Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

If you're experiencing pelvic floor issues or pain, pelvic floor physical therapy could be the support you need.

At FemFirstHealth, located in Midtown and the Upper West Side, our physical therapists are specialized in pelvic floor therapy. They are committed to helping people manage and improve their pelvic health with the use of individualized treatment plans.

Keep reading to discover how pelvic floor physical therapy might help you.

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the base of your pelvis, responsible for many vital functions:

• Controlling your bladder and bowel movements

• Supporting your pelvic organs

• Providing stability to your upper body

• Facilitating your sexual health

As such, pelvic floor dysfunction includes urinary issues, bowel issues, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain and discomfort.

What is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized field of physical therapy. This therapy involves targeted exercises, hands-on techniques, and specific treatments designed to strengthen, relax, and improve control of your pelvic floor muscles.

By addressing muscle imbalances, trigger points, or weakness in this area, pelvic floor physical therapy aims to reduce pain, improve bladder and bowel function, and support your sexual health.

For many, pelvic floor physical therapy provides lasting relief and a stronger foundation for their everyday well-being.

Who Can Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Many individuals experience persistent but often dismissed pelvic symptoms, thinking they’re just a “normal” part of life. Pelvic floor physical therapy can address and often resolve these symptoms, including:

• Urinary leakage especially when sneezing, coughing or jumping

• Urinary urgency

• Multiple trips to the bathroom at night (nocturia)

• Trouble controlling gas

• Chronic pelvic or vaginal pain

• Constipation

• Difficulty with bowel movements

• Pain during intercourse (often after childbirth)

• Sexual dysfunction

• Discomfort in the lower back, abdomen, or hips

It is important to know that these above symptoms could signify an untreated pelvic floor problem. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, pelvic floor physical therapy may help.

Conditions Treated with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

In addition to the pelvic issues mentioned previously, pelvic floor physical therapy can also help to address the following conditions:

• Endometriosis

• Diastasis Recti

• Interstitial Cystitis

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Vaginismus

• Vulvodynia

What to Expect from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

First Appointment

Your journey with us starts with an initial appointment, where you’ll meet with one of our pelvic floor specialists to discuss your symptoms, concerns, and goals. We know these topics can be sensitive, so our team is here to create a comfortable and supportive space for you.

During this first visit, your therapist will perform both an internal and external exam to assess your pelvic floor. They’ll look at how your pelvic floor muscles respond to certain actions, like coughing, jumping, or gentle movements, to get a clear understanding of your specific needs.

Personalized Plan

After the evaluation, your therapist will explain the findings to you in detail. Your therapist will design a personalized treatment plan to address your pelvic floor dysfunction, taking into consideration your lifestyle, habits, and medical history. Each person’s needs are unique, so our therapy plans are tailored to your individual body and goals.

This personalized, holistic approach ensures that you’re fully informed and on the right path to effective treatment.

Treatment Options for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

During your individualized, therapy sessions your physical therapist may use a range of techniques, including:

• Pelvic floor exercises and stretches

  Like any other muscles, the pelvic floor muscles need regular exercise to stay strong and functional. Without use, these muscles can weaken over time, potentially leading to discomfort, pain, and other issues.

  Pelvic floor exercises and stretches are carefully designed movements that target specific areas of the pelvic floor, helping to build strength, flexibility, and control. By performing these exercises regularly, you can support your pelvic muscles to function more effectively, providing relief from symptoms and helping to prevent future problems.

  One of the best aspects of these exercises is that they are entirely non-invasive, offering a safe and effective way to achieve long-term improvements in pelvic health.

• Electrical stimulation & dilators

  In pelvic floor physical therapy, specific devices can be used to help relax tight muscles and improve muscle coordination and strength. Both of these tools offer gentle, non-invasive ways to relieve pelvic floor discomfort and support muscle health, contributing to a comprehensive and effective treatment approach.

1. Electrical Stimulation: One commonly used device is a small probe (about the size of a tampon) that delivers gentle, low-voltage electrical currents to electrically stimulate the pelvic muscles. These safe, mild pulses stimulate the nerves and muscles, helping them to contract and relax more effectively. Although it may sound uncomfortable, most patients find the sensation to be quite manageable, and many report significant relief from pelvic tension and pain.

2. Dilators: Another option is the use of a dilator — a small, tube-shaped device that is inserted at home as part of a regular exercise routine. Dilators help gradually stretch the pelvic floor muscles, reducing muscle tension and spasms. This can promote relaxation, alleviate pain, and prevent excessive cramping or tightening over time.

• Manual therapy

  Your physical therapist may use a variety of manual therapy techniques including scar massage, myofascial release, and soft tissue release. They may also recommend internal vaginal soft tissue manipulation, also known as pelvic massage or vaginal manipulation. This hands-on treatment helps to gently manipulate and stretch specific pelvic muscles that may otherwise be difficult to access, targeting areas of tension and discomfort.

  In certain cases, this technique is essential for reaching specific muscles and has been shown in several studies and clinical trials to be effective in relieving pelvic pain.

  At FemFirstHealth, we offer this treatment option with a strong emphasis on patient comfort and care. We understand that this form of therapy may feel intimidating or uncomfortable, so our team is highly trained to support you emotionally and physically throughout the process.

  We take care to identify specific areas needing attention while respecting each patient’s comfort and privacy, ensuring that this approach is as gentle and reassuring as possible.

Don’t Ignore Pelvic Pain & Dysfunction

Pelvic pain and dysfunction isn’t something to ignore. Untreated pelvic issues can worsen over time, affecting your quality of life.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to our team today to explore treatment options and take the first step toward relief.