Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is often used in the treatment of a wide variety of Conditions. The condition that is most responsive to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction where over contractility of the pelvic floor muscles causes symptoms such as Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), Overactive Bladder (OAB),constipation, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), urinary obstruction, and vulvodynia (pain referred to the vulvar area). Patients with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction may present with one or more of these symptoms. Physical Therapy in patients with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is used to help patients better control these muscles so that the muscles can relax when needed.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy involves a combination of Manual Therapy and Electrical Stimulation.

Manual Therapy is done by a Physical Therapist and is a Hands-On treatment to the affected area. Manual Therapy techniques include soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point manipulation, connective tissue manipulation and deep tissue massage.

Electrical Stimulation is used to directly contract specific muscles of the pelvic floor. This is particularly useful for treating symptoms of Urinary Incontinence and Bowel Incontinence that can be improved by strengthening specific muscles of the pelvic floor. Patients then are taught how to optimally contract these muscles using Biofeedback Therapy. Electrical Stimulation and Biofeedback Therapy are also useful in delaying the progression of Cystocele, Rectocele, vaginal vault prolapse and uterine prolapse.

When Physical Therapy is recommended to a patient at Austin Urogynecology, that patient is referred to a center in town that specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy.

Examples of when PT is recommended at Austin Urogynecology:

Patients with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Patients with prolapse who defer surgical treatment
Select patients with Urinary Incontinence
Patients with Fecal Incontinence
Select patients with painful intercourse