WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY?

This is a broad question that encompasses many aspects of physical therapy. First of all it is important to note that a pelvic physical therapists is also called a women’s health physical therapist. Despite the nomenclature, pelvic floor physical therapists treat more than just the pelvic floor and some women’s health physical therapists can treat more than women.

Physical therapists that specialize in pelvic floor and women’s health have had extra training pertaining to unique issues that women experience throughout their life. We treat all the bodies systems (musculoskeletal, visceral, integumentary, nervous etc.)  while taking into consideration the physiological differences that are unique to women. We fully understand the effects of hormones on the body as well as different musculoskeletal changes that women go through in a lifetime, from the young female athlete to the postmenopausal woman and everything in-between.  Pelvic physical therapist also recognize the psychological aspect of treating such a sensitive area of the body. We strive to help each individual process the mental and physical components during treatments.

A large area of women’s health physical therapy concentrates on pregnancy and postpartum care, remembering once postpartum always postpartum. During pregnancy it is common to have increased back and pelvic pain due to the increase of hormones and the rapid increase in weight. We can also help guide you in preparing your body for labor and delivery to help with an easier delivery and postpartum recovery. After pregnancy some women have a challenging time getting their core muscles fully functioning, resulting in separation of stomach muscles, leaky bladder and pelvic pain to name a few. Women’s health physical therapists are the ones to assist you on your postpartum journey.   

Some other areas of expertise of a pelvic physical therapist are sexual pain, bowel dysfunction, breast cancer rehabilitation, back pain, hip dysfunction, post-surgical rehab, relaxation techniques as well as pelvic floor and abdominal strengthening programs. Pelvic physical therapists recognize that the whole body should be observed and they will have a close working relationship with all health professionals to come up with the best individualized plan of care.

Please contact Centered Physical Therapy & Wellness if you have any questions or need a quick email or phone consult to see if we have the services that can help you. 714-580-1111 or centeredpt@gmail.com