Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Santa Rosa Medical Center’s outpatient pelvic health programs are specifically devoted to the evaluation and treatment of pelvic floor related conditions and conditions related to pregnancy and postpartum. Our team has a licensed physical therapist who has received additional training in evaluation and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic floor, as well as pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on the unique needs of our patients at every stage of life to assist in returning our patients back to their normal daily activities as quickly as possible.
Pelvic floor physical therapy includes the evaluation and treatment of patients with the following diagnoses:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic organ prolapse, chronic constipation, bowel/bladder dysfunction (frequency, urgency, retention and/or incomplete emptying)
- Incontinence: Urinary (stress, urge, mixed, overflow), fecal
- Pelvic pain: Vulvodynia, dyspareunia, vaginismus, coccydynia, levator ani syndrome, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, painful defecation, anal and/or rectal pain
- Pregnancy and postpartum care: Pregnancy related low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, pubis symphysis dysfunction, sciatica, diastasis recti
- Pre/post surgical: Hysterectomy, cesarean, episiotomy, sling procedure, prolapse repair, etc.
Services offered in pelvic floor physical therapy include:
- Bladder/bowel training
- Improvement/restoration of joint movement
- Manual therapy
- Pelvic-floor relaxation/strength training
- Patient, dietary and behavioral education
- External and internal soft tissue mobilization, myofascial, and trigger point release
- Appropriate strengthening exercise and muscle awareness activities
- Biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Physical therapy is only available with a physician referral. Find a doctor near you.
FAQs
What can I expect on the first day?
A thorough history and physical examination will be conducted the first day specifically related to your reason for seeking physical therapy. For pelvic floor related conditions (ie: incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain), an external and internal pelvic floor muscle examination is typically performed at your comfort level. A speculum will not be used. Your therapist will create a specific plan of care to treat your condition based on the results of the examination.
What if I have my period, can I still come to my appointment?
Some pelvic floor symptoms may be exacerbated during menstruation, but it is not a contraindication to pelvic floor physical therapy. Your comfort is the top priority.
What should I wear to the appointment?
Wear something that you feel comfortable moving around in, keeping in mind that you may need to remove it for an internal examination.