Do you find yourself wondering what a Pelvic floor PT does and when would you ever need to pay a visit to see one? Well here are a few reasons why mostly everyone should see a Pelvic Floor PT at some point in their life!
1) You have had any abdominal surgery including a C-section
Abdominal surgeries including C-sections, episiotomies, hysterectomies, bladder surgeries, colorectal surgeries etc
These are invasive surgeries. It is common after knee replacements, shoulder surgeries, back surgeries etc for Surgeons to order PT. And there is a few weeks of PT for the patients to recover. However, it is not generally protocol to have Pelvic PT after the above surgeries! Why?! In these abdominal surgeries, surgeons cut through layers and layers of skin, fascia, fat and muscle to correct an issue. When any surgery is performed, scar tissue is created. Specifically, when an episiotomy is performed, several layers of the pelvic floor muscles are cut. The pelvic floor is important for controlling your bladder, pooping, sexual intercourse and core strength. So why not help recover the pelvic floor after surgery!?
2) you are pregnant or postpartum
Pregnancy is a special time. So many changes are happening inside and outside of your body. Carrying a baby puts increased pressure on your pelvic floor and many of the ligaments become stretched and loose. There is increased pressure on your bladder and all the structural organs in the pelvic floor. Seeing a Pelvic PT during your pregnancy can help prepare for birth by strengthening your core, prepare for pushing the right way to avoid tearing or excess tearing and prepare your mind.
Postpartum is also a special time because you are with your baby. However, any path of delivery whether cesarean section or vaginal birth still welcomes its challenges for recovery. A person grew inside you and exited your body! That is a major ordeal on your body. A Pelvic Floor PT can help guide your recovery even if you are feeling pretty good. You won’t know how those internal muscles are affected until you have an exam.
3) you are experiencing urinary or fecal incontinence
Many women believe urinary incontinence is normal due to older age or postpartum. However, any amount of leaking at any point in your life is NOT normal!! It has been common for misinformation to passed down through generations. And it’s so hard to demystify these myths! Pelvic Floor PT can help strengthen the muscles down there that squeeze and relax the urethra which controls the flow of urine.
Fecal incontinence is something no one talks about!! If urinary incontinence is hard to disprove the myths, fecal incontinence is way harder. Fecal incontinence can happen after vaginal delivery due to pressure on the rectum. It can also occur with constipation, after surgeries. One other fact is that incontinence doesn’t have to mean poop. It frequently means an inability to control gas passing.
4) you have any pelvic pain
Any type of pelvic pain including back pain, hip pain, bladder pain, pain with peeing, vulvar pain etc. Hip and back is connected to your pelvic floor. An internal exam may discover the root of your issue or bring clarity to what your pain is and how to improve it.
5) Sex is painful or you can’t even attempt it
Sex should not be painful! This is something that is not talked about often. A common occurrence may be prior to marriage or prior to first intercourse. Many people have pain with the first intercourse. In Pelvic PT, therapist can assist with manual therapy and exercises desensitize the vagina to get used to touch and slowly stretch and relax the pelvic floor to prepare for intercourse to be enjoyable.
So There you have it! 5 good reasons to make that appointment! Recovery, wellness and prevention!