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Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles? How PT Can Help
Pain or health issues caused by pelvic floor problems are not something you have to live with. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a solution for men and women.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Our expert pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) team offers the latest, most effective treatments.
Pelvic floor issues such as urinary and fecal incontinence, pain during sex, and chronic pelvic or abdominal pain can have a dramatic effect on your lifestyle and well-being. If pelvic floor dysfunction is keeping you from the activities you love, it’s time to get help. Henry Ford Health offers pelvic floor PT for men and women from licensed physical therapists.
Pelvic floor therapy: Why choose Henry Ford Health?
- Compassionate care: Seeking treatment might feel embarrassing or you might think you have no options. Fortunately, our pelvic floor therapists offer a discrete, compassionate environment and the latest treatments, so you can regain your health and confidence.
- Experienced team: Our licensed physical therapists have undergone extensive training in pelvic floor therapy. Many providers also have additional certifications in specialty areas, such as postpartum pelvic therapy, pelvic organ prolapse and manual therapy.
- Convenient access: With locations throughout southeast and south central Michigan and the greater Flint area, we make it easy to find pelvic floor therapy near you. Our large staff and extensive network mean you can get timely treatment near home, work or school.
- Integrated care and support: In Henry Ford Health’s multidisciplinary Pelvic Pain Clinic, our physical therapists, gynecologists, urologists and pain management specialists work together to evaluate your pelvic floor issues and create a personalized treatment plan. We also stay in close communication with your referring provider, and we provide support throughout treatment to help aid your recovery.
- Nonsurgical treatment: Pelvic floor physical therapy may help prevent the need for prolapse surgery or incontinence surgery. This conservative treatment builds the strength and control you need to live life to the fullest.
FAQs about pelvic floor PT at Henry Ford Health
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What Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
The pelvic floor muscles control the bladder, bowels and uterus. Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when these muscles (either too tense or too relaxed) are no longer able to control normal functions such as urination or bowel movements. The condition can affect men and women.
Possible causes of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Childbirth or diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation)
- Surgery, such as hysterectomy or prostatectomy
- Traumatic pelvic injuries
Common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Constipation
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence)
- Low back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Urinary urgency
Pelvic floor therapy can also help people dealing with endometriosis, painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pelvic organ prolapse.
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What Can I Expect During Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Your pelvic floor therapist will begin by carefully reviewing your medical history and symptoms. We do a complete physical exam (this may include a vaginal or rectal exam) to evaluate:
- Muscle strength and function
- Back and hip joint health
- Severity of pelvic pain
- Pelvic prolapse, or a pelvic organ that’s slipped down into the vagina
We also discuss how your pelvic dysfunction is affecting your life at home and at work. Your pelvic floor therapist will work with you to outline clear goals for rehabilitation. Whether you want to lift your baby without pain or take walks without urinary urgency, we’ll make a care plan tailored to your unique needs. Pelvic floor PT typically takes two to four months.
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What Pelvic Floor Treatments Do You Offer?
Many people think pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, are the only way to improve pelvic floor function. However, your pelvic floor therapist will introduce you to a range of techniques to address your unique needs. Your rehabilitation plan may include:
- Behavior modification and self-care strategies
- Biofeedback to monitor muscle strength and spasms
- Diet modifications to increase fiber and fluid intake
- Dilators to stretch and relax vaginal muscles
- Electrotherapy to improve muscle tone and decrease pain
- Manual therapy, or massage, for pelvic floor muscles
- Pelvic floor exercises, including a home exercise program
- Rectal balloon training for bowel dysfunction
- Stretches for the legs, hips and lower back
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What Do I Need to Start Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
- Get a referral: A referral for pelvic floor therapy that’s dated and has been signed by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner within the last 90 days.
- Make an appointment: With this referral, you can schedule an appointment by calling one of our locations, or through your Henry Ford MyChart account.
- Provide your information: Either way, our team will gather information from you about your condition and referring provider, and will also verify your insurance coverage.
- Start your pelvic floor PT: Then you’ll be paired with the most appropriate pelvic floor therapist for your needs and start your treatment.
You should also plan to attend regularly scheduled pelvic floor therapy appointments to ensure that you get the most out of treatment.
After a Baby, You May Need Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pregnancy can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, which can cause a variety of issues. A physical therapist can help.