Ask the Expert: Physical therapy can help pelvic pain

Pelvic health rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy aimed at treating pelvic conditions such as pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pain during intercourse.

Through targeted exercises and therapies, pelvic health rehabilitation strengthens and restores function to the muscles, nerves, and joints of the pelvis, hips, and lower back.

Who can benefit from pelvic health rehabilitation?

Both men and women can benefit from pelvic health rehabilitation. Your doctor might refer you for pelvic health rehab if you experience symptoms such as bladder or bowel dysfunction, pelvic, hip, or lower back pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or pain after abdominal, pelvic, or prostate surgery.

What are some common causes of pelvic health issues?

Pelvic health issues can arise from various factors, including:

• Pregnancy and childbirth: The physical strain of pregnancy and childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles, leading to conditions such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

• Surgery: Abdominal, pelvic, or prostate surgery may damage pelvic nerves or tissues, resulting in pelvic pain or dysfunction.

• Chronic constipation or straining: Chronic constipation or excessive straining during bowel movements can put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pelvic pain or dysfunction.

• Muscle weakness or imbalance: Weak or imbalanced pelvic floor muscles can contribute to urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, or other pelvic floor disorders.

• Trauma or injury: Traumatic events such as falls, accidents, or pelvic fractures can damage pelvic structures, causing pain or dysfunction.

• Age-related changes: As individuals age, hormonal changes and natural wear and tear on pelvic tissues may increase the risk of pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

What should patients expect during pelvic floor physical therapy sessions?

During your first appointment, your physical therapist will conduct an examination of the muscles and joints in your pelvic area, which may include an internal assessment of pelvic muscle activity.

Based on this evaluation, your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address the physical causes of your pelvic floor dysfunction. Treatment might involve therapeutic exercises, hands-on therapy, body mechanics training, posture correction, and EMG biofeedback.

What are some questions patients should ask their provider about pelvic health rehabilitation?

Patients should inquire about the expected duration of treatment, whether there are exercises they can perform at home to complement therapy, if any activities should be avoided during recovery, and if there are medications available to manage symptoms.

Patients might also want to discuss whether consulting with a urogynecologist is appropriate for their specific condition.

How long can patients expect treatment to last, and are there exercises they can do at home?

The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual progress.

Your physical therapist will provide guidance on the expected timeline for your recovery and might recommend exercises that you can perform at home to reinforce the benefits of therapy between sessions. Consistency with these exercises is key to maximizing the effectiveness of treatment.

Are there any activities patients should avoid while undergoing pelvic health rehabilitation?

Your physical therapist will advise you on activities to avoid or modify during your recovery to prevent exacerbating your symptoms or interfering with your progress. It's essential to follow these recommendations to ensure the best possible outcomes from your therapy.

Can medications help manage pelvic health symptoms, and when is it appropriate to consult with a urogynecologist?

Depending on the nature of your condition, your health-care provider might prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms such as pain or inflammation. If your symptoms persist or are complex, your physical therapist might recommend consulting with a urogynecologist — a specialist trained in pelvic floor disorders — to explore additional treatment options or interventions tailored to your specific needs.

Pelvic health rehabilitation offers hope for individuals suffering from pelvic conditions, providing targeted therapy to alleviate pain and restore function to the pelvic area. By working closely with a physical therapist and following a personalized treatment plan, patients can regain control of their pelvic health and improve their overall quality of life.

Nirupama Jacob, PT, is a physical therapist at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Rehab on Community Drive. Learn more at https://iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/pelvic-health-rehabilitation.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Pelvic therapy treats many symptoms caused by various factors