Need physical therapy for your pelvic condition? This kind of care is often an essential part of treatment for women’s health conditions. In some cases, men can benefit from pelvic physical therapy as well. Understanding more about pelvic health treatments can be essential for finding care that works for you. Depending on your condition, rest and medication may be able to provide short-term relief. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is meant to offer long-term solutions. If you are considering physical therapy, knowing what to expect can be valuable.

What you should know about pelvic physical therapy

• Treatment focus — Physical therapists can use specialized treatment techniques to focus on your condition. With pelvic conditions, treatments will mainly focus on the parts that make up the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscles that play a vital role in various bodily functions. In addition to supporting processes like urination, the pelvic floor also provides support to your internal organs. Your bladder and rectum rely on the pelvic floor to function properly. For women, the pelvic floor is also deeply connected to uterine health. Physical therapy can help evaluate and treat issues related to these muscles. With pelvic floor rehab, you can work toward restoring the health of your pelvic floor.
• Treatable conditions — Pelvic physical therapy is not limited to one or two niche conditions. A physical therapist can treat conditions ranging from pelvic pain to bowel dysfunction. If you are experiencing pelvic health issues, you can likely benefit from this type of treatment. One of the most common conditions that PT can help treat is urinary incontinence. This is often broken down into two categories: stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Physical therapy can help with both. Physical therapy can also be beneficial for people with postpartum complications. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort or weakness after pregnancy, physical therapy treatments can help provide relief. Want to know if your specific condition can be treated with physical therapy? A licensed physical therapist can help evaluate your condition and go over the top treatment options.
• Specialized training — Need care from someone who has a deep understanding of your condition? Finding specialized physical therapy can be highly beneficial. Look for a physical therapist with specialized training in pelvic health. This training is meant to provide specialists with comprehensive anatomical knowledge. Your physical therapist should know about each muscle, each nerve and the connective tissue. Knowing about the parts can help them understand how each part is connected to the others. With specialized treatments, your physical therapist can provide more targeted and effective solutions.
• Importance of exercise — Exercises are a fundamental part of physical therapy. With the right exercises, you can help enhance bladder control and alleviate localized pain. Your physical therapist can educate you on the correct way to perform targeted exercises. To achieve optimal results, you can continue practicing exercises at home between sessions. Sticking to your exercise regimen can help maintain your recovery progress. By participating in your personalized treatment plan, you can help improve your pelvic health each day.
• Collaborative approach — Physical therapy works best with teamwork. Your physical therapist should work closely with you to help ensure your needs are met. Communication between your physical therapist and other care providers such as urologists can also be essential. As your treatment progresses, it is important to maintain open communication. Let your physical therapist know if you think you need a treatment adjustment. Each personalized treatment plan is designed to target the patient’s specific needs and goals.
• Treatment duration — The duration and frequency of physical therapy will depend on your particular condition. Your treatment goals will be another determining factor. Physical therapy treatments may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. In-person sessions typically occur on a weekly or biweekly basis. You may have exercises prescribed for the time between these sessions. Your physical therapist can help develop a plan that suits your needs on a reasonable timeline.

Find care for your pelvic health at Lattimore Physical Therapy

Ready to find treatment that is right for you? At Lattimore Physical Therapy, our team of specialized physical therapists work to help patients receive care that leads to lasting improvement. We take a personal approach to each patient. Each aspect of your treatment plan is designed to help achieve your personal health goals. With our help, you can experience better pelvic health.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.