Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders are common issues that, for many people, can be treated or managed with pelvic floor therapy.

What is pelvic floor therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy is a type of physical therapy that helps strengthen or relax pelvic floor muscles to prevent, treat or manage the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders. Through a combination of exercise and other nonsurgical treatments, pelvic floor therapy can help children and adults improve core stability and control over urination, bowel movements and sexual function.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that help support reproductive, colorectal and urinary tracts. This includes organs such as the bladder, uterus, prostate and rectum.

What conditions does pelvic floor therapy treat?

Pelvic floor therapy is used to treat conditions related to pelvic floor dysfunction. Typically, the dysfunction is related either to low muscle tone or high muscle tone.

Who can benefit from pelvic floor therapy?

While women are more frequent recipients of pelvic floor therapy, anyone may benefit from it. Children can also have pelvic floor therapy, often to treat incontinence and related issues.

Not all pelvic pain is related to a pelvic floor condition. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your primary care doctor, gynecologist or urogynecologist. They will be able to help determine if the symptoms are related to a pelvic floor condition, and they will work with you on the diagnosis.

Typically, pelvic floor therapy can help people who have:

Problems with urination and bowel movements such as incontinence, pain or constipation.

Sexual dysfunction such as pain during intercourse, erectile dysfunction or inability to achieve orgasm.

Pelvic pain and pain in the region, including tailbone pain and lower back pain.

Menstruation issues, such as heavy bleeding, irregular periods and severe cramping.

Issues during or after pregnancy, such as pelvic pain, incontinence and abdominal muscle separation.

Who performs pelvic floor therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy is performed by pelvic floor therapists — rehabilitation therapists who have training and expertise in treating pelvic floor disorders.