HomeNewsPelvic Health Physical Therapy at Orange City Area Health System

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy at Orange City Area Health System

-by Kristina Vander Stelt, PT

What is Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy treats dysfunction through the pelvic region particularly as it relates to bowel and bladder control and/or pain or discomfort in the pelvic floor and lower abdominal region. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists have received specialized training to address these issues.

What is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the bottom of the pelvic cavity.  The muscles form a sling that spans from the pubic bone to the tailbone. These muscles provide support to the pelvic organs, prevent leakage of stool and urine, and are involved with sexual function.  They are also important with low back and postural support. Weakness or spasm in these muscles can result in a variety of symptoms that range in severity from mild to severe.

Who might benefit from Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

• People of all ages with a variety of conditions can benefit from Pelvic Health Physical Therapy:

• Kids (typically ages 5 or older) experiencing wetting accidents or difficulty urinating, constipation, and/or fecal soiling.

• Women with urinary incontinence; urgency and frequency with urination; voiding difficulty related to muscle spasm, pelvic organ prolapse; constipation; fecal incontinence;  pelvic floor and lower abdominal pain, including pain and difficulty with intercourse.

• Men with urine leakage following a prostatectomy; voiding difficulty related to muscle spasm, constipation, fecal incontinence; pelvic floor and lower abdominal pain.

What does Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Treatment involve?

A course of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy begins with a medical history interview followed by a physical examination. In the interview, the therapist asks a variety of questions to better understand the nature and severity of the symptoms as well as potential triggers or contributors. The physical examination includes assessments of a person’s posture; overall mobility; extremity range of motion and strength; pelvic floor and abdominal muscle tone and strength. 

Based on the findings from the interview and physical examination, the therapist will then proceed with an appropriate treatment plan.  This may include lifestyle/behavioral modifications; relaxation exercises and biofeedback; stretching and strengthening exercises; and manual therapy techniques to gently mobilize restricted joints in the pelvis and low back and relieve tension in the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvis and abdomen.

How do I find out more about Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy is recognized as an evidence-based and standard treatment practice by the medical field. There is much information about Pelvic Health Physical Therapy available from online sources. However, it is best to discuss any questions with a physician who is familiar with your unique situation and who has been educated about Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. Or speak directly with a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist. 

Orange City Area Health System has a Physical Therapist who has been practicing Pelvic Health Physical Therapy for over 15 years. You can contact Kristina with any questions at 712-737-5234.