Pelvic Rehabilitation Therapy

Addresses dysfunctions in the pelvis that may be strained, weakened, or painful by a physical therapist who has completed specialty course work.

Main Focus

Restoring normal, pain-free function of the pelvic floor.

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues attached to the bones at the bottom of your pelvis. Your pelvic floor is working 24/7, helping to support your pelvic organs, stabilize your hips and spine, maintain continence, and sexual sensation.

While pelvic floor muscle training is often thought of as strengthening exercises, it incorporates both learning how to contract the muscles and how to relax/lengthen them. Pelvic floor training with a physical therapist can help a woman to achieve that balance between strength and support and length and flexibility.

What should I expect?

During your first visit, you will have the opportunity to share your history and concerns. The exam can include both external and internal assessments. External exam includes, looking at general movement of your back, hips, flexibility of your muscles, as well as, assessing your breathing and posture. An internal exam includes an assessment of your pelvic muscles through the vagina or rectum.
During the assessment, your comfort is the most important, you will have the option to choose or refuse any part of the examination. The physical therapist will work with you to develop a plan of care that addresses the findings of the exam to improve your overall quality of life and restore normal function.

What are Common Symptoms or Conditions?

• Leakage or loss of urine or bowel
• Increased frequency or urgency to urinate
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Painful sexual intercourse

Treatments often used for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

• Pelvic floor muscle exercises
• Manual therapy techniques
• Core stabilization and stretching programs
• Functional activity training
• Biofeedback (internal and external)
• Relaxation techniques
• Bladder/bowel retraining and diary
• Behavioral strategies and modifications

Erin Hruska, DPT
Specialized course work through American Physical Therapy Association pelvic series as well as Herman and Wallace Pelvic Institute