You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pelvic floor physical therapy.
What types of conditions do you treat?
Here is the short list: pelvic pain, vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, vulvar pain, incontinence, bedwetting, sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, enuresis, nocturnal enuresis, dyspareunia, pain with sex, vaginal atrophy, prolapse, cystocele, rectocele, and diastasis recti.
Call us. Email us. Ask a question! Judy Abel is a physical therapist, sexual health counselor, and a yoga teacher. She is here to help you.
We treat Every-Body!
Every body has a pelvis and we are here to help with pelvic pain. For men, we treat erectile dysfunction, discomfort, and a variety of other conditions.
Why is it necessary to see a pelvic specialist for my condition? Can’t I just go to any provider for care?
Pelvic physical therapy is a unique service Pelvic Wellness Center provides throughout the greater Lane and Marion counties of western Oregon. We understand the need for these services and realize the sensitive nature of the problems our patients experience. Our office space is designed to be both private and comfortable so our patients can relax and begin the healing process.
Our female physical therapists have many years of experience and specialized training in the area of pelvic dysfunction and treatment, allowing us to serve you optimally both from a technical nature and from a patient-centered perspective.
What should I expect on my first visit?
For your first visit, we ask you to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment and have your forms completed before your first session. When you schedule your evaluation appointment you will be sent the new patient forms necessary for your appointment and they usually take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
During your first visit, your PT will be conducting a thorough evaluation of your condition, including a detailed history of your situation. Usually, your evaluation will take place over the first two visits. Your physical therapist will conduct a postural and musculoskeletal assessment, looking at how your joints, muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues move. Included in this evaluation your physical therapist may perform a pelvic floor muscle assessment in order to most effectively identify strength deficits and other dysfunction which may be contributing to, or resulting from, your condition.
What should I expect during subsequent treatment sessions?
After the evaluation is complete your physical therapist will determine a personalized treatment plan based on the evaluation findings. This treatment plan will be executed during your subsequent treatment sessions.
Most courses of treatment last between 6- 8 weeks, though this will vary depending on your specific condition. During the course of your treatment, a number of physical therapy interventions may be used, including specific manual (“hands-on”) techniques for the pelvic floor, pelvic girdle, and low back. Examples may include myofascial release techniques (MFR), connective tissue mobilization, visceral mobilization techniques, trigger point release, strain/counter strain, muscle energy, and joint mobilization. Strengthening exercises for the pelvic muscles, hips, abdominals, and low back may also be part of your plan.
As part of your treatment plan, your physical therapist will also provide you with education addressing the causes of your pain or dysfunction and will provide you with “at-home” skills and techniques which can be used to manage your symptoms. Examples may include strengthening, stretching, and behavior modification techniques. In some cases, patients are asked to record the symptoms and activities which take place at home and may include the completion of a bladder diary if bladder complaints are part of your symptoms. Your physical therapist may also recommend the use of biofeedback (a device used to monitor pelvic muscle activity) to further assist you with muscle retraining as part of incontinence training or treatment of pelvic pain conditions.
Pelvic Wellness Center is an independently owned physical therapy clinic in Eugene, Oregon focused exclusively on treating pelvic health issues through physical therapy. Contact us today!