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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

GRMC’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Unit’s Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation program treats health issues resulting from dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction  (PFD) refers to a wide range of problems that occur when the muscles of the pelvic floor are not functioning normally. PFD can be due to infections, poor posture, trauma, surgery, pregnancy or childbirth. Some of the health issues that result from PFD are overactive bladder, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and sexual health concerns.

You might think you’re alone with PFD, but in fact millions of people are suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction. However, it often goes unidentified and untreated. Statistically, over 25 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence and 20% of Americans will suffer from some type of pelvic floor dysfunction during their lifetime. It’s important to note that PFD can affect all people regardless of their gender or age. The good news is our specially-trained physical therapists at GRMC can evaluate and treat the multifaceted condition of pelvic pain and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

Our pelvic floor muscles work as a sling to support our pelvic organs, such as the bladder and uterus. These muscles also control bowel and bladder function by contracting and relaxing. Dysfunction can occur when the muscles and other structures in the pelvic region don’t work the way they should. This can lead to incontinence, or pain in the pelvic and genital region.

Pelvic Floor Therapy includes:

  • Exercises that help strengthen and control the muscles of the pelvic floor
  • Full body movement and postural assessment that may identify factors contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Soft tissue mobilization and manual therapy techniques to improve pain and muscle imbalance
  • Self-care education which may including bladder retraining, home stretches and exercises, and lifestyle changes to facilitate improvement in symptoms

How to sign up for Pelvic Floor Therapy:

  • Talk to your medical provider about your symptoms.
  • If they feel physical therapy is an appropriate option for you, a referral for physical therapy can be written and can be faxed to GRMC Outpatient Physical Therapy.
  • Alternatively, you may call or bring your referral by the clinic.

Cozean Pelvic Screening ToolTake the Cozean Pelvic Screening Tool to see if you may suffer from Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Please make a note of all that apply.

  • I sometimes have pelvic pain.
  • I remember falling onto my tailbone, lower back or buttocks (even in childhood).
  • I sometimes experience one or more of the following symptoms: accidental urination, feeling unable to completely empty my bladder, having to void within a few minutes of a previous void, pain or burning with urination, difficulty or frequent stopping/starting of urine stream.
  • I sometimes have to get up to urinate two or more times a night.
  • I sometimes have a feeling of increased pelvic pressure.
  • I have a history of pain in my low back, hip, groin or tailbone or have sciatica.
  • I sometimes experience bowel control issues.
  • I sometimes experience pain or discomfort with sexual intercourse.
  • Prolonged sitting increases my symptoms.

If you said yes on three or more of these areas, pelvic floor dysfunction is likely. You could be an ideal candidate to benefit from GRMC’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Unit’s Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation program. For more information on Pelvic Floor Therapy at GRMC, please call 830.401.7565

Outpatient Rehab Services