Pelvic Floor Therapy
Strengthen Your Foundation with Pelvic Floor Therapy
Why Choose Southern Urogynecology for Pelvic Floor Therapy?
The caring team at Southern Urogynecology has extensive specialized training in evaluating and treating pelvic floor disorders through physical therapy. Our proven techniques help patients rebuild pelvic strength and regain confidence.
Pelvic Floor Therapy at a Glance
- Focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles
- Combines Kegel exercises with biofeedback
- Customized to address your specific concerns
- May prevent the need for surgery
Empower Your Wellness
What is pelvic floor therapy?
The ability to control urination is one of those things we take for granted until we lose it. People suffering from incontinence (loss of bladder control) must often restrict normal daily activities. They are faced with potentially embarrassing situations, including the shame of being a burden to their families or other caregivers. And, the problem is not uncommon and can occur in males and females.
At our office in West Columbia pelvic floor therapy can help! Physical Therapists who specialize in incontinence treat the pelvic muscles just as they would any other muscle of the body. The pelvic muscles are evaluated for strength, coordination, and tone. The patient is taught exercises for strengthening, relaxation, body mechanics, techniques to decrease urge, and bladder irritants to avoid. Patients are usually seen once a week for four to six weeks.
Multiple Approaches for a Strong Pelvic Floor
What to Expect in Pelvic Floor Therapy
Your first appointment begins with an evaluation to assess your pelvic floor strength and pinpoint problem areas. From there, your physical therapist develops a customized therapy plan combining approaches such as:
- Kegel exercises to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles
- Biofeedback to enhance awareness of muscle contractions
- Electrical stimulation or weights to further strengthen the muscles
- Hands-on therapy to release tension and improve mobility
Sessions typically occur 1-2 times per week for several weeks. At-home exercises reinforce pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Don’t Live With Discomfort
Conditions Treated with Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy can provide effective treatment for many pelvic health issues, including:
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Overactive bladder
- Constipation and bowel control problems
- Painful intercourse
- Chronic pelvic pain
For some patients, pelvic floor therapy may delay or eliminate the need for surgery. The therapy techniques concentrate on strengthening the group of muscles located in your pelvic region that act like a muscular trampoline supporting the bladder, uterus, vagina, rectum, and small intestine. By toning these muscles, therapy improves their ability to adequately support the pelvic organs.
Treatment + Prevention
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy
In addition to relieving pelvic floor disorder symptoms, benefits of pelvic floor therapy include:
- Avoiding or delaying the need for surgery
- Minimizing risk of worsening prolapse or incontinence
- Improving core strength and stability
- Reducing pelvic pain and discomfort
- Enhancing recovery after pelvic surgery
- Increasing intimate confidence
Holistic Strengthening
Am I a Candidate for Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Most women or men experiencing any degree of pelvic floor disorder are ideal candidates for pelvic floor rehabilitation therapy. This includes issues occurring both before and after childbirth, during menopause, or due to a chronic condition. Your therapist will evaluate if you have any limitations.
Put Your Symptoms Behind You
How Soon Will I See Pelvic Floor Therapy Results?
Many patients report noticing improvement in their urinary, bowel, and pelvic symptoms within 4-6 weeks of beginning pelvic floor physical therapy. However, consistent therapy may take 3-6 months to achieve maximum functional gains and muscle re-education. Sticking to your home exercise program is key for lasting results.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Biofeedback helps you become more aware of contracting the right muscles during Kegel exercises. Sensors provide real-time feedback.
Internal techniques are often utilized to directly access and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This is done in a private, professional manner.
Yes, pelvic PT can help men recover from prostate surgery or treat incontinence and pelvic pain as well.
Most patients have therapy once per week for four to six weeks. Your therapist will develop your ideal schedule.
For advanced prolapse, therapy is often combined with surgery or a pessary device to physically support prolapsed organs.
Kegel exercises are proven to help rebuild pelvic floor strength when done properly. Your therapist ensures correct technique.
Absolutely, pelvic PT is commonly prescribed after prolapse or incontinence surgery to expedite recovery and improve outcomes.
Patients undress from the waist down and are properly draped during their pelvic floor treatment sessions.
