How Do You Know If You Need Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Here are some signs that you could benefit from pelvic floor therapy and common conditions we see in the clinic.

1. Pelvic Pain: If you experience persistent pain in your pelvic area, lower abdomen, genitals, or during sexual activity, it could be an indicator of pelvic floor tightness.

2. Incontinence: If you have trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, leading to leakage or accidents, pelvic floor therapy can improve muscle control.

3. Constipation: Chronic constipation can be related to pelvic floor dysfunction, as the pelvic floor muscles play a role in bowel movements.

4. Painful Intercourse: Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse can be related to pelvic floor issues, and therapy helps address these concerns.

5. Prolapse: If you feel a bulging sensation in your pelvic area, it might be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor therapy can help you manage symptoms.

6. Postpartum Issues: Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. If you experience issues like urinary incontinence, prolapse or pelvic pain after giving birth, pelvic floor therapy can help.

7. Preparation for Surgery: Sometimes, pelvic floor therapy is recommended before certain surgeries, like prostate surgery for men or gynecological surgeries for women, to learn how to use the muscles properly and help with an easier recovery.

8. Muscle Tension: If you notice chronic tightness or muscle tension in your pelvic region, pelvic floor therapy can help decrease the pain and tightness.

9. Pelvic Muscle Weakness: Conversely, if you're experiencing weak pelvic floor muscles, which can contribute to issues like incontinence, therapy can help you strengthen and regain control. Seeing a pelvic floor therapist in person, they can examine you and determine if your muscles are weak or tight and create a plan based on what they find.

10. Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Individuals with chronic pelvic pain often find relief through pelvic floor therapy, as it can address underlying muscle tension and dysfunction.

11. Pregnancy Related Pain: Pregnant people with back, hip or pelvic pain benefit from seeing a PT during pregnancy. You don't have to wait until baby comes to get help!

12. Diastasis Recti: Individuals with abdominal separation can learn to strengthen their abs safely and exercise with guidance from a pelvic PT.

It is best to see a pelvic floor therapist in person, then they can examine you and determine if your muscles are weak or tight and create a plan based on what they find. If you don't have access to in-person pelvic floor therapy, working with a PT remotely can also be helpful.

Remember, every individual is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. The PT can guide you in developing a personalized treatment plan that may include exercises, stretches, hands on therapy, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle adjustments.

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