Most people think of physical therapy as something you turn to for rehabbing an injury or improving mobility.
That’s a big part of what we do. But did you know physical therapy can also help with personal, often overlooked issues like incontinence, constipation, and even pain during sex?
This is where pelvic floor physical therapy comes in.
It’s a specialized area of physical therapy focused on strengthening and coordinating the muscles inside the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and uterus, and when they’re not working as they should, they can lead to all kinds of frustrating or painful symptoms.
When Pelvic Floor Therapy Might Be Right for You
There are certain times in a woman’s life when pelvic floor therapy is especially helpful:
- Starting a new chapter: Experiencing painful periods, becoming sexually active, or experiencing sexual problems.
- Pregnancy and postpartum: The body goes through enormous changes during these times.
- Midlife and beyond: Perimenopause and menopause can bring hormonal shifts that affect muscle health.
- After pelvic surgery: Recovering from a cesarean delivery, hysterectomy, or other procedures in the pelvic area.
No matter your stage of life, pelvic floor therapy can provide relief and help you feel more confident in your body.
Common Symptoms
Many women I work with come in for symptoms related to urination, like painful or frequent urination. Some experience leakage when they cannot reach the bathroom quickly enough or when sneezing, laughing, or coughing.
Others struggle with constipation, painful bowel movements, or discomfort during sex or while using tampons. Some experience general lower abdominal, lower back, and tailbone pain, or a sensation of heaviness, often linked to prolapse (when pelvic organs feel like they’re dropping).
These are deeply personal issues, and I strive to create a safe, comfortable environment where patients feel heard and supported.
What to Expect
Your first session is usually all about understanding you. We’ll talk about your symptoms, how they impact your life, and your goals for therapy. I’ll also do a physical exam to assess muscle strength in your pelvic region, hips, core, and lower back.
An internal exam is often the best way to identify the root cause of your symptoms, but I always respect your comfort level and preferences.
Based on what we find, I’ll design a personalized treatment plan. This often includes:
- Targeted exercises: Proper coordination and strength of the pelvic floor are key, but we also work on posture, back and core strength, and hip flexibility. Kegels are only one aspect of pelvic floor therapy and are not always the answer!
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to relax pelvic muscles and improve blood flow.
- Education: Understanding how factors like diet, overall fitness, and pelvic floor awareness play into your symptoms.
I also focus on teaching proper techniques for all exercises so you can confidently practice them at home.
How Long Does It Take?
Most patients notice significant improvements within about 12 weeks of consistent therapy. After that, many are able to maintain progress on their own with the tools and exercises they’ve learned. For more complex or chronic conditions, longer-term therapy may be needed.
Jamie Hanskiewicz, PT, DPT, CLT, is a physical therapist with specializations in pelvic floor physical therapy and lymphedema therapy. She sees patients at Regional One Health’s Center for Rehabilitative Medicine at our East Campus, 6555 Quince Road. For appointments, call 901.515.5900.
By Jamie Hanskiewicz, PT, DPT, CLT
