Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor dysfunction is common in both men and women, and it’s especially common after childbirth. Luckily, symptoms are often easy to treat. Our goal at Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas is to improve your quality of life by easing pelvic pain and discomfort with physical therapy that targets your pelvic floor muscles.
What Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is an evidence-based, nonsurgical treatment for pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders. This specialized therapy aims to relieve symptoms through a series of exercises that can strengthen and re-train your pelvic floor muscles.
The exercises used are based on your symptoms, which will indicate whether you need to relax or strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Our pelvic health physical therapists are trained specialists in neuromuscular disorders and have received additional training in the anatomy of the pelvic region to provide the best treatment.
Causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Traumatic injuries to your pelvic area
- Pelvic surgery
- Being overweight
- Aging
- Overuse of your pelvic floor muscles
- Straining too hard due to chronic constipation
- Weightlifting
- Nerve damage
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Genetics can also play a role. Some people are born with weaker muscles and connective tissue, which puts them at higher risk for developing a pelvic floor disorder.
Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Symptoms that can be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction include:
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- Frequently needing to go to the bathroom
- Feeling like you have to force out urine or stool
- Incontinence (leaking urine or stool)
- Pain when urinating
- Overactive bladder
- Pain in your pelvic region
- Constipation
- Feeling like your bowel movements are not complete
- Stopping and starting when urinating
- Needing to change positions to eliminate stool
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The presence of several of these symptoms may indicate a problem with your pelvic floor function. Speak with your health care provider right away if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy can bring substantial health benefits, including:
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- Reduced pain
- Increased flexibility and movement
- Elimination of abnormal urinary and/or bowel patterns
- Improved sexual function
- Greater range of motion
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It’s important to remember that these benefits will not happen immediately after your first session. It is likely that you will need several physical therapy sessions before you begin to notice relief in your symptoms.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
We understand that the symptoms you are experiencing may be highly personal, and you might be nervous about what to expect at your first pelvic floor physical therapy appointment. Our physical therapists treat people with similar symptoms every day and are here to help.
While your treatment will depend on your unique symptoms, you can expect the following at your first pelvic floor physical therapy session:
- A comprehensive physical exam: Your physical therapist will assess things like your posture, pelvic flexibility, strength, and breathing to narrow down what may be causing your symptoms.
- A conversation: You’ll be asked about your medical history and symptoms to determine a personalized treatment approach.
- An evaluation of problem areas: You may be asked to stand, walk, sit, or complete another movement so your physical therapist can assess certain muscle functions.
- A Q&A: Our physical therapist will present you with a treatment plan and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We encourage you to bring a list of questions to your first visit to review with your therapist.
Schedule a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Appointment Today
Highpoint Health – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas provides compassionate, highly experienced pelvic floor care to our communities in Smith County, TN, and surrounding areas.
Our Location
Highpoint Health Therapy Services – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas
225 Big Station Camp Blvd, Suite 208
Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone:
Highpoint Health – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas
158 Hospital Drive
Carthage, TN 37030
Phone: (615) 735-5191