Renew Physical therapy offers our community treatment for conditions associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. People of all genders can struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction. Problems include bladder and bowel issues, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. 

The pelvic floor muscles are a sling of muscles that sit at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles have many important jobs; they help to stabilize our spine and pelvis as we move, support our pelvic organs, and promote healthy bowel, bladder, and sexual function.

Just like any other muscle, the pelvic floor muscles must contract, relax, stretch, and coordinate with our other muscles. The pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, or nerves can become overly tight, weak, or stretched. They can also be injured during childbirth, pelvic surgeries, or falls.

Common signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include unwanted leakage of urine or stool, frequent or painful urination, constipation, painful intercourse, or low back pain. Some women experience symptoms during or after pregnancy. 

Like all physical therapy, pelvic floor rehabilitation is geared toward muscle stretching, relaxation, and strengthening. Unlike most physical therapy, evaluation and treatment are done in privacy, one-on-one, or with your partner present. Evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles often includes either an internal vaginal or rectal examination. Internal muscle assessment gives us detailed information about your pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, coordination, and tension/pain and will help us create an individualized and specific treatment plan.  Biofeedback is one tool we may use to improve awareness of the pelvic floor muscles.

Because of the close relationship between the pelvic floor and the low back and hip, pelvic dysfunction can be mistaken for a different but related condition.  Renew Physical Therapy is lucky to have Physical Therapists with experience and who specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy as well as general orthopedics. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, or if you have any concerns about your pelvic floor muscle function, take this quick screening questionnaire. If you have a score of three or greater, consider calling Renew for an appointment. 

Renew Physical Therapy is also a resource for women planning to become pregnant.  Our therapists can provide education and safe strengthening exercises for your core, pelvic floor, hip, and back. We provide guidance to women athletes as they prepare for and go through pregnancy.   We have busy lives with children, careers, athletics, homes, and countless other things filling our calendars. Renew understands your busy lives, and our goal is to evaluate, treat and help you back to health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or starting a new family and want guidance from a PT, call Renew and make an appointment.