What is Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation?

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation is a non-surgical treatment used to assess the muscle strength and flexibility of a patient who is suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction.

The pelvic floor is made up of muscles that control bladder and stool function, as well as tissues surrounding these pelvic organs that may fluctuate in sensitivity over time. As the muscles of the pelvic floor begin to weaken or tighten up, a variety of painful or undesirable symptoms including urinary or bowel incontinence, painful urination or discomfort during intercourse may arise. Pelvic floor therapy includes treatment to either strengthen or relax these pelvic muscles, gaining more control of the everyday functions as well as relief from the common painful symptoms.

Who is it for?

An OBGYN doctor may recommend Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation for anyone suffering from pelvic pain or incontinence of urine and stool. Specific symptoms may include:

  • Increased tension of pelvic muscles causing pain in the back, hips, and sacroiliac joint
  • Pain during urination
  • Pain during sexual intercourse or use of tampons
  • Urinary or stool incontinence
  • Pain during an annual gynecological exam
  • Discomfort or bloating in abdominal area

These symptoms commonly develop in women who:

  • Suffer from endometriosis
  • Recently gave childbirth
  • Recently underwent surgery (hysterectomy, hernia, laparoscopy, caesarean section or appendectomy)
  • May be suffering from an infection in the pelvic area
  • Experienced trauma that may have disrupted normal functions of the pelvic area

How does it work?

During Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, the doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and severity of the pain. By understanding the flexibility and strength of the muscles that make up your pelvic area and the sensitivity of the tissue surrounding the pelvic organs, Dr. Pillitteri will be able to recommend a specific plan for care.

Depending on the practice, treatment may include:

  • Pelvic areas muscle assessment and treatment
  • Postural exercises 
  • Heat and cold therapy
  • Trigger point release
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Deep tissue massage
  • External and internal soft tissue mobilization

What are the results?

By understanding and working with your pelvis, spine, and abdomen during our Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation process, you should see a relief in discomfort and a gain in control of pelvic function, including:

  • Increased bladder and bowel control
  • Improved sex life
  • Decrease in pain relating to anything in the pelvic floor area

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a disease that is commonly unidentified and untreated so it is important to inform Dr. Pillitteri if you are experiencing incontinence or any type of pain relating to your pelvic area.

Also commonly referred to as Pelvic Floor Rehab, Pelvic Physical Therapy, Pelvic PT, Urogynecologic Physical Therapy, or Pelvic Physiotherapy, the treatment can offer great relief to anyone who is experiencing any sort of pelvic pain. Contact Dr. Pillitteri today to start the assessment and treatment for pelvic dysfunction.