Your Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor consists of 3 layers of muscles and connective tissue that form a sling across the base of the pelvis. The pelvic floor provides support to organs, sphincteric control, sexual function, stability, it acts as a sump-pump and plays a role in breathing. 

Pelvic floor physical therapy involves a comprehensive evaluation by a physical therapist who specializes in or has advanced training in pelvic health and pelvic floor. The evaluation will vary from patient to patient but can include an assessment of movement patterns/strategies,  lower extremity strength, range of motion, mobility and breathing. You can expect an assessment of core function which may include evaluating for diastasis recti. The evaluation of the pelvic floor can include both an external and internal examination and is based on patient comfort level and consent. An internal examination involves one gloved finger and does not require a speculum; this can provide valuable information on muscle tone or tightness, muscle strength, coordination and endurance. 

There are many patients that could benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. Diagnoses or symptoms can include: pelvic pain, urinary leakage or incontinence, prolapse, pain with sex, pain with gynecological exam, pain with tampon insertion, difficulty voiding, constipation, back pain, hip pain as well as pregnant and postpartum patients. 

We now have a pelvic floor practitioner for those seeking treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. At this time, our practice is only seeing female patients. If you are a male experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out so we can refer you to the appropriate provider.