Did you know that nearly one-third of Americans ages 30-70 will experience bladder control symptoms at some point? Nearly 64% of those experiencing bladder control symptoms do not seek treatment!

Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is now offering pelvic floor physical therapy, which is a non-surgical approach to rehabilitate dysfunctions of the pelvis. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a subset of physical therapy that involves evaluation of the pelvic floor musculature. The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs – the bowel, bladder, and uterus in females.

What should I expect at the initial evaluation?

The evaluation for the pelvic floor is very similar to an evaluation for lumbopelvic dysfunction. Posture, gait, spinal mobility, lower extremity flexibility, and strength will be assessed. Pelvic floor PTs also perform an internal and external assessment of the pelvic floor. This includes, but is not limited to: skin integrity, scar mobility, sensation, pelvic floor strength and endurance, internal and external muscle quality and irritation, and assessment for prolapse.

If the patient is found to have an underactive pelvic floor, strengthening interventions will be implemented to improve strength and control of musculature and decrease symptoms. However, if the patient is found to have an overactive pelvic floor, relaxation and down-training interventions will be implemented to decrease resting tone of the pelvic floor.

What treatment options are available?

There are multiple treatments that can be utilized to treat pelvic floor dysfunction including: pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation, internal and external soft tissue mobilization, electrical stimulation for pain management or muscle stimulation, sEMG biofeedback for neuromuscular re-education, dynamic hip and core strengthening and stabilization, lower extremity stretching, education in proper body mechanics, behavior modifications, and home exercise program.

While any of these treatments are utilized in certain cases, please note, not all will be appropriate for your specific situation. The PT will implement the appropriate treatment options based on the objective findings from the initial evaluation.

What are some common diagnoses that Pelvic Floor PTs can treat?

Bladder Dysfunction:

• Urinary Incontinence
• Interstitial Cystitis
• Overactive Bladder

Bowel Dysfunction:

• Fecal Incontinence
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Constipation
• Pain with Defecation

Sexual Dysfunction:

• Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)

Pregnancy:

• Low Back Pain
• Labor Preparation
• Pain Management
• Postural Alignment
• Breathing Techniques

Post-Surgical:

• Hysterectomy
• Caesarean Section
• Episiotomy
• Abdominal Surgeries

Prolapse:

• Rectocele
• Cystocele
• Uterine Prolapse

Pelvic Pain:

• Pudendal Neuralgia
• Vulvodynia
• Vaginismus
• Groin Pain
• Coccyx Pain
• Sacroiliac Pain

Post-Partum:

• Pain Management for Vaginal or Caesarian Deliveries
• Diastasis Recti
• Low Back Pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Urinary Incontinence

How do I get more information or schedule an evaluation?

Please feel free to call Rehab Services at 620-665-2104 for more information on pelvic floor physical therapy. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have.