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Health Information | 08/15/2023

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Not Just for Postpartum Care

By  Tayla Curran, PT, DPT, MSc
woman doing pelvic bridge exercise
When you hear the term "pelvic floor physical therapy," you may primarily associate it with postpartum care for a woman after the birth of her child. While it's true pelvic floor therapy offers tremendous benefits for new moms, it's important to know this specialized form of therapy is not limited to the postpartum period or just to women. 

The pelvic floor is comprised of the muscles that support and keep in place the urinary and reproductive tracts and control the bladder and bowels for men and women. When these muscles become weak or do not work together as they should, discomfort, pain and other problems can occur. 

Pelvic floor therapy can offer a comprehensive approach to pelvic health that benefits both men and women of all ages. During therapy sessions, you will receive detailed education about the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor muscles as well as lifestyle modifications and exercises to support your recovery when dealing with the following issues:

Pain Relief


Pelvic pain can affect anyone, regardless of whether they’ve given birth. Conditions like chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, pudendal neuralgia, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction can cause discomfort and limit daily activities. Oftentimes, chronic back pain and hip pain can have pelvic components, and if you have lingering symptoms, consider seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist. 

Pelvic floor therapy offers effective strategies for managing and reducing pelvic pain. Skilled therapists use a combination of manual techniques, relaxation exercises, and gentle stretches to alleviate tension, release trigger points, and restore balance to the pelvic floor muscles. Whether you’re experiencing pain due to a sports injury, surgery, pregnancy, surgery, or other factors, pelvic floor therapy can be a game-changer.

Urinary and Bowel Control


Urinary and bowel incontinence can affect individuals of all ages due to factors such as aging, hormonal changes, surgery, pregnancy, or weakened pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor therapy addresses these issues by improving muscle strength, coordination, and control. Therapists work with patients to develop tailored exercise programs, provide biofeedback training, and educate on bladder and bowel habits. By addressing the root causes of incontinence, pelvic floor therapy can help you regain control and restore confidence in your daily life.

Sexual Health and Function


Sexual health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and pelvic floor therapy plays a significant role in supporting sexual function for all individuals. Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to issues such as pain during intercourse, reduced sexual sensation, and difficulty achieving orgasm. Through pelvic floor therapy, patients can experience improved blood flow, decreased muscle tension, and increased neuromuscular coordination in the pelvic region. While painful intercourse may be common, it’s not normal and there are evidence-based treatments to address it. 

Pre- and Postoperative Care


Pelvic floor therapy is valuable as a part of pre- and postoperative care for various abdominal and pelvic surgeries. Whether you're undergoing procedures such as an abdominoplasty, hysterectomy, surgery for endometriosis, prostate surgery, or gender-affirming surgery, pelvic floor therapy can help prepare the pelvic floor muscles for surgery, aid in recovery, and promote optimal healing. It can reduce scar tissue formation, minimize postoperative pain, and enhance overall mobility and function.

Finding a Provider


Remember, if you're experiencing any pelvic-related issues, whether it's pain, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or preparing for surgery, don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. At Atrius Health, we can offer some appointments for pelvic floor therapy at our Kenmore location. However, given pelvic floor physical therapists are in high demand and can often have a several month-long waitlist, it can be helpful to call around to various providers and get on multiple wait lists. 

To search for pelvic floor providers in your area, visit Pelvic Rehab or the Pelvic Health PT Locator. Working with a skilled pelvic floor therapist can provide the specialized care you need, equip you with the tools necessary to actively participate in your own healing process, and maintain long-term pelvic floor health, empowering you to live a life free from limitations.
 
Tayla Curran

About The Author

Tayla Curran, PT, DPT, MSc

Tayla Curran works as an orthopedic physical therapist who also treats patients experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. She takes a whole-body approach to patient care and tailors each patient’s treatment to get them back to participating in the activities they enjoy, symptom free. Tayla received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Columbia University in New York City. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, she worked as a medical educator at Columbia University Medical Center where she taught communication skills to health care students, lead the interprofessional education program, and coordinated the Narrative Medicine program. She received her Master’s degree in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University.

While she lived in New York City for many years, she remained loyal to Boston sports. In her free time, she can often be found cycling around Boston or walking her dog on the Esplanade.

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