Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy.

What it is

Pelvic floor physical therapy treats the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support the bladder, bowel and uterus or prostate. These muscles matter for bladder and bowel control, sexual function, core stability and comfortable movement, and they can become weak, tight or poorly coordinated.

Specially trained physical therapists use external and, with your consent, internal manual therapy, biofeedback, exercises that go beyond basic Kegels, breathing work and posture training. It is a first-line treatment for stress urinary incontinence and is widely used for prolapse, pelvic pain and recovery after childbirth or surgery.

What happens at a visit

1. A detailed talk about your history and symptoms.
2. A check of your posture, breathing and movement.
3. An internal muscle exam, vaginal or rectal, only with your consent.
4. Findings on muscle strength, tightness and coordination.
5. A plan with hands-on therapy, exercises and a home program.
6. Simple lessons on anatomy and how to use the muscles well.
7. Follow-up visits to track progress and adjust the plan.

Who it is for

• Women with bladder leaks or prolapse
• People with pelvic pain or pain during sex
• Women recovering from pregnancy and childbirth
• Men with chronic prostatitis or leaks after prostate surgery
• Anyone preparing for or recovering from pelvic surgery
• Athletes with pelvic floor symptoms during training

Evidence and safety

Pelvic floor muscle training has strong research support and is a recommended first-line treatment for stress urinary incontinence. It is also commonly recommended for prolapse symptoms, and support is growing for pelvic pain and leaks after prostate surgery. With a specially trained pelvic floor physical therapist it is very safe and non-invasive. Internal work is always optional, and you can pause or stop at any time.

How Gabriel helps