Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Specially trained to treat pelvic floor conditions
Specially trained to treat pelvic floor conditions
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with a pelvic floor condition or have been living with your symptoms for far too long, you’ll find the care and therapeutic support you need at Scripps Health in San Diego. Our rehabilitation professionals, who are specially trained to treat pelvic health issues using non surgical methods, will work closely with your physician to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
In order to receive pelvic floor physical therapy, you will need a referral from your physician.
What is the pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor is a combination of muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs — the bladder, rectum, prostate, vagina and uterus. Due to a variety of factors — including pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, heavy lifting, obesity, aging and chronic medical conditions — the pelvic floor may become weak or painful over time.
Pelvic floor disorders affect men and women of all ages.
Symptoms of pelvic floor disorders
- Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) or bowel control (fecal incontinence)
- Frequent urination or an urgent need to urinate, often associated with overactive bladder
- Pain or incontinence following a surgical procedure, such as a hysterectomy or prostate surgery
- Pain associated with medical conditions such as interstitial cystitis, pudendal neuralgia (a form of pelvic pain) or vulvodynia (vulvar pain)
- General pelvic, vaginal, rectal or perineal pain
- Low back pain or abdominal pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Pain during or after pregnancy
- Chronic constipation
- Difficulty sitting
Our pelvic floor disorder questionnaire may help you determine if you should make an appointment with your doctor for a diagnosis and referral to physical therapy.
Pelvic floor physical therapy treatments
All pelvic floor treatments are conducted one-on-one in a private setting at Scripps. Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on the muscles that make up the pelvic floor. Our therapists have completed extensive training to treat all pelvic floor conditions, using a variety of techniques to ensure each patient’s needs are addressed.
Specialized pelvic floor treatments include:
- Computer-assisted biofeedback, also known as EMG biofeedback
- Pelvic floor exercises including Kegel exercises (also known as Kegels)
- Muscle strengthening and relaxation training
- Internal and external stretching and release techniques
- Manual therapy
- Dietary modifications
- Extensive education
- Electrical stimulation
- Bladder training
If you are interested in physical therapy for a pelvic floor disorder, ask you primary care physician or OB-GYN for a referral to our rehab specialists.