Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Grandview Medical Center's inpatient and outpatient pelvic health programs are specifically devoted to the evaluation and treatment of bowel and bladder dysfunction, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse and sexual function, as well as conditions related to pregnancy and postpartum. The team includes four licensed physical therapists who have received additional training in evaluation and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic floor, as well as pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on your specific needs and helps to empower you to improve your quality of life.
Your therapist can assist with the evaluation and treatment of any of the following diagnoses:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic organ prolapse, chronic constipation, bowel/bladder dysfunction (frequency, urgency, retention and/or incomplete emptying)
- Incontinence: Urinary (stress, urge, mixed, overflow), fecal
- Pelvic pain: Vulvodynia, dyspareunia, vaginismus, coccydynia, levator ani syndrome, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, painful defecation, anal and/or rectal pain
- Pregnancy and postpartum care: Pregnancy related low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, pubis symphysis dysfunction, sciatica, diastasis recti
- Pre/post surgical: Hysterectomy, cesarean, episiotomy, sling procedure, prolapse repair, etc.
Services offered in pelvic floor physical therapy include:
- Bladder/bowel training
- Improvement/restoration of joint movement
- Pelvic-floor relaxation/strength training
- Birth and laboring education and preparation
- Pressure management and optimal breathing techniques
- External and internal soft tissue mobilization, myofascial and trigger point release
- Therapeutic exercise and muscle awareness activities
- Biofeedback, electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Vaginal dilator therapy
What can I expect the first day?
A thorough history and physical examination will be conducted specifically related to your symptoms and reason for seeking physical therapy. For pelvic floor related conditions, an external and internal pelvic floor muscle examination is performed based on your comfort level. A speculum will not be used. Your physical therapist will create a specific plan of care and provide education for the management and treatment of your condition.
Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for admission paperwork and expect to spend one hour with your physical therapist for the initial evaluation.
What if I have my period, can I still come to my appointment?
Some pelvic floor symptoms may be exacerbated during menstruation, but it is not a contraindication to pelvic floor physical therapy. Your comfort is the top priority.
What should I wear to the appointment?
Come as you are, but you may prefer to wear something you feel comfortable moving around in.