What is Women’s Health or Pelvic Rehab?
It is the rehabilitation of dysfunctions in the pelvis that contribute to bladder, bowel, sexual health and pain complaints. At Motion Physical Therapy, our therapists are sensitive to the personal nature of these issues, and you will be evaluated and treated in a private and comfortable environment. Treatments may include manual therapy, modalities, therapeutic exercise, education, behavioral strategies, and functional re-training.
Our physical therapists, Angela Walker and Sara Hixon, have been trained to treat pelvic floor dysfunctions that include, but are not limited to: Urinary Incontinence, Chronic Pelvic Pain, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Sexual Dysfunction, and Vulvodynia.
What to Expect
1. You will need to have a physician’s referral for Physical Therapy before we can schedule an appointment for you.
2. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment time to fill out the paperwork.
3. You will be evaluated and treated in one of our private treatment rooms with one of our female physical therapists who has been trained in women’s pelvic health.
4. During your first therapy session, one of our female physical therapists will perform an initial evaluation. For most women, except those who are pregnant, this will involve an internal pelvic exam to evaluate the pelvic floor muscles for weakness, tightness, incoordination and pain. However, if you do not feel comfortable with this, let your therapist know and she will adjust the evaluation according to your comfort level. After completing the initial evaluation, the therapist will discuss your plan of care and begin treatment/education.
5. Your plan of care and frequency of visits will vary according to your diagnosis and individual needs. Most patients will need therapy 1-2 times per week until you meet your treatment goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diagnoses do you treat?
(Commonly seen diagnoses include, but are not limited to:)
- Urinary incontinence
- Non-relaxing pelvic floor
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Paroxysmal puborectalis
- Sexual dysfunction- including dyspareunia
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia
- Endometriosis
- Levator ani syndrome
- Dysmenorrhea
- Pelvic floor tension myalgia
- Short pelvic floor
- Interstitial Cystitis- Painful Bladder Syndrome
- Pelvic pain- including groin pain, anismus, sacroiliac pain, genital pain, pudendal neuralgia, vulvar pain, vulvar vestibulitis, chronic pelvic pain, perineal pain, proctalgia fugax
Will I have to have an internal vaginal exam?
The physical therapist will evaluate you and then determine if an internal exam is recommended. For most women, except those who are pregnant, an internal pelvic exam is recommended to accurately evaluate the pelvic floor muscles for weakness, tightness and pain. If you do need one, she will ask your permission and only perform the exam if you feel comfortable.
Can I get an internal vaginal exam if I am on my period?
If you feel comfortable with having an exam while on your period, the therapist can perform one with the optional use of a Softcup. This is a product we provide that stops the menstrual flow.
Can I be treated by the therapist if I am pregnant?
You can be evaluated and treated externally, but an internal exam will not be performed.
Can I have a family member or friend in the treatment room with me during the internal exam?
Yes, if you feel more comfortable having a friend or family member in the treatment room with you during the evaluation and treatment sessions, they are welcome to join you. If you desire to have a chaperone from our clinic, we will do our best to accommodate, however, we cannot guarantee that we will have a staff member available.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing.
Our goal is to provide excellent care in a peaceful environment so you feel relaxed from the moment you walk in the door.