You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pelvic floor physical therapy.
Why is it necessary to see a pelvic specialist for my condition? Can’t I just go to any provider for care?
Pelvic physical therapy is a unique service Pelvic Wellness Center provides throughout the greater Marion County. We understand the need for these services, and realize the sensitive nature of the problems our patient’s are faced with. Our office space is designed to be both private and comfortable so our patients can relax and begin the healing process.
Our female physical therapists have many years of experience and specialized training in the area of pelvic dysfunction and treatment, allowing us to serve you optimally both from a technical nature and from a patient-centered perspective.
What should I expect on my first visit?
For your first visit, we ask you to arrive approximately 10 minutes prior to your appointment in order to have adequate time to check in. For your convenience, we will send you paper to complete before your initial appointment. You can also download the adult or pediatric new patient packet here. With either of these options, we still ask that you arrive early to ensure you will have the full appointment session with your physical therapist for your evaluation.
During your first visit with your PT, she will be conducting a thorough evaluation of your condition, including a detailed history of your health and you current concerns bringing you to our office . Your physical therapist will then conduct a postural and musculoskeletal assessment, looking at how your joints, muscles, nerves and other soft tissues move. Included in this evaluation your physical therapist may perform a pelvic floor muscle assessment in order to most effectively identify strength deficits and other qualities which may be contributing to, or resulting from, your condition.
What should I expect during subsequent treatment sessions?
During your first evaluation session (your first visit), your physical therapist will determine a personalized treatment plan based on the evaluation findings and your goals. This treatment plan will be executed during your subsequent treatment sessions.
Most courses of treatment last between 6 – 8 weeks, though this will vary depending on your specific condition. During the course of your treatment, a number of physical therapy interventions may be used, including specific manual (“hands on”) techniques for the pelvic floor, pelvic girdle, and low back. Examples may include myofascial release techniques (MFR), connective tissue mobilization, visceral mobilization techniques, trigger point release, strain/counter strain, muscle energy techniques and joint mobilization. Strengthening exercises for the pelvic muscles, hips, abdominals and low back may also be part of your plan.
As part of your treatment plan, your physical therapist will also provide you with education addressing the causes of your pain or dysfunction and will provide you with “at-home” skills and techniques which can be used to manage your symptoms. Examples may include strengthening, stretching, and behavior modification techniques. In some cases, patients are asked to record the symptoms and activities which take place at home and may include the completion of a bladder and/or bowel diary if bladder/bowel complaints are part of your symptoms. Your physical therapist may also recommend the use of biofeedback (a device used to monitor pelvic muscle activity) to further assist you with muscle retraining as part of incontinence training or treatment of pelvic pain conditions.
Our goal is to help you reach your goal(s)! We look forward to working with you on this healing journey.
Have additional questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us today!