FAQ With a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

Peeing your pants when you run, sneeze or jump is normalized in our society. Urinary incontinence can be as high as 64% in the athletic female population; especially with high-impact activities. You know what’s not normalized? Seeking help for peeing with running, jumping or sneezing. Let’s start talking about your pelvic floor and ways therapy can help. 

What is a pelvic floor and who has one?  

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that resides in between your pubic bone and tailbone. These muscles are important for sexual function, bowel and bladder function, labor and delivery, global body support and stability, posture and breathing. EVERYONE and EVERY BODY has a pelvic floor.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy? 

Pelvic floor physical therapy Is a branch of physical therapy that works on coordinating how the pelvic floor muscles function amongst themselves and with the rest of your body. Pelvic floor physical therapy treatments can include, but are not limited to, breathing techniques, hip,core and low back strengthening, muscular mobility, bladder or bowel training, nutritional help, internal and external manual therapy, and return to running, sport and physical activity. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will do an assessment on day one to determine the best plan of care for you. 

What conditions can physical therapy help?

• Bowel, gas and urinary leakage with running, coughing, sneezing and working out
• Urinary urgency or frequency 
• Pelvic fullness or pelvic pain 
• Sexual dysfunction or pain upon penetration 
• Hip, abdominal and low back pain
• Pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum 
• Constipation
• Endometriosis 

*this is not an exhaustive list

When should I seek out assistance from a pelvic floor physical therapist?

If you are experiencing any of the items listed above, it is a good idea to reach out to a pelvic floor therapist or talk to your current therapist about the symptoms you may be having. If you are unsure if pelvic therapy is right for you, there is no harm in reaching out for a discovery call! 

What should I be doing at home for pelvic floor health?

First and foremost, not everyone needs kegels; it is best to seek out advice from a medical professional before initiating this exercise. There are things you can start immediately to help support pelvic floor function:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Stress relieving tactics such as yoga, meditation or a self-care day!  
• Daily exercise including cardio and weight training for hips, core and back 
• Increasing your protein and fiber intake to recommended daily values

We mean all of this to say that you are not alone if you are experiencing some sort of pelvic floor dysfunction. Talking about your pelvic floor does not have to be a secret and reaching out to a pelvic floor physical therapist can make a world of difference!