus, and your bladder.

The muscles in your pelvic floor are important for maintaining the functions of all of these organs.

What Conditions Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help With?

There are many different disorders that can be caused by dysfunction in your pelvic floor.

Some of the conditions that pelvic floor physical therapy can help with include:

• Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
• Pelvic pain
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Constipation
• Chronic pain in pelvis or genitals
• Fecal incontinence
• And others

If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, pelvic floor physical therapy might be the right option for you.

Are Pelvic Floor Exercises The Same As Kegel Exercises?

Kegel exercises can be part of pelvic floor physical therapy.

However, there are many different kinds of pelvic floor exercises.

As well, Kegel exercises aren’t always the best option for certain pelvic floor conditions.

RELATED ARTICLE: How To Do Kegel Exercises (And Why You Might Not Need To)

It can also be challenging to do Kegel exercises correctly.

If Kegel exercises are done incorrectly or too frequently, it can actually make your pelvic floor condition worse.

When you come in for pelvic floor physical therapy, your physical therapist will evaluate your pelvic floor muscle function.

They will also assess a multitude of other factors related to pelvic health.

This will help your pelvic floor physical therapist determine the best pelvic floor treatments for your specific needs.

Your physical therapist will also teach you how to perform your exercises properly.

Kegels might be one kind of exercise you learn, but your pelvic floor physical therapist will teach you multiple types of exercises based on what you need.

So what exactly does pelvic floor physical therapy include?

Let’s take a look.

What Happens During A Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Session?

Before you start your course of pelvic floor physical therapy, you will meet with your physical therapist for an initial evaluation.

Your physical therapist will ask you questions about your pelvic health to get a better understanding of your symptoms.

During this appointment, you and your physical therapist will discuss the kinds of exercises you are most comfortable with.

Usually, your first appointment for pelvic floor physical therapy will be longer than your subsequent appointments.

In the following appointments, your pelvic floor physical therapist will help you practice exercises to do at home.

Your physical therapist will also assess your progress regularly to determine if you still need physical therapy.

When doing pelvic floor physical therapy, just like any physical therapy, it’s important to work on your exercises at home.

This will speed up your progress significantly.

Your pelvic floor physical therapy treatment plan might involve some different kinds of muscle manipulation and tools.

Let’s take a look.

1. Biofeedback And Electrical Stimulation

Your physical therapist might use biofeedback therapy or electrical stimulation.

In biofeedback therapy, your physical therapist will use sensors to track your muscle activity.

Your muscle activity is displayed on a monitor as you use your muscles.

This can help you learn how to strengthen and relax the correct muscles more quickly.

With electrical stimulation, a small electrical current is passed through your muscles.

This might sound frightening, but it doesn’t hurt.

The electrical current causes your muscles to tighten, just like a Kegel exercise.

2. External Work

External work includes the manipulation of tissues in your pelvic region.

Your physical therapist might provide joint and tissue mobilization in your hips and buttocks.

They might also work on mobilizing the tissues of your perineum and vulva.

The exact areas and types of manipulation will depend on your specific needs and goals from pelvic floor physical therapy.

3. Internal Work

Your physical therapist might also recommend manipulating your pelvic floor muscles through your vagina or rectum.

Remember, your physical therapist will work with you on your physical therapy goals to make sure you feel prepared and comfortable.

And your physical therapist will only provide treatment in a way that you are comfortable with.

What Should I Wear To My Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Appointment?

It’s important to feel as comfortable as possible during pelvic floor physical therapy.

You’ll also likely be moving around as part of your treatment.

So comfortable, loose fitting clothing works best.

Can I Do Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy During My Period?

You can absolutely attend pelvic floor physical therapy while on your period.

Being on your period doesn’t affect your physical therapy session in any way.

However, some people do prefer to wait until their period is done to attend physical therapy.

And that’s okay, too.

The important part is that you feel comfortable at your physical therapy session.

If you’d prefer not to attend physical therapy while on your period, it’s best to discuss this with your physical therapist.

That way, they can make sure you have all the exercises you need to do at home if you have to miss a session.

How Often Do I Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Your course of treatment will be determined by you and your pelvic floor physical therapist at your first appointment.

Generally, though, you’ll start out by coming every week or two.

Typically, a pelvic floor physical therapy appointment will last for 30 to 60 minutes.

Your first appointment will be one hour, so that your physical therapist can properly assess your symptoms and answer any questions you have.

Through the course of your physical therapy, your physical therapist will check in on your progress.

Your physical therapist will be able to adjust how frequently you come based on your body’s needs and your progress in physical therapy.

Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Painful?

Pelvic floor physical therapy shouldn’t be painful.

You may sometimes feel light pressure during both your external and internal assessment.

However, healthy muscles shouldn’t be painful to touch or manipulate.

If you do feel any pain, let your physical therapist know right away.

That way, your physical therapist can adjust your treatment plan to account for any pain you’re experiencing.

Book Your Appointment With Capitol Physical Therapy Today

If you’re ready to take your first step into pelvic floor physical therapy, we’re here to help.

Our experienced physical therapists can support you in your journey to improve the health of your pelvic floor.

Book your appointment with Capitol Physical Therapy today.