Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Everyone has a pelvic floor. This personal area is made up of a sling of muscles and tissues that support our abdominal organs and contain a compact and complex passageway for many of our vital bodily functions (urination, defecation, and sex). As pelvic floor physical therapists, we are here to walk alongside you in improving your symptoms and getting you back to doing what you love without hesitation. Just because pelvic floor issues are common does not mean they are normal. Talk to a pelvic floor physical therapist today to see if you would benefit from treatment.

What is our approach?

Our evaluation incorporates a comprehensive medical and pelvic history, a thorough musculoskeletal and neurologic examination, movement analysis, and internal or external examination of the pelvic floor muscles. We take the time to listen to your story, address your concerns, educate you on pelvic floor health, and individualize your treatment plan to your specific needs and goals.

Signs & Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect people of any gender, at any age, from any background. It may cause a variety of different issues. Often, pregnant and postpartum women are thought of as the only group that could benefit from pelvic floor PT treatment, but that is inaccurate! Contrary to popular opinion, people with urinary leakage/incontinence, urinary urgency/frequency, post-void urinary leaking, incomplete bowel or bladder emptying, constipation, pain with intercourse, bladder issues related to the prostate, prostatitis, post-gender-affirming surgery, diastasis recti, and chronic pelvic pain diagnoses could all benefit from working with a pelvic floor physical therapist.   

Did you know?

  • Your pelvic floor muscles should be relaxed during urination or defecation. This means you should not have to push or strain to use the bathroom. If you strain while using the bathroom regularly, you may benefit from talking with a pelvic floor PT.
  • The pelvic floor works alongside your diaphragm, core muscles, and back muscles to manage your intra-abdominal pressure as you move throughout your day-to-day activities.
  • More than 12 billion dollars are spent annually on managing incontinence (both surgical and conservative treatments)
  • Up to 5-8 bladder voids per 24 hours are normal
  • 28% of college female athletes reported urine loss during sports (Nygaard et al., 1994)
  • 93.2% of women empty their bladder before exercising to prevent leakage during high impact activities (Brennand et al., 2017)

50%

 of women in the United States experience Stress Urinary Incontinence

80%

of those women will report other pelvic organ-related conditions

8%

 of men who undergo prostate removal surgery will develop urinary incontinence (clevelandclinic.com)

Pelvic Floor Injuries We Treat

We can help you if you’re experiencing…

Stress Urinary Incontinence

The International Continence Society defines stress urinary incontinence as a “Complaint of involuntary loss of urine on effort or physical exertion including sporting activities, or on sneezing or coughing.” (ics.org)

Urge Incontinence

A sudden intense urge to use the bathroom, is often known as “key in the lock” syndrome. This can occur with or without loss of urine.

Pain with Intercourse/Penetration

This can occur at various stages of life – not just during the fourth trimester!

Back or Pelvic Girdle Pain

Low back, sacroiliac, or posterior hip/glute pain can sometimes be related to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is the descent or change in position of the vagina, uterus, bladder/urethra, or rectum that causes feelings of bulging, pelvic pressure, low backache, or incomplete bowel or bladder emptying. Pelvic floor therapy can assist in assessing this condition; a pelvic floor therapist can examine you, guide treatment, and consult with or refer you to specialists to ensure you can make informed decisions about your care.

Overactive Bladder (OAB)

OAB often refers to difficulty with urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia that may or may not include urge incontinence. The first line of treatment for OAB usually involves education, behavioral modifications, management of fluid intake, and pelvic floor training but may also be used in tandem with pharmacological interventions.

Vaginismus & Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is pain with intercourse that can sometimes be caused by involuntary tensing or spasming of superficial pelvic floor muscles (vaginismus). Physical therapy aims to help relax and lengthen areas of tension, restore the full range of motion of the muscles, and teach the patient ways to decrease their pain experience.

Perineal Tearing

Sometimes during labor and delivery, there can be varying degrees of injury to the skin, muscle, and soft tissue of the perineum. These injuries are often repaired soon after birth. Still, they can require time and concerted effort through pelvic floor therapy to regain muscle control/coordination.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

POP is the descent or change in position of the vagina, uterus, bladder/urethra, or rectum that causes feelings of bulging, pelvic pressure, low backache, or incomplete bowel or bladder emptying. Pelvic floor therapy can assist in assessing this condition.

Prostatectomy

Surgical removal of the prostate can lead to urinary incontinence problems. Pelvic floor exercises and medications are the first lines of treatment for post-op urinary leakage. (clevelandclinic.com)

Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP)

CPP is pain in the lower abdomen, genitals, perineum, groin, tailbone, or anus that lasts longer than six months and may cause difficulty emptying bowel/bladder or impair sexual function. Nearly 1 in 7 American women ages 18-50 suffer from chronic pelvic pain. CPP is complex and can be caused by one or multiple conditions, including interstitial cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, low back pain, depression, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other peripartum pelvic problems.

Evolve Physical Therapy for pelvic floor in sherwood and bethany

Contact Evolve Physical Therapy in Sherwood and Bethany, Oregon to be seen in under 48 hours!

No need to navigate insurance companies. We call your insurance company for you!

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Connect with us

Sherwood

P: (971) 213 – 3335

F: (971) 213 – 3389

Bethany

P: (971) 979 – 0979

F: (971) 979 – 0997

Hours

Mon – Thurs: 7:00AM – 7:00PM

Friday: 7:00AM – 6:00PM

Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Email

info@ptevolve.com