Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Pelvic health physical therapy (PT) is a non-surgical, evidence-based approach to treating pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders.

Why physical therapy for pelvic issues? Physical therapists are trained specialists in neuromusculoskeletal conditions, meaning the joints, muscles, connective, and body nerves. A pelvic health physical therapist has undergone additional specialized training in anatomy, physiology, assessment, and treatment of the pelvic region and the impact of these structures on bladder, bowel, and sexual functions.

Common diagnoses and problems treated by pelvic health PT include but are not limited to

• Leaking of urine or urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency and frequency
• Leaking of stool or fecal/bowel incontinence
• Constipation
• Incomplete emptying of bowel or bladder
• Pelvic pain
• Abdominal pain
• Sexual pain and pain in the genital region
• Pudendal neuralgia
• Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain
• Prenatal pain (low back, hip, etc.)
• Postpartum pain
• Pelvic organ prolapses (falling of uterus, bladder, or bowel)
• Pain with urination or bowel movements
• Pre and post-surgical rehab for abdominal, gynecological, prostate, colorectal, and oncology

Some common misconceptions about Pelvic PT are that this type of intervention is only available for women or the treatment only involves Kegel exercises. Men and women can be affected by these conditions and benefit from pelvic health PT. Pelvic physical therapy treatments involve more than merely performing Kegels or pelvic floor muscle contractions. If appropriate, these may be part of a more comprehensive treatment program. Treatments are done to meet each patient’s specific individual needs, and there is not one general program that is appropriate for everyone. A thorough assessment of a patient is required to help design a treatment plan that meets your specific need.

Our Therapists

Erin Pigge, DPT