Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
What is your Pelvic Floor?
Your pelvic floor are a group of muscles and ligaments that lay in the pelvic girdle to support internal organs. The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for the control of bowel/bladder, sexual function, and stability of the pelvis. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a disruption of this system. Common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction may involve leakage (urinary incontinence), constipation, pelvic pain, pain with sex or tampon insertion, with possible referred pain to the low back and/or hip. These symptoms are typically overlooked and too often impact your quality of life.
Postpartum Health
The body goes through amazing changes to grow a baby and it is quickly forgotten how much the mother endures during pregnancy and postpartum. Within the 9 months of pregnancy, vital organs are moved out of place, abdominal wall is stretched, there is heaviness on the hips from the weight of the child, and hormonal levels are fluctuating.
After delivery, the body has to re-adjust to its new “normal”. For the mom this might include increased upper back pain, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), frequent urine leakage, constipation, pelvic pain/heaviness, pain from scar after episiotomy/perineal tearing, breast tenderness, scar tenderness from caesarean delivery.
While these are common postpartum symptoms, these are not normal symptoms and should not be ignored. Addressing these symptoms early on can help aid in restoring a mother’s quality of life!
Pelvic floor pain
Pelvic floor pressure
Urinary leakage / incontinence
Diastasis Recti
Low Back Pain
Upper Back Pain
Constipation
General Body Tightness and Weakness
Scar Pain/Sensitivity
Common Symptoms We Treat:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does a pelvic floor session look like?
Pelvic floor initial evaluations will assess the whole body (at, above and below the pelvis). From the evaluation, our doctors will create a comprehensive plan of care incorporating the appropriate treatments that are specific to your needs. Follow-up sessions may involve manual therapy to help release tight muscles, desensitize the area, or slowly work on strengthening the muscles at the pelvic floor level and surrounding supportive structures. You’ll find at our practice that we do not prescribe cookie-cutter exercises such as “kegels”, rather integrate a variety of interventions to address the source of the problem.
How do you assess pelvic floor muscles?
The best way to assess the integrity of pelvic floor muscles is through an internal exam. The Pelvic Floor muscles lay within and exterior to the vaginal canal. An internal and external assessment will examine the surrounding muscle tone, hip mobility, strength, and functional movements.
What diagnoses do you often treat?
Urinary incontinence
Perineal tear following childbirth
C-section scars
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pain with sexual intercourse
Bowel symptoms
Pelvic pain conditions
Back pain
Hip pain
I am less than 6-8 weeks postpartum, can I still come see you?
YES! While we typically defer internal assessment until you are cleared by the OBGYN (typically at your 6-8 week follow-up appointment) you can absolutely still schedule to see us! A session early postpartum will work on GENTLE relaxation techniques, toilet training if you are having difficulty with bowel/bladder functions. We will also look at functional activities such as proper mechanics for breastfeeding and lifting your baby to/from the bassinet or crib.
I do not have help for someone to watch my baby, can I bring baby to the appointment?
YES! In fact, bringing baby to an appointment can help us navigate areas that are challenging you. This may include proper mechanics of holding baby in the carrier, transferring your baby to/from the bassinet or crib, bottle feeding or nursing mechanics to help reduce upper back pain for mom.
How does Ro Physio differ from other Pelvic Floor physical therapists?
At Ro Physio, we take the time to figure out the source of the problem and why the symptoms occurred in the first place. We see our patients one-on-one for a full hour and you will be with the same doctor at every appointment. Our doctors are highly trained and have taken advanced post-doctoral courses to ensure we are providing the best and most up-to-date treatments for our patients.
Cesarean Section Scar Treatment
Treatment of C-Section scars to alleviate feelings of pain, tightness, discomfort, and cosmetic appearance.
Treatment techniques include:
Scar Mobilization
Graston Technique
Dry Needling
Self-Guided Stretches
Self-Management Options